Rhamnus purshiana – dried and cut bark

Cascara is a small deciduous tree native to the coastal forests of the American West. Its bark, harvested at maturity and then aged, has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples, particularly for its regulating effects and its role in purifying the body.

Description

Pieces of dried bark, reddish-brown to dark brown in color, fibrous texture. Slightly woody and bitter odor.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Cascara, cascara sagrada, sacred bark
• Latin name: Rhamnus purshiana
• Family: Rhamnaceae
• Part used: Bark
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: North America (USA, Canada)
• English name: Cascara bark
• German name: Faulbaumrinde
• Name in Spanish: Cáscara sagrada
• Name in Italian: Corteccia di cascara
• Name in Arabic: قشرة القَسْكارا (Qishrat al-Qaskara)

Main virtues

Historically renowned for its effects on intestinal comfort, cascara bark is used in some ancient decoction formulations. It is also mentioned in traditional North American herbalism practices.

Main constituents

Anthranoids (cascarosides), tannins, organic acids, phytosterols, resins.

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 to 2 g in 250 ml of water, boil for 5 minutes then infuse for 10 minutes. Use occasionally.
• Reserved use: do not consume without qualified professional advice.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Regulated plant: use restricted to the pharmaceutical monopoly in France.
• May cause irritating effects at high doses or in the long term.
• Not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Do not use in case of chronic digestive disorders or intestinal obstruction.

History and origin

The name "cascara sagrada" means "sacred bark" in Spanish. Long used by Native Americans, it was introduced to Europe in the 19th century as a herbal remedy. Its use is now strictly regulated due to its powerful effects.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: dry, away from light and humidity.
• Packaging: loose or lined kraft bag.
• Appearance: Irregular dark brown fragments.
• Odor: woody, slightly bitter.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• American and European Pharmacopoeias
• North American herbaria
• Traditional Indigenous Herbalism Texts

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

Disclaimer

The Apophycaire brand, the aromacentre.fr website, and SAS LPBE disclaim all liability for the use of the information on this site. Each individual is responsible for the use of these products and must ensure that their use is appropriate for their health.