Parts Used: bark

Active Compounds:  Cascara bark is high in hydroxyanthraquinone glycosides called cascarosides. Resins, tannins, and lipids make up the bulk of the other bark ingredients. Cascarosides have a cathartic action, inducing the large intestine to increase its muscular contraction (peristalsis), resulting in bowel movement.

Believed to be of value for:

Cascara is a purgative and a bitter tonic

It is one of the oldest, time-proven, and most reliable remedies for chronic constipation. It is not habit forming. It is a good intestinal tonic. An excellent remedy for gallstones and increases the secretion of bile.

Other Names: Cascara sagrada, sacred bark, Purshiana bark, persian bark, chittem bark, bearberry, California buchthorn, Cascara