Cascara Sagrada (Sacred Bark)
Cascara is a small to medium-size tree native to the provinces and states of the Pacific Coast, including British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Northern California and Mexico. The Cascara tree has been used by many tribes of peoples indigenous to the region, stretching from British Columbia to California, as a remedy for:
- Constipation
- Colon Disorders
- Liver Problems
- Poor Digestion
- Colitis
- Hemorrhoids
- Skin Problems
The part of this tree that is used is its bark.
Cascara sagrada is available in capsules, extracts, and as dried bark. It is a little silly, however, to make a tea of the extremely bitter bark when you can go to a pharmacy for a fluid extract, or to a health food store for capsules, both of which are much easier to take.
Only the aged bark should be used. If you have chronic constipation, see your doctor for other approaches to avoid laxative dependency.

