By Liliana Usvat
Blog 186-365
Cascara. Rhamnus purshiana. Cascara. A small tree or shrub with greyish-black bark that grows to 10 metres tall.
Medicinal Uses
In the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, this small tree is called cascara buckthorn. Since 1877, its bark has been dried, baled, and shipped to dealers who grind it into a fine powder for medicinal use as an effective laxative or purgative.
Cascara is known in both the native plant as well as the medical trade. In the late 1800’s it was discovered that the bark from the Cascara tree could be used as a mild cathartic, helping the symptoms of habitual constipation. Also knonwn as Chittam, or Cascara Buckthorn.
Studies have shown that the extract from cascara bark also contains a substance called emodin, which may have anti-cancer effects.
The fruit can also be eaten cooked or raw, but has a laxative effect.
Due to its bitter taste, cascara can be used to stop nail-biting by applying it to the fingernails
The bark is collected in the spring or early summer, when it easily peels from the tree. Once stripped from the tree, the bark must be aged for at least 1 year before use, because fresh cut, dried bark causes vomiting and violent diarrhea.
This drying is generally done in the shade to preserve its
characteristic yellow color. This process can be quickened by simply
baking the bark at a low temperature for several hours. In her book, Major Medicinal Plants, Dr. Julia Morton suggests using a dosage of 10–30 grains, dissolved in water, or 0.6–2 cc for fluid extract.The ethnobotanist and herbalist Dr. James A. Duke suggests an effective dosage of approximately 1 to 3 grams dried bark, or 1–2.5 grams powdered bark
Native Americans Used the Tree
Skagit people produced a green dye from the bark. Coastal people also knew it as a tonic and as a laxative.
Cascara was harvested throughout its range for use as a laxative. Bitter cascara extract has been used in liquors and a debittered extract as a flavouring for drinks and ice cream. Honey from cascara flowers is also reported to have a mild laxative effect.
History
Spanish priests in California named the tree Cascara sagrada, meaning "sacred bark." This name has two possible origins. The first is from the medicinal properties of the bark and the second from its resemblance to wood used for the ark of the covenant. Rhamnus is the ancient Greek name for the genus.
Forestation
It is also planted as an ornamental, to provide food and habitat for wildlife, or to prevent soil erosion.
The Cascara tree can grow in both sun or shade. It prefers moist, well drained sites. This native tree grows from northern British Columbia south into California and east into Idaho and Montana.
Blog 186-365
Cascara. Rhamnus purshiana. Cascara. A small tree or shrub with greyish-black bark that grows to 10 metres tall.
Medicinal Uses
In the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, this small tree is called cascara buckthorn. Since 1877, its bark has been dried, baled, and shipped to dealers who grind it into a fine powder for medicinal use as an effective laxative or purgative.
Cascara is known in both the native plant as well as the medical trade. In the late 1800’s it was discovered that the bark from the Cascara tree could be used as a mild cathartic, helping the symptoms of habitual constipation. Also knonwn as Chittam, or Cascara Buckthorn.
Studies have shown that the extract from cascara bark also contains a substance called emodin, which may have anti-cancer effects.
The fruit can also be eaten cooked or raw, but has a laxative effect.
Due to its bitter taste, cascara can be used to stop nail-biting by applying it to the fingernails
Preparation
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Native Americans Used the Tree
Skagit people produced a green dye from the bark. Coastal people also knew it as a tonic and as a laxative.
Cascara was harvested throughout its range for use as a laxative. Bitter cascara extract has been used in liquors and a debittered extract as a flavouring for drinks and ice cream. Honey from cascara flowers is also reported to have a mild laxative effect.
History
Spanish priests in California named the tree Cascara sagrada, meaning "sacred bark." This name has two possible origins. The first is from the medicinal properties of the bark and the second from its resemblance to wood used for the ark of the covenant. Rhamnus is the ancient Greek name for the genus.
Forestation
It is also planted as an ornamental, to provide food and habitat for wildlife, or to prevent soil erosion.
The Cascara tree can grow in both sun or shade. It prefers moist, well drained sites. This native tree grows from northern British Columbia south into California and east into Idaho and Montana.
