Cascara sagrada, or Sacred Bark, is a medicinal plant known for its use as a palliative for constipation.
While it is primarily introduced for its laxative effects, careful provings reveal a wider sphere of action beyond its tonic effects on bowel function.

SOURCE INFORMATION
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Order: Rosales
- Family: Rhamnaceae
- Genus: Rhamnus
- Species: Rhamnus purshiana
Origin
- Cascara sagrada, also known as Sacred Bark, is a plant native to western North America, primarily found in regions ranging from northern California to British Columbia.
- The plant grows in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and mountain slopes, preferring moist, well-drained soils.
- Indigenous peoples of North America, such as the Native American tribes, have a long history of using cascara sagrada bark as a natural remedy for constipation and other gastrointestinal issues.
Historical Facts
- The use of cascara sagrada bark as a medicinal remedy date back centuries among Native American tribes, who used it primarily as a laxative to relieve constipation.
- Spanish missionaries in California observed the indigenous peoples using the bark and named it “cascara sagrada,” which means “sacred bark” in Spanish, due to its potent medicinal properties.
- Cascara sagrada gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in conventional medicine as a treatment for constipation. It was often used in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and tablets.
DRUG PATHOGENESIS
- Cascara sagrada is indicated for chronic indigestion, cirrhosis, jaundice, hemorrhoids, and constipation.
- It acts as a tonic for restoring normal bowel function and relieving constipation by stimulating peristalsis.
- The plant also has implications for other conditions such as gastric headaches, rheumatism of muscles and joints, and foul breath associated with gastrointestinal issues.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
- Palliative for constipation.
- Effective in chronic indigestion, cirrhosis, and jaundice.
- Relieves hemorrhoids and constipation.
- Alleviates gastric headaches.
- Tongue may appear broad and flabby, accompanied by foul breath.
- Constipation with difficulty initiating urine flow, which may start in drops.
- Rheumatism affecting muscles and joints, often associated with persistent constipation.
WHAT IS PALLIATION IN HOMOEOPATHY?
MODALITIES
- Specific modalities are not provided in the drug picture.
RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER DRUGS
- Compare with Hydrastis, Nux vomica, and Rhamnus Californica for constipation and gastrointestinal issues.
DOSE
- Tincture to sixth potency is recommended for medicinal use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cascara sagrada?
- Cascara sagrada, or Sacred Bark, is a medicinal plant native to western North America, primarily used as a palliative for constipation.
How does cascara sagrada work?
- Cascara sagrada acts as a tonic for the bowel, stimulating peristalsis and restoring normal bowel function to alleviate constipation.
What are the historical uses of cascara sagrada?
- Indigenous peoples of North America have used cascara sagrada for centuries as a natural remedy for constipation, leading to its widespread adoption in conventional medicine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Is cascara sagrada safe for long-term use?
- Prolonged or excessive use of cascara sagrada may lead to dependence on laxatives and electrolyte imbalances, so it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Meaning of Difficult Words
- Cascara sagrada: Also known as Sacred Bark, it is a medicinal plant used primarily as a laxative for constipation.
- Palliative: A substance or treatment that relieves or alleviates symptoms without curing the underlying condition.
- Indigestion: Discomfort or pain in the stomach or upper abdomen, often associated with difficulty in digesting food.
- Cirrhosis: A chronic liver disease characterised by scarring and liver tissue damage, often caused by long-term liver damage.
- Jaundice: A condition characterised by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream, often indicating liver dysfunction.
- Peristalsis: The rhythmic contraction and relaxation of muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, which propels food and waste through the digestive system.
- Rheumatism: A general term used to describe pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints or muscles.