Cascara Sagrada (Cascara Buckthorn)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Rhamnus purshiana
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Bark
Chemicals this herb contains:
Anthraquinone
Cascarosides

KNOWN EFFECTS

Causes irritation to gastrointestinal tract and can cause watery, explosive diarrhea.

Miscellaneous information:
Not recommended for prolonged use. This is a standard medicinal product listed in the United States Pharmacopeia.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Treats chronic constipation.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it for only a short time and do not exceed small doses.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated slightly dangerous, particularly in children, persons
over 55 and those who take larger than appropriate quantities
for extended periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity, see Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS