Botanical Name: Rhamnus purshiana

Common Name:

English: Cascara Sagrada,
Also, known as: Sacred Bark, Persian Bark, Chittem Bark, Chitticum bark

Habitat: Europe

Origin:

Harvested: Wild or Cultivated

Parts Used: Bark

General Information:

Cascara Sagrada is a small tree (or large shrub) 15-30 feet in height, with 20-40 cm in trunk diameter. The outer bark is brownish to silver-gray with light splotching and the inner surface of the bark is smooth and yellowish (turning dark brown with age and/or exposure to sunlight).

The bark should be obtained from the young trunk and large branches in the springtime, as taken from other parts and out of season it will have a different taste and characteristics. Age at least one year before using it. Cascara bark has an intensely bitter flavor that will remain in the mouth for hours, overpowering the taste buds.

The leaves are simple, deciduous, alternate, clustered near the ends of twigs. They are oval, 5-10 cm long and 2–5 cm broad with a 0.5–2 cm petiole, shiny and green on top, and a dull, paler green below and have tiny teeth on the margins, and parallel veins. The fruit is a drupe 5–10 mm diameter, bright red at first, quickly maturing deep purple or black, and containing a yellow pulp, and two or three hard, smooth, olive-green, or black seeds.

How to use:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herbs to any super food herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also for children, you can mix powdered herbs with honey or glycerin to make a paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help the medicine go down. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, give you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Cascara Sagrada Bark Powder