Native North American Indians ground the bark of this tree into a fine powder and used it to brew a rich beverage. They held this bark in high esteem, pronouncing it sacred and passing the title "The Great Herb" down through generations. Cascara Sagrada is rich in essential oils as well as B-complex, calcium, potassium, manganese and elemental minerals.The medicinal properties of the small Cascara Sagrada tree are found in its bark. If this herb is taken in large quantities it may cause diarrhea and stomach upset.

Cascara Sagrada was used historically as a laxative. Today, it is still considered to be an effective laxative for relief from constipation. Although other laxatives in its family (i.e. Rhamnus catharticus) are considered too harsh, Cascara Sagrada is considered gentle and useful for treating everyone including children and the elderly.

Cascara Sagrada has also been known to aid digestion and to have antiseptic properties. In some instances, Cascara Sagrada has been added to toothpaste in order to help prevent tooth decay. Interestingly, due to its bitter taste, it may be put on finger nails to discourage nail biting. *

* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease.