Rhamnus purshianus

Rhamnus purshianus
Family:Rhamnus purshianus; Laxative; Purgative; Tonic.
Common name:Cascara sagrada
Cascara sagrada is widely used as a gentle laxative that restores tone to the bowel muscles and thus makes repeated doses unnecessary[. It is often sold in chemists etc. The bark is used this is harvested on a commercial basis from wild trees and plantations in western N. America. It should be harvested in the autumn or spring at least 12 months before it is used medicinally in order to allow the more violent purgative effect to be mollified with age. Three year old bark is considered to be the best age. It is considered suitable for delicate and elderly persons and is very useful in cases of chronic constipation. The bark also has tonic properties promoting gastric digestion and appetite. As well as its uses as a laxative it is taken internally in the treatment of digestive complaints haemorrhoids liver problems and jaundice. This remedy should be used with caution since in excess it causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It should not be prescribed for pregnant or lactating women or patients with intestinal obstruction. An infusion of the bark is sometimes painted over finger nails in the hope that the bitter taste will deter the person from biting their nails.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:32 []