Cascara Sagrada, derived from the bark of the $Rhamnus$ $purshiana$ tree, is traditionally used as a stimulant laxative. Its Spanish name, meaning “sacred bark,” reflects its long history of use by Indigenous communities in the Pacific Northwest for relieving occasional constipation. The bark contains cascarosides, which are anthraquinone glycosides that stimulate muscle contractions in the large intestine to promote a bowel movement. Because of this potency, proper preparation is necessary to mitigate side effects like cramping or nausea.
Preparing the Bark for Tea
The safety of Cascara Sagrada tea depends heavily on the pre-treatment of the bark before brewing. Raw, freshly harvested bark contains mono-anthrones and their O-glycosides, which are highly irritating to the digestive tract and can cause vomiting and violent diarrhea. To eliminate these harsh components, the bark must undergo a modification process.
The most common method is aging, requiring the bark to be dried and stored for a minimum of one year. This storage period allows unstable, irritating anthraquinone compounds to oxidize into less harsh, laxative-acting dianthrone and anthraquinone-O-glycosides. When purchasing Cascara Sagrada, ensure the dried bark is commercially available and specifically labeled as aged.
Alternatively, aging can be expedited through heat-treatment, often achieved by baking the bark at a low temperature for several hours. This treatment accomplishes the same chemical oxidation, reducing the concentration of compounds responsible for griping pain. Commercial bark is typically sold in quilled or curved pieces, which must be finely chopped or powdered before making a decoction.
Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions
Preparing Cascara Sagrada tea requires a decoction rather than a simple infusion, as the hard bark needs simmering to extract active compounds effectively. Begin by measuring a small amount of prepared bark, such as half a teaspoon per cup (approximately 240 milliliters) of water. Using a small dose is advised, especially for first-time users, to test tolerance to the stimulant action.
Place the measured bark and cold water into a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. This decoction process ensures the cascarosides are fully released from the woody bark material.
After simmering, remove the pan and allow the tea to cool slightly before straining the liquid. Strain the tea thoroughly to remove all bark particles before consumption. The resulting brew is naturally bitter, so flavor enhancers like honey, ginger, or lemon can be added, but only after the tea is strained.
Safe Consumption and Dosage
The correct dosage for Cascara Sagrada tea is the smallest quantity needed to produce a soft stool. The typical starting dose is one cup of tea, prepared using about one-half to one teaspoon of dried bark. Since the laxative effect generally takes between 6 to 12 hours to manifest, the tea is optimally consumed once daily, right before bedtime.
Limit continuous use of Cascara Sagrada tea to a maximum of seven days. Prolonged use can lead to dependency, where bowel muscles become reliant on the stimulant to function. Long-term use is associated with health risks, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and muscle weakness due to the loss of potassium and other minerals.
Individuals with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or appendicitis, should avoid the tea entirely due to its irritating effects on the colon. Children, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women, should also not consume Cascara Sagrada because of the risk of dehydration and the potential for active metabolites to pass into breast milk. If the tea causes abdominal pain, cramps, or diarrhea, reduce the dose immediately or discontinue use.