Cascara Sagrada: What It Is and How to Use It
Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana, now Frangula purshiana) is the aged bark of a tree native to the Pacific Northwest, whose name means "sacred bark" in Spanish — one of the best-known traditional herbal laxatives in American herbalism. You can find it at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805, in our bulk herb section.
Available in Bulk
We carry cascara sagrada in our bulk herb section, so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful to try in a blend to a full bag for ongoing use. Our staff can help you find it and answer questions about traditional preparation.
What We Carry
We stock cascara sagrada bark in cut and sifted form, and sometimes in powder, all sold by weight. We also carry a range of traditional barks and digestive-support herbs in bulk for customers building custom blends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "sacred bark" mean?
Spanish missionaries and settlers in California named it cáscara sagrada — "sacred bark" — after learning of its use from Native American tribes of the Pacific Northwest, who had used the bark traditionally long before European contact. The name reflects how highly it was regarded as a traditional remedy.
Why must cascara bark be aged?
Fresh cascara bark is considered too harsh — traditional practice holds that the bark must be aged at least a year (or heat-treated) before use, which mellows its intensity. Reputable suppliers sell only properly aged bark. This is one reason to buy from a trusted source rather than harvesting it yourself.
How is cascara sagrada traditionally prepared?
The traditional preparation is a decoction: simmering the bark in water for 10–15 minutes. It has a distinctly bitter taste and is often blended with aromatic herbs like ginger, fennel, or peppermint. Traditional herbal references describe it as a stimulant laxative — it is not for daily or long-term use, and anyone considering it should talk to a healthcare professional first.
Is cascara sagrada still used today?
It has an interesting regulatory history: cascara was once an official over-the-counter laxative ingredient in the U.S., but the FDA removed it (along with senna alternatives like aloe latex) from the approved OTC category in 2002, citing a need for more safety data. It remains widely available as a traditional herbal ingredient in herb shops. This history is factual context, not a recommendation.
Did you know? In the late 1800s, cascara sagrada became one of America's first herbal exports — tons of Pacific Northwest bark were shipped worldwide, and at one point it was among the most widely used laxative ingredients on the planet (source: U.S. Forest Service / American Herbal Pharmacopoeia histories of Rhamnus purshiana).
Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find cascara sagrada in the bulk herb section.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.