Cascara

Colon Cleanser • Gallbladder Tonic • Herbal Laxative
Derived from the aged bark of the California buckthorn tree, Rhamnus purshiana — commonly known as Cascara Sagrada, or “Sacred Bark” — is a time-honored botanical used by Native American healers for its profound ability to cleanse the body, stimulate bile flow, and relieve long-standing constipation.
 
Today, this sacred bark remains a staple in herbal detox programs designed to reset the digestive system, relieve burdened livers, and promote gentle elimination without depleting the body.
 
🌿 Detoxification Benefits for Men & Women
Constipation Relief: Cascara’s primary compound, emodin, triggers the peristaltic action of the colon, making it one of the gentlest and most reliable botanical laxatives for those dealing with chronic or sluggish bowel movements.
Liver & Gallbladder Cleanse: Traditionally used to dissolve gallstones, reduce gallbladder congestion, and stimulate bile flow, supporting the detoxification of fats and hormones.
Joint & Muscle Pain Relief: Historical uses by native tribes include using the bark’s extract for soothing inflammation in joints and muscles, possibly due to its mild detoxifying action on uric acid buildup.
Digestive Reset: Useful for clearing intestinal toxins, harmful bacteria, and lingering stool — making it ideal for individuals dealing with bloating, skin eruptions, and gut-derived fatigue.
Reproductive Health Support: Historical texts note its use for gonorrhea, suggesting it supports the detoxification of reproductive pathways and blood-purifying functions.
 
⚖️ How It Works
Contains anthraquinone glycosides, which stimulate smooth muscle contraction in the intestines while encouraging natural elimination without cramping or dependency.
Acts on the liver-gallbladder-bowel axis, promoting drainage of bile and stagnation — especially helpful in individuals with a sluggish digestive fire or heat stagnation.
Pairs harmoniously with dandelion, yellow dock, burdock, milk thistle, or aloe in formulas for spring detoxing or parasite-clearing protocols.
 
✨ Key Benefits
Gentle bowel cleansing without harsh purgation
Liver and gallbladder detox support
Reduced bloating, clearer skin, and brighter eyes
Promotes regularity after sluggish digestion or post-antibiotic regimens
Helps relieve pain from toxic accumulation (joints, muscles, lymph)
Ideal for 3-day, 7-day, or monthly detox protocols
 
🛁 Formulation Use at Ivy’s Sagarius Apothecary
Detox Pearls & Powders: Used in Alkaline, Traditional, and Supreme detox blends to assist in daily waste elimination and support skin, lymph, and organ detoxification.
Body Powders: Included in gut-cleansing body dusts for underarm, groin, and chest application, assisting in internal purification through dermal pathways.
Smoke Bombs & Soaks: Used topically and aromatically for digestive stagnation, belly bloating, and energetic colon-clearing rituals.
 
⚠️ Cautions & Guidance
Not intended for daily long-term use. Best used in cycles or under supervision.
Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in cases of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s.
Always use aged bark, as fresh bark can cause nausea or cramping.
 
🔥 Sacred Bark for Sacred Flow
Cascara Sagrada awakens the colon’s rhythm, clears the liver’s burdens, and flushes stagnation from the body with reverence and renewal. A botanical for those seeking spiritual and physical release through herbal purification.