🪶Indigenous / Native American

Cascara Sagrada (Native)

Frangula purshiana

About Cascara Sagrada (Native)

Cascara Sagrada (Native) (Frangula purshiana) is a herb used in the Indigenous / Native American tradition to help with Constipation, Liver Support, Digestive Issues, and Detox. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Rhamnus purshiana (cascara buckthorn, cascara, bearberry, and in the Chinook Jargon, chittem and chitticum; syn. Frangula purshiana, Rhamnus purshianus) is a species of buckthorn native to western North America from southern British Columbia south to central California, and eastward to northwestern Montana.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Cascara Sagrada (Native) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Cascara Sagrada (Native) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Cascara Sagrada (Native) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

Pregnancy

Avoid

A strong stimulant laxative — contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential to trigger uterine contractions along with cramping and electrolyte disturbance.

Breastfeeding

Avoid

Stimulant laxative compounds pass into breast milk and can cause infant diarrhea/cramping — contraindicated while nursing.

Children

Avoid

Too harsh and unpredictable for children; not used in pediatric practice.

Contraindications

  • Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use

Warnings

⚠️ Liver Health

Some herbs used for liver conditions can be hepatotoxic at high doses. Have liver function monitored if using long-term.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

Digoxin, diuretics

Stimulant-laxative potassium loss increases digoxin toxicity risk.

Where to find in nature

Native region

North America

Climate

Varied — temperate to subarctic

Habitat

Prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and mountain meadows of North America

🌿 To see Cascara Sagrada (Native) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Cascara Sagrada (Native), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.