HerbilousOpen the interactive guideHERB PROFILE · EDUCATIONAL REFERENCE
Cascara Bark
Important safety information: Use only short term. Avoid pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, bowel obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, unexplained abdominal pain or dehydration; overuse can cause electrolyte imbalance and dependence.
Herbal actions
- Stimulant laxative
- increases intestinal motility
- short-term constipation relief
Traditional and practitioner uses
These uses are presented for historical and educational context. They are not treatment claims.
- Short-term occasional constipation only
- Not a detox or weight-loss herb
Main constituents
Hydroxyanthracene glycosides including cascarosides, tannins and resins
Preparation overview
Tea: Not recommended for household dosing. Fresh or improperly aged bark can cause severe vomiting and cramping; use only standardised products short term.
Liquid extract reference: Use only a regulated labelled product
Preparation strengths are not interchangeable. Open the interactive guide for the complete evidence notes and sources available for this herb.
Herbilous provides educational information only. It does not diagnose, prescribe, or replace professional medical advice. Seek urgent care for severe or worsening symptoms.