Cascara Sagrada Bark – Frangula purshiana

Family: Rhamnaceae

Common Names: Pursh’s buckthorn, Cascara buckthorn, cascara buckthorn, cascara, bearberry, chittem, chitticum, Rhamnus purshiana

Description: Large shrub or small tree.

Historical Uses: Used mostly as a laxative for many years..

Growing region:

Harvesting/ Drying

Parts Used: Tree bark

The bark is collected by shaving and is dried spread out in trays in the sun, or on shelves in a well-ventilated greenhouse or in an airy attic or loft, warmed either by the sun or by the artificial heat of a stove, leave the door and window open by day to ensure a warm current of air. The bark may be also strung on threads and hung across the room.

Drying time will depend on weather conditions for example; high humidity will slow the drying process as will thicker bark. The more air you can get to each piece of bark, the better it will dry. A thin layer of bark will dry much easier than a pile of bark. When Cascara is dry it will be brittle and snap not bend. After drying is complete, store in paper bags, cardboard or burlap. Never store dried roots, herb or bark in plastic as it will mold.

Attributions: By Jesse Taylor (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons