Is Cascara Sagrada Harmful?
“Cascara sagrada” is the Spanish name for the American buckthorn tree. The name, which means “sacred bark,” was coined by Spanish priests who saw how the Native Americans used the bark. It is an herb that, when prepared properly, works as a laxative and improves the overall function of the digestive system. At one time, it was approved for over-the-counter use by the U.S. Food and Drug administration. In 2002 the FDA banned its use, citing a study by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research that shows the herb can cause dependency and is a possible link to an increased risk of developing hepatitis and cancer of the colon.