Cascara sagrada tea is made from the aged bark of the North American tree Frangula (Rhamnus) purshiana, native to the Pacific Northwest. Traditionally, it is used as a short-term stimulant laxative, with effects typically appearing 8 to 12 hours after use — which is why, when recommended, it is often taken at night. This is a functional, regulated use described in official herbal monographs — not a daily beverage.

A crucial technical point: fresh bark must never be used. Official references require a minimum of one year of aging or controlled heat-aging (80–100 °C for several hours) to oxidize irritating anthrone compounds. Reliable products are always labeled “aged bark.”

⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or nutritional advice.

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What Cascara Sagrada Is — And Why Its Tea Stands Out

“Cascara sagrada” (often labeled cascara bark in English) refers to the dried, aged bark of Frangula purshiana. Its primary active compounds are hydroxyanthracene derivatives (such as cascarosides), which stimulate the colon and increase intestinal fluid secretion — making stools softer after a delay of 8–12 hours.

Sensory-wise, the infusion is golden to amber, with a mild herbal aroma and an elegant bitter tone similar to classic digestive bitters. Although it can technically be prepared as a cup of tea, remember: this is a short-term functional use, not a daily herbal drink.

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Benefits and Culinary Notes

✔ Traditional functional use

European monographs classify cascara sagrada as a short-term aid for occasional constipation, when diet, hydration, and lifestyle adjustments haven’t worked. This is not a routine beverage.

✔ Bitter profile in mixology

A very light infusion can be used in bitter syrups for mocktails or craft sodas. This is strictly a culinary, sensory use, not therapeutic.

✔ Lowest effective dose

Professional references stress using the smallest effective amount needed for a comfortable bowel movement — not diarrhea.

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Common Misunderstanding: Cascara vs. Coffee Cascara

Coffee cascara (the dried husk/pulp of the coffee fruit) is not cascara sagrada. They are completely unrelated plants, with completely different uses.

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Nutritional Profile — Brewed Herbal Tea (100 g)

Like most herbal teas, cascara sagrada tea contains minimal calories and micronutrients.

Component (100 g – brewed tea)	Amount	%DV*
Calories	≈ 0.3–1 kcal	0%
Carbohydrates	≈ 0.1–0.2 g	0%
Protein	0 g	0%
Total Fat	0 g	0%
Sodium	~1 mg	0%
Potassium	trace	0%

*Based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Because the tea uses fractions of a gram of bark and the bark itself is not consumed as food, the nutritional impact is negligible.

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How to Prepare Cascara Sagrada Tea (Safe & Practical Method)

Servings: 1 cup (150–200 ml)
Total time: 10–15 minutes

Ingredients (Adults and ≥ 12 years only)

• 1–2 g of aged cascara sagrada bark (never fresh bark)
• 150–200 ml hot water

Step-by-Step (Light Infusion)

1. Heat water until it nearly boils.
2. Turn off heat, add the aged bark, cover, and steep for 5–10 minutes.
3. Strain and drink in the evening, allowing 8–12 hours for the effect.
4. Always use the smallest effective amount to avoid diarrhea or cramping.

Important Safety Notes

• Maximum duration: up to 1 week only.
• If symptoms persist: consult a professional rather than increasing the dose.

For an overview of infusions, decoctions, and proper herbal handling, see:
→ How to prepare natural teas.

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Culinary & Cosmetic Uses

✔ In the kitchen

Because it’s a bitter herb, a mild infusion can be used as a base for:

• bitter syrups
• mocktails
• bitters-style herbal blends

✔ Topical use?

Cascara sagrada is not traditionally used topically, and strong homemade preparations should be avoided.

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Storage and Source

• Keep the aged bark in an airtight container away from heat, moisture, and light.
• Check labels carefully for “aged bark” to avoid unsafe fresh bark.
• Frangula purshiana grows in the Pacific Northwest, where bark is harvested, dried, and aged before sale.

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Precautions, Contraindications & Safety

❌ Who should NOT use it

• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
• Children under 12
• People with:
  • intestinal blockage or narrowing
  • appendicitis
  • Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  • abdominal pain of unknown cause
  • severe dehydration

⚠ Electrolyte imbalance risk

Overuse can cause low potassium (hypokalemia), which may interact with:

• cardiac glycosides
• antiarrhythmics
• diuretics
• corticosteroids
• licorice supplements

⚠ Effect timing

Expect results 8–12 hours after ingestion.

⚠ Possible side effects

• diarrhea
• cramping
• urine discoloration (yellow or reddish-brown) — usually harmless
• nausea (if overdosed)

⚠ Do NOT use for “detox” or weight loss

Cascara sagrada is a regulated, short-term laxative, not a detox product.

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FAQ — Cascara Sagrada Tea

1) Can I drink cascara sagrada tea every day?

No. Maximum recommended duration: 1 week only.

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2) How much should I use per cup?

Typically 1–2 g aged bark per 150–200 ml (one cup), taken at night.

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3) Can pregnant or breastfeeding individuals use it?

No. It is contraindicated.

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4) Can children use it?

Not recommended for those under 12 years.

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5) Is urine discoloration normal?

Yes — yellow to reddish-brown may occur and is usually harmless.
Stop use if severe dehydration or persistent pain occurs.

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6) Is coffee “cascara” the same thing?

No. Coffee cascara (coffee cherry husk) is completely different.

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Keep Exploring Herbal Teas

• Peppermint Tea Guide
• Corn Silk Tea Guide
• Calendula Tea Guide

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Conclusion

Cascara sagrada tea can provide short-term relief for occasional constipation when used responsibly, with aged bark, and for no more than one week. Prioritize hydration, fiber, movement, and overall intestinal health first — and reserve cascara for specific situations when needed.

Want to discover more safe, aromatic herbal drinks?
Explore the full collection of tea guides here on the Nutritive Blog.

⚠️ Reminder: This content does not replace medical or nutritional advice.

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Prepare your tea the right way

If you plan to use this plant to make tea, use the Nutritive Blog tea infusion timer. Proper infusion time helps preserve active compounds and ensures better results.

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