Cascara Sagrada

Also known as “Sacred bark”, this woody shrub is the main ingredient in many over-the-counter laxatives. Native to British Columbia and south to California. Fresh bark can cause severe nausea, and so the Native Americans found that stripping the bark and letting it cure for a year before being boiled allowed for effective laxative treatment. Secondary uses included using as a wash for topical wounds. Can be used to make a laxative tea. Bitter cascara extract has been used in liquors while the debittered extract was used as a flavouring for drinks and ice cream.