Cascara Sagrada.
Syn.—Rhamnus purshiana, Sacred bark.
P. E.—2-year-old bark.
N. O.—Rhamnaceae.
N. H.—Pacific States, U. S. A.
Properties: Tonic laxative.
Use: It is a bitter tonic that has a direct influence on the stomach and intestines. Its action is on the vasomotor system, increasing secretion of the intestinal tract and increasing peristaltic action, thus restoring normal activity. As it influences the venous and capillary circulation of the intestinal tract it is a remedy that acts favorably in hemorrhoids. Cascara is not a harmful cathartic; but has a tendency to restore normal action, and, for this reason, is of great value in chronic constipation. It is best to give it in small doses first and gradually increase; then when stool becomes normal continue the last dose for a week or so and then gradually decrease dose and give at longer intervals. Given in this way it has proved to be a valuable remedy in chronic constipation, chronic indigestion, gastric or intestinal catarrh and in the temporary constipation of pregnancy. It should not be given in so large doses as to produce pain or griping.
The Materia Medica and Clinical Therapeutics, 1905, was written by Fred J. Petersen, M.D.
