What is cascara sagrada bark? Cascara sagrada, which is also called Rhamnus purshiana, is a shrub that grows in western North America. The wood of this tree is used to make medicines. Anthraquinones, which are organic plant chemicals, are found in Cascara sagrada and are very effective laxatives. Since the 1890s, cascara sagrada has been on the U.S. Pharmacopeia, which has guidelines for medicines and vitamins. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave it initial approval to be used as an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative for constipation. Cascara sagrada bark benefits: ◉ Laxative/Constipation. ◉ Digestive Health. ◉ Anti-parasitic and anti-microbial. ◉ Detoxification. Buy it from the natural health food store in the USA - Alive Herbals.