Cascara Sagrada Bark

Botanical name: Frangula purshiana ^Organic   Frangula purshiana, commonly known as Cascara Sagrada, is a tree native to the western regions of North America. The bark of this tree has been traditionally used in herbal medicine as a natural laxative to relieve constipation. It contains anthraquinones, which stimulate bowel movements and help promote digestive health. Frangula purshiana is also thought to have detoxifying properties and may aid in maintaining regularity. Cascara sagrada, which translates as "sacred bark", is a deciduous shrub of the American Northwest, ranging from northern California to the Alaska panhandle in moist forests below 5,000 feet (1,500 m). It is also found in the Rockies of Idaho and Montana. The herb is harvested in the form of quills and pieces of bark, allowed to age at least a year before use in laxative preparations. Cascara sagrada is never to be used fresh and must be aged for at least a year to break down its anthrone chemicals.*   *These statement