Cascara Sagrada: What It Does and How to Use It Safely

Want a natural option for occasional constipation? Cascara sagrada is a bark-based laxative that many people use short-term. It works by stimulating bowel contractions and increasing water in the colon, so stool moves faster. That also means it’s stronger than a fiber supplement, so you should treat it with respect.

How to Use Cascara Safely

Most people take cascara as a capsule or tea at bedtime so bowel movement comes the next morning. Typical capsule products use 50–300 mg of dried bark; tea is usually made from about 1 teaspoon of dried bark steeped in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Follow the label on any product you buy—concentrations vary.

Use cascara only for short periods. Doctors usually recommend using stimulant laxatives no more than 1–2 weeks unless a clinician advises otherwise. If you need regular help with bowel movements, consider gentler long-term options like psyllium fiber, polyethylene glycol (Miralax), or lifestyle changes: more water, more fiber, and daily movement.

Side Effects, Interactions, and When to See a Doctor

Common side effects include cramping, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Because cascara speeds up transit, it can cause dehydration and low potassium (hypokalemia) if overused. That’s important if you take heart meds, digoxin, or diuretics—low potassium raises the risk of irregular heartbeat.

Avoid cascara if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have appendicitis, bowel obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), or unexplained stomach pain. Stop using it and call your doctor if you get severe cramping, blood in stool, or signs of dehydration (dizziness, fainting, very dry mouth).

Drug interactions to watch for: medications affected by electrolyte changes (digoxin, some anti-arrhythmics), diuretics, and certain blood pressure drugs. If you take prescription meds, check with your clinician or a pharmacist before trying cascara.

When constipation is sudden, severe, or comes with fever or vomiting, get medical help rather than reach for laxatives. That could be a sign of an obstruction or infection.

Buying tips: pick products from reputable brands that list cascara sagrada clearly and include dosage instructions. Look for GMP manufacturing or third-party testing if available. Avoid mixes that hide cascara among many herbs—transparency helps you use the right dose.

If you prefer not to use stimulants, try fiber supplements (psyllium), osmotic laxatives (polyethylene glycol), or short courses of magnesium citrate for occasional use. These tend to be gentler and safer for longer-term management of mild to moderate constipation.

Short-term, cascara can be effective. Long-term, it’s not a good habit. Use it intentionally: read labels, mind the dose, and talk to a healthcare pro if you’re unsure or on other meds.