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Herbs & Supplements
Sacred Bark
Scientific Name: Rhamnus purshiana
Other Names: Bitter Bark, California Buckthorn, Cascara, Chittem Bark, Purshiana Bark, Sagrada Bark
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Uses
Note: Even though Rhamnus purshiana is approved in some European countries, a long-term review of medicines by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found no convincing evidence to prove Rhamnus purshiana as either safe or effective. Therefore, all FDA-approved prescription and non-prescription products containing it were removed from the U.S. market in 2002. Rhamnus purshiana can no longer be included in non-prescription or prescription medications that are regulated by the FDA. However, it still may be available as a dietary supplement.
Caution: Only Rhamnus purshiana that has been aged properly should be used. Fresh Rhamnus purshiana bark contains chemicals that may cause severe vomiting.
Historically, Rhamnus purshiana has been used as a laxative because it contains anthraquinones--chemicals that attract water into the intestines and stimulate intestinal movement. Both actions promote the emptying of intestinal contents. Currently, other laxative products are more effective and less likely to cause side effects. Generally, these alternative laxatives have replaced the use of Rhamnus purshiana.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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Who is this for? 
