Cascara Sagrada

Cascara Sagrada (Frangula purshiana)

Cascara Sagrada, meaning “sacred bark” in Spanish, is derived from the bark of the Frangula purshiana tree, a species native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Indigenous peoples have used cascara sagrada for centuries as a natural remedy for digestive health, particularly as a gentle laxative. It was later adopted into Western herbalism and became a popular ingredient in over-the-counter laxatives. The bark must be aged for at least a year or carefully heat-treated to neutralize its harsh, purgative properties before use.

Magical Properties

Cascara sagrada is associated with purification, protection, and prosperity. In magical traditions, it is believed to dispel negative energies and obstacles, promoting both spiritual and physical well-being. It is often used in cleansing rituals or spells for banishing negativity and creating a protective barrier. Some practitioners incorporate cascara sagrada into rituals for personal transformation or initiating new beginnings, leveraging its symbolic connection to renewal. However, caution is advised due to its potent effects. Cascara sagrada can also be carried in a charm bag to attract wealth and good fortune or sprinkled around a home to guard against unwanted influences.