Cascara sagrada
Frangula purshiana (syn. Rhamnus purshiana) · Plant · Rhamnaceae
Cascara Sagrada acts primarily on the large intestine as a tonic restoring normal peristaltic function rather than as a crude purgative in potency. Its sphere extends to the liver (cirrhosis, jaundice) and to rheumatic affections combined with constipation. A wider sphere than its purgative reputation suggests awaits further homeopathic provings.
Key symptoms
- Constipation with obstinate bowels; normal function restored by tonic effect
- Haemorrhoids with constipation
- Rheumatism of muscles and joints with obstinate constipation
- Gastric headache with broad, flabby tongue and foul breath
- Chronic indigestion, cirrhosis, and jaundice
- Urine slow to start, first in drops then flow
Sacred Bark (RHAMNUS PURSHIANA)
Introduced as a palliative for constipation (non-homeopathic), fifteen drops of fluid extract here it restores normal function by its tonic effects, but it has a wider sphere of action, as careful provings will show. Chronic indigestion, cirrhosis and jaundice. Hæmorrhoids and constipation. Gastric headache. Broad, flabby tongue; foul breath.
Urine
Must wait for minute before flow starts then first in drops.
Extremities
Rheumatism of muscles and joints, with obstinate constipation.
Relationship
Compare: Hyd; Nux; Rhamnus Californica (tincture for constipation; tympanites and appendicitis and especially rheumatism).
Dose
Tincture to sixth potency.
Rhamnus Purshiana. (California.) N. O. Rhamnaceæ. Extract of bark.
Clinical
Constipation. Rheumatism.
Characteristics
I mention this well-known purgative because it has been found empirically curative in cases of subacute and chronic rheumatism with constipation. Pathogenetic effects on patients taking it for constipation have been recorded: Vomiting, severe griping, hæmorrhage; in one case temporary insanity (from a home-made decoction of the bark). In two cases choleraic symptoms were produced. Only material doses have been used.
Classical texts are in the public domain. Educational reference only — not medical advice.
