Traditional Uses: Native Americans used it as a laxative (“sacred bark”) for constipation and historically for parasitic infestations. The bark needs to be aged for at least a year to remove compounds that can make people vomit.
Possible Benefits: It contains anthraquinone glycosides (cascarosides) that promote peristalsis by increasing bowel secretion of water and electrolytes. However, the FDA said in 2002 that it is no longer generally recognized as safe and effective for over-the-counter laxative use.
Warnings: Contraindicated during pregnancy (emmenagogue/abortifacient effects), breastfeeding, in children under 10, and in individuals with Crohn’s disease, IBS, ulcers, or abdominal pain; long-term use risks liver toxicity, electrolyte imbalance, and melanosis coli.
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