Cascara can mean two different things: cascara sagrada (the bark used as a herbal laxative) and cascara from coffee cherries (a mild tea made from the fruit husks). Both are popular, but they do very different jobs. If you’re here because you heard cascara helps with constipation or you want a new tea to try, this page gives clear, practical guidance.
Cascara sagrada is the dried bark of Rhamnus purshiana. It contains natural compounds that stimulate bowel movement by speeding stool through the colon. People use it short-term for occasional constipation. The coffee cascara (the dried husk of the coffee cherry) is more like a fruity tea with caffeine and antioxidants; it doesn’t act as a laxative the way the bark does.
Start low. With cascara sagrada, effects usually show in 6–12 hours, so many use it at night and expect results the next morning. With coffee cascara, you’ll feel the mild caffeine lift within 15–45 minutes, like any other tea or weak coffee.
If you plan to try cascara sagrada, pick a reputable product that lists the ingredient and dose. A typical simple approach is 1–2 teaspoons of dried bark steeped in hot water as a tea, or a standardized extract following the product label. Don’t exceed recommended doses and don’t use cascara sagrada every day for weeks. Long-term use can lead to dependency, electrolyte imbalance, or worse.
Watch for common side effects: abdominal cramping, loose stools, dehydration, and low potassium if used too long. Stop using it and check with a clinician if you get severe pain, persistent diarrhea, blood in stool, or signs of dehydration.
Some situations where cascara sagrada is not a good idea: pregnancy, breastfeeding, known intestinal blockage, inflammatory bowel disease, or if you take certain heart or diuretic medicines. Cascara can change how other drugs and minerals are absorbed, so mention it to your healthcare provider before adding it to your routine.
If you want a gentler option, try coffee cascara tea as a mild, fruity caffeine drink. It won’t clear constipation like the bark, but it’s a pleasant beverage and a way to reuse coffee processing waste. Check for caffeine content if you’re sensitive or avoiding stimulants.
Buying tips: choose brands with clear ingredient lists, third-party testing when possible, and honest dosing instructions. If you’re unsure which type of cascara you have, ask the seller or read the label carefully—mixing them up can lead to surprises.
Short-term cascara sagrada can help occasional constipation, and coffee cascara makes a tasty tea. Use both with care, pay attention to how your body reacts, and check with a healthcare professional if you’re on meds or have health conditions.
