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Medicinal & Therapeutic Herbs
Cascara sagrada bark
Frangula purshiana (DC.) A.Gray ex J.G.Cooper. Synonym: Rhamnus purshiana DC.
Also known as: cascara sagrada, sacred bark, Californian buckthorn, chittem bark.
Cascara sagrada is the aged bark of the North American tree Frangula purshiana, formerly known as Rhamnus purshiana. Indigenous peoples of the Pacific coast used the bark, and the Spanish name means “sacred bark”. It is associated with short-term use for occasional constipation.
Shipping options
Last updated: October 2026
Our courier partners
We work with the following courier companies to ensure fast and reliable delivery:
- ACS Courier: delivery across Greece and to Cyprus
- ACS Smart Lockers: collection from automated parcel lockers
- ELTA Courier: delivery across Greece
- Box Now: collection from automated parcel lockers
- DHL: deliveries to EU countries
Dispatch and delivery times
When your order is dispatched
Most products are dispatched within 1–2 business days of order confirmation. For bank transfers, the time counts from receipt of payment. If a product is temporarily out of stock, dispatch may take 3–5 business days and we will notify you promptly.
Estimated delivery times
| Destination | Delivery time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Athens and major cities | 1–2 business days | |
| Regional areas | 1–3 business days | |
| Islands and remote areas | 2–5 business days | Subject to route schedules |
| EU countries (DHL) | usually 4–6 business days | Depending on the destination |
| Cyprus (ACS Courier) | 5–7 business days | From the departure of the ship |
Delivery times count from the day of dispatch. They are estimates and may be affected by circumstances beyond our control (strikes, adverse weather, etc.).
Delivery days
- Deliveries are made on business days (Monday–Friday).
- Saturday delivery: available on request, at an additional charge.
- Same-day delivery: available on request, at an additional charge.
- Delivery at a scheduled time: available on request, at an additional charge.
Shipping costs within Greece
Free shipping on orders over €49
On orders over €49, shipping is free for the first 3 kg. If your parcel is heavier, you keep the free shipping and pay only for the extra weight, at €1.50 per kg.
Orders up to €49
Free shipping does not apply to orders up to €49. Shipping starts from €3.50 for parcels up to 2 kg. The exact amount is calculated automatically at checkout, based on the courier, the weight and the destination, and is shown before you complete your order.
Tip: combine your purchases into a single order over €49 to get free shipping.
Cash on delivery
Paying by cash on delivery costs an extra €2.50, on top of the shipping cost.
Order tracking
Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive an SMS or e-mail with a tracking number so you can follow your parcel in real time.
Uncollected parcels
- ACS, ELTA: parcels are held at the courier's office for up to 7 days.
- Box Now: parcels are held in the locker for 48 hours.
- DHL (EU shipments): parcels are held at the local DHL office for a limited number of days. Please contact your local DHL office to confirm.
If you are unable to collect your parcel in time, please contact us and we will find a solution. If a parcel is returned to us without prior notice, the outbound and return shipping costs are charged to the customer. See our Returns Policy for details.
Shipping to the European Union and Cyprus
We ship to all European Union countries with DHL, from €18 (Cyprus and Malta from €20). For Cyprus you can also choose ACS Courier (from €9.60). The exact cost is shown at checkout, before you pay.
On EU orders over €200, shipping is free for the first 2 kg and you pay only for the extra weight.
Since all shipments travel within the European Union, there are no customs duties or import charges.
Full details on our International Orders — European Union page.
Contact us about shipping
- E-mail: info@yperikon.gr
- Phone: (+30) 2610 221354
- Opening hours (Greek time): Mon, Wed, Sat 9:00–14:00 · Tue, Thu, Fri 9:00–14:00 & 18:00–21:00 · Sunday closed
Shipping and Delivery · International Orders — European Union
Payment methods
PAYMENT METHODS
Last updated: May 2026
All products, prices, and shipping terms are confirmed in your order confirmation e-mail. Payment is made before delivery and can be completed using one of the following methods:
1. CREDIT / DEBIT CARD
We accept Visa and Mastercard (credit and debit cards) with full security via Piraeus Bank / Epay. No additional charge.
• Google pay/Apple pay
• SSL encryption — your card details are never stored on our systems
• Instant order confirmation
• No additional fees
2. CASH ON DELIVERY
Pay in cash directly to the courier representative upon delivery. A service fee of €2.50 applies.
Available for deliveries within Greece only.
3. BANK TRANSFER
After placing your order, please wait for our e-mail confirmation of product availability. Then transfer the total amount to one of the following accounts:
Bank | IBAN | Account No. |
National bank | GR3201108360000083600252080 | 836 0025 2080 |
Alpha Bank | GR3901405300530002101442697 | 530002101442697 |
Eurobank | GR2002606720000990200149181 | 0026067299 0200149181 |
Piraeus | GR9401725070005507082823498 | 5507082823498 |
Bank IBAN Account No.
Εθνική Τράπεζα GR3201108360000083600252080 836 0025 2080
Alpha Bank GR3901405300530002101442697 530002101442697
Eurobank GR2002606720000990200149181 0026067299 0200149181
Πειραιώς GR9401725070005507082823498 5507082823498
Account holder: ANASTASOPULOS VASSILIOS
•No additional charge for transfers from the same bank
•Transfers from a different Greek bank may incur standard inter-bank transfer fees (e-banking)
•Transfers from a bank outside Greece: an additional fee of €4.00 applies, to be added by the buyer to the total amount transferred
•We recommend notifying us by e-mail (info@yperikon.gr) once the transfer is made, including the date and bank used — this helps us dispatch your order faster
4. IRIS PAYMENTS
You can pay instantly via IRIS using our Tax ID (AFM):
Tax ID (AFM): 104130231
IRIS Payments enables instant bank-to-bank transfers at no charge.
Note: Bank transfer and IRIS Payments are available for orders within Greece only. For EU orders, please use card payment at checkout.
Send us a message and we reply within one working day. Or call us on (+30) 2610 221354 during shop hours.
Send a message(+30) 2610 221354What it is
Cascara sagrada is the aged bark of the North American tree Frangula purshiana, formerly known as Rhamnus purshiana. Indigenous peoples of the Pacific coast used the bark, and the Spanish name means “sacred bark”. It is associated with short-term use for occasional constipation.
Fresh bark is more irritating. Traditional processing cuts and ages it for at least one year before use, changing the anthranoid profile. This ageing is a defining pharmacognostic feature.
Key properties
Characteristic constituents are cascarosides, hydroxyanthracene glycosides metabolised in the large intestine, where they increase motility and water secretion. The bark is therefore described as a stimulant laxative and bitter digestive tonic.
Cascara was historically used for chronic constipation and entered the United States Pharmacopoeia in 1890. Modern safety practice restricts it to occasional constipation for the shortest possible period.
Uses
Cascara is selected when short-term stimulation of bowel movement is needed and gentler measures such as water, movement and increased fibre have not been enough. Effects commonly appear after several hours, explaining bedtime use. It is not suitable as daily bowel maintenance.
Its bitter character was also linked with digestion and relaxed intestinal muscle. Older formulas paired it with aromatic carminative herbs for cramps and flavour.
Preparation & dosage
Bark decoction: use ½–1 teaspoon in 1 cup of water. Simmer, remove from the heat and leave for 10 minutes before straining. Drink before bedtime and maintain adequate water during the day. Use only for a few days and no longer than 7 days.
The quantities are indicative and based on traditional use and published herbal medicine literature. For extended use or while taking medication, consult a healthcare professional.
Pairs well with
Traditional combinations include liquorice or aromatic carminative herbs for a gentler flavour and fewer cramps. Liquorice requires caution with hypertension, low potassium and heart or kidney disease.
Precautions
Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children under 12. Do not use with intestinal obstruction or narrowing, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, unexplained abdominal pain, dehydration or electrolyte disorders. Prolonged use can cause bowel dependence, potassium loss and interactions with diuretics, corticosteroids, cardiac glycosides and medicines affected by potassium. Persistent constipation requires medical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
When does cascara sagrada usually work?
Commonly after several hours, which explains the traditional bedtime timing.
For how many days is cascara bark used?
Only short term and no longer than 7 days.
Is cascara suitable for daily chronic constipation?
Modern use is for occasional constipation. Persistent need calls for assessment and a different bowel plan.
- European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. European Union herbal monograph on Rhamnus purshiana DC., cortex.
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