Cascara sagrada is a 20-foot tree with reddish brown bark and thin serrated leaves. Umbels of small flowers appear in late spring, followed by poisonous black berries. Cascara sagrada bark is used for constipation where a stimulant laxative is required. It is also used for colitis, digestive complaints, hemorrhoids, liver problems and jaundice. Cascara Sagrada is a mild laxative, acting principally on the large intestine.