Rhamnus purshianus is commonly known as cascara sagrada, which means "sacred bark" in Spanish. Other synonyms for this plant include California buckthorn, bearberry tree, and bitter bark. Rhamnus purshianus is a small tree or shrub that is native to North America and has long been used for its medicinal properties. The bark of the tree contains compounds that act as a natural laxative, making it a popular ingredient in herbal remedies. Despite its many names, Rhamnus purshianus remains an important plant in traditional medicine and continues to be valued for its therapeutic properties.