What is Cascara?
The name of "sacred bark" is recorded as far back as the seventeenth century, when it was given to this tree by the Spanish and Mexican explorers. They were interested by the American Indians use of the bark for a wide range of medicinal usages. The most important use of this herb was as a remedy for constipation, upset stomachs, and cleansing.
Its bark is rich in hormone like oils which promote peristaltic action in the intestinal canal.
This herb is often used in formulas with other herbs for a natural colon cleansing.
Cascara Sagrada has the following attributes associated with it:
o excellent herbal remedy for chronic constipation
o is rich in hormone like oils which promote peristaltic action in the intestinal canal
o cleanses and restores natural health to the colon
o improves a sluggish colon that is chronically constipated
o helps improve the flow of secretions of the liver, pancreas, and stomach
o helps the body rid itself of gallstones
o increases the flow of bile
o aids in the treatment of hemorrhoids
o helps in cases where there is chronic hardening of the stool
o as a type of tonic it helps the bowels will function normally
o excites and strengthens the nervous system of the body
Cascara Sagrada comes from the bark of the buckthorn tree. It stimulates your colon to produce stronger contraction than normal. When it does this, it can work on the most difficult and chronic cases of constipation.
It is one of the herbal constipation remedies with a strong laxative effect. It will be found in many herbal combinations that are mixed for constipation. Cascara has Chrysophanic acid, which stimulates your colon wall to produce peristaltic action. Cascara also contains a chemical called emodin, which controls the strong action of Chrysophonic acid thus producing a balanced laxative effect.
If you use cascara in a constipation remedy mixture, do not use this mixture for more than thirty days. After 30 days take a rest from it. Do not use Cascara in large amounts and for long periods since it can cause intestinal distress and become habit-forming. When you use it, you will see results in 1-2 days.
Cascara Sagrada also stimulates secretions from the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and stomach. These secretions give Cascara additional laxative effects.
Do not use Cascara Sagrada if you have irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, ulcers, colitis, or cohen's disease. These conditions require a more soothing herbal treatment. Use Cascara for a limited time. It can become habit-forming and, if used for an extended time, it can increase the risk of colon cancer. Its use also causes you to lose potassium with each bowel movement.
If you have liver problems do not use cascara sagrada full strength. Use it in combination with other herbs. Cascara is known to put a strain on the liver.
You can take Cascara Sagrada as a single herb for constipation. As a single herb, it can cause cramping and nausea. However, I recommend you used it with other herbs. In an herbal combination, the combination can detoxify your colon, tonify your colon walls, cleanse the blood and produce other synergistic actions.
Nature's Way's Cascara Sagrada Bark
Solaray's TotalCleanse Colon