Cascara Sagrada

What is Cascara Sagrada?

Cascara Sagrada, also known as Purshiana bark or Persian bark, has been used for centuries as a safe and natural purgative. It was used by various Native American Indian tribes, who also passed their sacred bark on to Spanish explorers.

It is available as capsules, bitter and sweet fluidextracts, powders, and dried bark for teas. Cascara sagrada prepared as a tea is not popular because of its extremely bitter taste and the availability of standardized pharmaceutical preparations that perform the same functions.

One of the most important uses of this herb is in the control of constipation. For chronic constipation, there is no better choice than Cascara Sagrada. It is one of the oldest and most reliable remedies for this condition and it is not addictive. A bowel movement usually will take place within six to eight hours of taking a typically recommended dose of cascara sagrada.

Cascara Sagrada is used on its own or as an ingredient in supplements for the following conditions:

• Cascara Sagrada makes a wonderful tonic for gallstones and it increases bile secretion.
• A fantastic remedy for enlarged liver or any other liver problems.
  

Cascara Sagrada can be very bitter and many people do not like the taste. You can mask the taste by adding honey or sugar to the hot tea.

Side Effects and Warnings of Cascara Sagrada

Cascara Sagrada has a number of side effects for some people. These side effects include:

• Abdominal pain.
• Allergic rhinitis. 
• Abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting. 
• Urine discoloration. 
• Fluid and electrolyte imbalance, vitamin and mineral deficiencies. 
• Osteomalacia, and
• Laxative dependency.
  

Cascara sagrada is contraindicated in pregnant or breast-feeding patients because it crosses the placental barrier, is excreted in breast milk, and increases the risk of diarrhoea in a breast-fed infant.

You should never use this or any other dietary supplements before you consult your doctor.

Bookmark this:

Bookmark this page