Cascara Sagrada Bark

What is cascara sagrada bark?

Cascara sagrada, which is also called Rhamnus purshiana, is a shrub that grows in western North America. The wood of this tree is used to make medicines. Anthraquinones, which are organic plant chemicals, are found in Cascara sagrada and are very effective laxatives. Since the 1890s, cascara sagrada has been on the U.S. Pharmacopeia, which has guidelines for medicines and vitamins. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave it initial approval to be used as an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative for constipation. But in November 2002, the FDA took back its approval because they were worried about how safe it would be over time and there wasn't enough study on how well it worked. Because of the FDA decision and the cost of clinical studies, many companies decided to change their goods from over-the-counter laxatives to "dietary supplements." Cascara sagrada is not the same thing as cascara. Some people add cascara, which is the dried skin of coffee cherries, to lattes and other coffee drinks.

How do I use Cascara sagrada bark?

Fragnaula purshiana, or Cascara sagrada, is a shrub. Previously, the FDA authorized the desiccated bark as an over-the-counter laxative for constipation. Currently, it is incorporated into supplements. Chemicals present in Cascara sagrada stimulate the bowel and produce laxative effects.

Cascara sagrada bark benefits:

Cascara sagrada (Frangula purshiana) is a shrub. The FDA used to let the dried bark be sold over-the-counter as a laxative for congestion. It is now used in additives. Cascara sagrada has chemicals in it that move the bowels and make you want to go to the bathroom.

◉ Laxative/Constipation: Cascara sagrada is a powerful laxative because it has a lot of plant chemicals called anthraquinones that mix with bacteria in the stomach to make you go to the bathroom. It makes the muscles in the intestines tighten, which makes it easier for stools to move through the bowels and start a bowel movement. Most of the time, this herb will make you go to the bathroom within six to eight hours.  Anthraquinones also stop the body from reabsorbing salts and water from the stomach. This makes bowel movements easier and faster. To stay refreshed while using Cascara Sagrada, it's important to drink a lot of water. This plant should only be used for one week at a time. If it is used for longer than that, it can cause stomach cramps and chemical problems.

◉ Digestive Health: Cascara sagrada is called a "bitter herb" and is good for the digestive system because it helps it work better. Bitter herbs trigger the "bitter reflex," which sets off a series of actions in the body that get the digestive system ready for food. Bitter tastes make the brain release the hormone gastrin, which helps the body break down food. This sets off a series of nerve and hormone actions, such as making you hungry, releasing digestive enzymes from the pancreas, duodenum, and liver, stimulating the smooth muscle of the stomach to speed up gastric emptying, and tightening the oesophageal sphincter to stop acidic stomach contents from going back up into the esophagus. It also helps the liver get rid of toxins, increases the flow of bile, and controls its release.

◉ Anti-parasitic / Anti-microbial:- The wood of the Cascara tree is also full of emodin, a chemical that is known to kill both fungi and bacteria. This backs up its traditional use for getting rid of parasites. It has also been shown to be useful against a number of bad bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori, E. coli, and several types of Staphylococcus aureus. It has also been shown to kill Candida, a type of fungus.

◉ Detoxification: Cascara sagrada is often used as a part of plant detox and cleanse recipes because it helps get rid of harmful toxins and waste from the gut. Cascara sagrada and Psyllium husks are two of the most common medicines used in programs to clean the gut. Psyllium is a bulk cleanser, which means that its mucilaginous part works as a filling agent that cleans the bowels. The active parts of Cascara sagrada boost the walls of the intestines and make the stomach work better. For a colon cleaning program to work, you need both Psyllium (which adds bulk) and Cascara (which speeds up bowel movements).

Where can I buy Cascara sagrada bark?

Buy Cascara sagrada bark from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.

Cascara sagrada bark information (at a glance):