Cascara
Sagrada and What It Can Do for You
Cascara Sagrada is well
known for its ability to cure constipation since the bark is a powerful
laxative. It is believed that the bark can also improve the strength
of the colon. Cascara Sagrada—also known as rhamnus purshiana,
California buckthorn and is translated from Spanish as sacred bark—made
its mark on history thanks to Native Americans.
The reason cascara sagrada is
such a potent laxative is due to compounds called anthroquinones.
These compounds help stimulate the colon, cause contractions and
increase the body’s urge to have a bowel movement.
Cascara Sagrada is usually taken
in capsules, liquid extract and dried bark, which can be used for
tea. It is also typically consumed in doses of 300 mg capsules that
are taken in the evening to stimulate a bowel movement the following
morning. Cascara sagrada shouldn’t be taken for more than
seven days in a row and if fresh, the bark should also not be ingested
since it causes vomiting and bloody diarrhea.
It is not recommended that children
or women who are pregnant or nursing ingest cascara sagrada. Also,
cascara sagrada is not for you if you suffer from Crohn’s
disease, heart disease, kidney disease and a series of other ailments.
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