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Traditional Uses
Traditionally, Cascara Sagrada has been used as a folk remedy for chronic constipation , dyspepsia , as a tonic for the bowels, and a treatment for liver and gallbladder problems. .
The name "sagrada" refers to "sacred bark"—a name given to it by early Spanish explorers in the Pacific Northwest.
Current uses
Its bark is a bitter, astringent, cooling herb that is used as a tonic for the liver and the digestive system and acts as a laxative.
It contains hydroxyanthraquinone glycosides part of which are degraded in the colon to form anthrones by enzyme activity. This forms the stimulant laxative compound which results in faster bowel movements and less liquid absorption in the colon.
It is also used for colitis, digestive complaints, hemorrhoids, liver problems, and jaundice, but it should be noted that except in usage for constipation , none of the traditional applications have been clinically validated
.
News Comment
iHerb: HerbalGram The Journal of the American Botanical Council
... Council's Online Educational ContentTM. Cascara Sagrada bark . Latin Name: Rhamnus purshiana ... Pharmacopeial grade cascara sagrada bark consists of the dried whole or cut bark of R ...
www.herbalgram.org/iherb/expandedcommissione/he013.asp
Cascara Sagrada
Reference guide ... gave this tree the name cascara sagrada , meaning "sacred bark ." The Indians stripped the bark from the tree ... American physicians in 1877. Cascara sagrada has been listed in the U.S. ...
www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_cascara_sagrada.htm
Precautions and side effects (refer also to statements below)
Before using Cascara Sagrada, consult your health professional if you are suffering from Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, or any other inflamed intestinal disease, abdominal pain (from an unknown source) or if you are menstruating or lactating.
Also, if you are taking any of the following; medication with cardiac glycosides, antiarrythimic medication or thiazide diuretics, licorice, or corticosteroids (Potassium loss may be aggravated with these drugs), they should be consulted first if you have any of these conditions, as Cascara Sagrada usage may be contraindicated:
If taken in excess cascara sagrada causes diarrhea and vomiting. Stimulant laxatives should not be used for long periods, and should be contained to one week maximum, and only be used after a change of diet (with higher bulk contents).
| Some Products using Cascara Sagrada | ||
| Product | Health Issue | Other Herbal Ingredients |
| Natures Way Cascara Sagrada | digestion | none |
| NATURE'S HERBS Cascara Sagrada Bark | digestion | none |