Cascara sagrada has been used for many years as an intestinal stimulant and bitter tonic. It contains chemicals called anthraquinone glycosides, some of the strongest laxative agents in the plant world. These chemicals work by irritating the intestinal lining, causing the nerves to fire and leading to muscle contractions, as the body attempts to release the irritating agent from the intestine.

Health Benefits of Cascara

Cascara is commonly used as an adjunctive treatment during colon and parasite cleansing. It can be used for constipation but only in the short term. 

How To Take Cascara

It tastes bitter when it is taken as a tea or tincture, which stimulates the release of digestive juices. Repeated use of cascara sagrada leads to the loss of large amounts of fluid, electrolytes, partially digested food and medication.

Important Information & Cautions

Cascara bark that is less than one year old should not be used because it causes stomach irritation. Manufacturers use bark that is at least 2 years old. It can be purchased as dried bark, encapsulated bark or tincture. To help with digestion, bitter herbs must be tasted, like when you take in a tincture or tea. Encapsulated herbs are swallowed, thus bypassing the taste buds, and will not stimulate digestion. Cascara can be found in combinations for constipation and colon cleansing.

This supplement's laxative action irritates the intestinal lining and should not be used by those with any type of intestinal condition, acute or chronic. Due to the loss of water and electrolytes through the stool, it should not be used by people taking heart medication and diuretics. All medications may not be absorbed as well when cascara is being used.

Children and the elderly should not use this supplement. Nursing mothers should not use cascara sagrada because the laxative components will transfer into the breast milk. Cascara’s intestinal stimulation may cause uterine contractions in pregnant women. Your bowel can become accustomed to the stimulation of cascara sagrada and therefore it should not be used for longer than 8-10 days at a time.

FAQ's

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