Cascara Sagrada Supplements – Keeping You Regular
Cascara sagrada (rhamnus purshiana), also known as sacred bark, is a species of buckhorn that grows up to 15 meters tall and is native to North America, California, and Western Montana.
The dried bark of this shrub has been used as a natural laxative for over 1000 years by Native Americans.
Medicinal Uses
The compounds responsible for these effects are the anthroquinones, which can trigger bowel movement.
The U.S. medical community accepted cascara sagrada into medical practice in 1877. Consequently it became the main component of many over-the-counter laxative drugs until 2002.
In 2002, the FDA ruled that this herb is not a safe stimulant laxative to used used in over the counter drugs. However, this herb is still popular as a herbal dietary supplement.
Dosage & Side Effects
Today, this herb can now be purchased in dried bark, oral and supplement form. Do not use this herb for more than 7 days without consent from your doctor nor should you take more than the recommended dosage.
In high dosages, this herb can cause, diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, weakness and cramps. Cramping is due to contractions of the stomach muscles and loss of potassium and body fluids.
It is therefore very important not to consume this herb in fresh bark form as it is extremely potent. Supplements should contain bark that has been aged for about a year.
Regular use of this herb has been linked to colorectal cancer.
Who Should Not Use It
First off, it is highly recommended that you use this herb with caution. Even though it is a herbal supplement and not a drug, please consult your doctor first before taking it.
Those on heart medications, diuretics or any other medication for that matter should also seek their doctor’s advice as well.
Cascara sagrada supplements are not recommended for pregnant and nursing women, children nor for persons with abdominal problems.
Bottomline, this herb can relieve constipation but don’t get dependent on it. Making changes to your diet is the best way to avoid constipation.
