Cascara Sacarda Bark
Cascara sacarda BarkAlso known as- Rhamnus purshiana, Bitter Bark, Buckthorn, California Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, Chittem Bark, Dogwood Bark, Purshiana Bark, Rhamni Purshianae Cortex, Sacred Bark, Sagrada Bark, Yellow Bark, Frangula Purshiana. Introduction Cascara sagrada is a deciduous of the American Northwest, ranging from northern California to the Alaska panhandle in moist forests below 5,000 feet (1,500 m). It is also found in the Rockies of Idaho and Montana. The herb is harvested in the form of quills and pieces of bark, allowed to age at least a year before use in laxative preparations.Cascara sagrada is never used fresh. It must be aged for at least a year to break down its anthrone chemicals. If the bark is not aged, it is not laxative, it is purgative, causing intense intestinal spasms and vomiting. The herb can be artificially aged by heating but some useful constituents may be lost. has been used continually for at least 1,000 years. Cascara sagrada has a long history of traditional use by Native Americans and was introduced by Northern California Indians to Spanish explorers in 16th century. Cascara sagrada contains compounds called anthroquinones, which trigger routine contractions in the colon that stimulate the urge to have a bowel movement. Recent studies have investigated the properties of this herb to assist with gentle waste removal from delicate digestive systems. Constituents 1,8-dihydroxy-anthracene derivatives (in the aged bark), aloe-emodin, frangulin-emodin, flavonoids, and tannins. Parts Used Properly aged bark (generally 1 year) Typical Preparations Tablets and extracts. Teas are hard to drink but have a gentler laxative action. Summary Even conventionally oriented physicians often recommend cascara sagrada to patients suffering constipation after surgery for hemorrhoids. The 1,8-dihydroxy-anthracenes in cascara sagrada act on the nerves in the intestinal tract, numbing the nerves that hold back stool and stimulating the nerves that propel stool downward. If you experience cramping, youÍve used too much. Precautions For occasional use only. You should not use cascara sagrada or any other laxative if you have appendicitis, CrohnÍs disease, or ulcerative colitis. Do not use this laxative if you take Lasix (furosemide). Not recommended for children under 12. Unlike buckthorn, cascara sagrada is not known to be safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
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