Cascara Sagrada Extract
Species Name: Cascara Sagrada, Rhamnus purshiana
Also known as sacred bark, Purshiana bark, California buckthorn, chittum bark, Persian bark, cascara
What Is Cascara Sagrada? Cascara Sagrada extract comes from the Rhamnus purshiana herb.
This plant is commonly found in the Pacific Northwest, Canada and in California.
Cascara Sagrada requires moist and acidic soil. It has been cultivated in other areas of the world as well; however, it prefers to grow naturally in forested areas and on hillsides.
The plant itself reaches about 20 feet tall, has red to brown bark and very thin, shiny leaves.
The leaves have a serrated edge to them and berries generally are produced in the center of leaves.
Home Remedies Using Cascara Sagrada Extract:
Benefits of Cascara Sagrada Extract:
The benefits of this herb are numerous. However, Native American tribes most traditionally use it as an herbal laxative.
Cascara sagrada contains several important components that give it its herbal benefits. In particular these are hydroxyanthraquinone glycosides which are called cascarosides.
They offer a cathartic benefit which allows them to cause muscles to contract, specifically in the large intestine. This helps to encourage bowel movements to occur.
For this reason, cascara sagrada is commonly found in herbal cleansing products for the colon and as a natural treatment for chronic constipation.
Aside from the previously mentioned benefits of Cascara Sagrada extracts, it also works well as a treatment for ailments of the liver.
When small doses of the extract are consumed, the extract offers improved liver function and helps fight various ailments such as enlarged liver, although these findings have not been scientifically verified.
When the extract is created properly from aged Cascara Sagrada, it can then be used to sooth upset stomachs and flu like symptoms.
In addition to this, it can improve the overall working production of the stomach, pancreas and the liver. It aids in the digestion process while also allowing these organs to produce and excrete waste products more effectively.
Another way it works in the digestive system is to eliminate gastrointestinal parasites.
Some use this extract as a tool for the relief of hemorrhoids. In this instance, a topical application is utilized. Only the smallest dosage of the product should be administered.
Side Effects of Cascara Sagrada Extract:
Cascara Sagrada extracts should only be used as directed, and for no longer than seven days.
Those who are pregnant or nursing should avoid using this product, as should children.
It can cause complications for some who suffer from conditions such as Crohn's disease, anemia, gastrointestinal cancers or colon, liver or kidney disease.
In some cases, it can interact with drugs and cause cramping.
