Benefits of Cascara Segrada

Cascara sagrada is a Spanish term that means "sacred bark." It comes from buckhorn trees in Kenya and western North America between California and British Columbia and in to Montana. Cascara sagrada is used as a herbal remedy for several health concerns even though the FDA has not approved it. Cascara sagrada has been used as a natural, mild laxative for centuries.

Laxative

• Cascara sagrada's most common benefit is as a laxative for people suffering from constipation. Cascara sagrada consists of cascarosides that raise the ability of the large intestine to contract, resulting in a bowel movement. You'll find cascara sagrada as an ingredient in over-the-counter laxatives.

Mildness

• People who like to use natural remedies, especially the elderly, opt to use Cascara sagrada because it is a mild, not harsh, laxative because it does not distress the digestive system.

Colon Cleansing

• Cascara sagrada is also used for colon cleansing, which is a means of ridding the body of toxic substances or bacterial poisons that might accumulate and cause illness. Cascara sagrada may prevent future buildup of toxic substances within the colon.

Hemorrhoids

• Cascara sagrada helps the body produce softer stools, which helps soothe hemorrhoid-related pain and discomfort associated with passing stools.

Pancreas and Liver

• Cascara sagrada assists in raising the secretions of both the pancreas and the liver, which stimulates the gall bladder and encourages the general health of the digestive system. Cascara sagrada reduces gastrointestinal irritations.