What Is Cascara Sagrada?

Cascara sagrada is Spanish for "sacred bark." It is an herb taken from the bark of the American buckthorn tree, which grows on the Pacific coast of North America. Native Americans in that area have long used it. Powder created from the bark works as a powerful laxative and is thought to strengthen the walls of the colon as well. It is one of only a few herbs approved for use over-the-counter by the U.S. Food and Drug administration. It began to be used by many in the 19th century and is now a common natural laxative.

Ingredients and Dosage

• Cascara sagrada is made up of compounds called anthroquinones. It is these anthroquinones that work as a laxative in humans, because they trigger peristalsis, which is the scientific term for when you have contractions in the intestines and colon. These contractions give you the urge to have a bowel movement. Cascara sagrada also contains Emodin and aloe-eomin, which coat and strengthen the walls of the digestive system, as well as some other non-harmful ingredients that do not have a laxative effect.

Benefits

• Along with the laxative effects, the herb also stimulates the secretion of minerals and releases lubricating fluids into the large intestine. These fluids soothe and strengthen the walls of the intestine as well as serve to slow the absorption of vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream. This slower absorption is beneficial to the body. It has also been found that the powder from the bark, when made into a paste, protects the skin from ultraviolet rays. The drug is most often used when a person is constipated or when it is desirable to pass soft stools, such as after surgery. Studies are under way regarding the herb's use in treating drug overdoses.

Warning

• Cascara sagrada should not be taken for more than 7 days, as the body can become dependent on it. It should also not be used by any woman who is pregnant or nursing. In addition, it should not be used by anyone who has intestinal bowel problems or blockages, such as inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers or diarrhea. Finally, children under 12 should not use the herb as it may be too powerful, even in small doses. The fresh bark from the tree is not suitable for use either, as it is potent and will cause vomiting and possible bleeding. The bark is treated by storing and drying it for a year or by undergoing heat processing.

Side Effects

• Common side effects include cramps in the abdomen and diarrhea. When used often, a loss of potassium and electrolytes may occur. For this reason, the herb should not be used alongside other herbs that can cause potassium loss, such as aloe. It should also not be used if you are taking the drug Lanoxin. In addition, the anthraquinones can also cause pigmentation of the large intestine. Finally, if used chronically, the body might not be able to eliminate without the aid of the herb.

Dosage

• Cascara sagrada can be taken in several different forms, including liquid, dried bark that you chew, and capsules, which are the most popular form. The capsules contain dried bark in powdered form. The dried bark can also be boiled to make a tea, which is known to be effective but bitter to the taste. Most commonly, a 300 mg capsule is taken in early evening because the laxative effect usually occurs 6 to 12 hours after it is consumed. This means that a bowel movement will usually occur the morning after the capsule is taken.