What is cascara sagrada for and how is it taken?

The cascara sagrada is he tree bark extract called Prussian Rhamnus, which is composed of the following nutrients:

• Anthraquinones: it is the main compound of this extract. This substance is rich in laxative and cleansing properties.
• Anthracenic derivatives: Its content of barbaloin, emodin, heterodiantrones and frangulin stands out.
• Glycosides: It is rich in rhamnoxanthin, chrysalin and emodol.
• Acids: among them its chrysophanic, oxalic and syringic content stands out.
• The extract of its bark also contains: tannins, fibers, resins and rhamnotoxin.

The extract of this tree was traditionally used as a medicinal remedy for some digestive disorders, such as constipation and stomach pain. Cascara sagrada was used as a treatment for this type of problem due to its richness in anthraquinones, a substance with powerful laxative properties. These properties fulfilled a cathartic function, that is, they accelerated the defecation process, since they stimulated the nerve endings of the intestine and, in this way, caused a greater intestinal movement, which ends in a rapid evacuation of feces.

Although the peel is still used as a digestive remedy, currently due to this laxative and purifying function, it is also used as a food supplement to lose weight, since the following benefits can be obtained:

• As we have indicated, its laxative and purgatory action accelerates intestinal transit, which helps reduce the retention of deposits within the body.
• It also improves the functioning of our liver and bile production, since it has cholagogue properties that help accelerate liver metabolism and, therefore, increase fat burning.
• Finally, it helps reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood due to its richness in acids and tannins.

Cascara sagrada can be consumed either in infusion, capsules and extract in liquid form. Whichever option is chosen, the daily dose should be between 350 and 600 mg, and should never exceed 1000 mg daily. In addition, you should not take this natural remedy for more than 10 days in a row to avoid adverse effects.

In the case of capsules, it is recommended to take between 1 and 2 tablets at night, before going to sleep. However, if you want to consume it as an infusion, you must add a teaspoon of cascara sagrada to two cups of boiling water. Then you should strain the mixture and drink it before going to sleep, when the infusion is warm.

An excess of this medicinal remedy can cause side effects such as: abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence and general discomfort. Besides, the cascara sagrada is totally contraindicated in the following cases:

• Children under 6 years: This remedy has powerful actions on the digestive processes, so it could be too strong a treatment for these cases.
• Pregnant its use is totally prohibited, as it could cause miscarriages.
• Chronic constipation and irritable bowel: It is not recommended in these cases, since the habitual consumption of this remedy could cause a decrease in the functioning of the colon and, consequently, increase constipation. It is also not indicated for people with irritable bowel due to its laxative properties.
• People with laxative treatments: The use of this plant could be dangerous for this type of case, since it would enhance the effects of these treatments.

This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

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