Cascara Sagrada

STRENGTH: 450 mg
FORM: 60 Capsules

Constipation is a major world wide health problem today! There are more people that have problems relating to this one issue, than almost any other major pathology. Although this doesn’t quite fit the category of ‘a pathology’; it can lead to many other serious systemic disorders that can require medical intervention. Numerous over the counter laxatives feature cascara sagrada as a key ingredient. One major reason is because it's so mild; the herb can be combined with stronger laxatives if need be, such as aloe vera or senna to produce the end result in chronic situations. To work properly, the bark must be carefully prepared and cured for at least one year or heated and dried to speed up the aging process. Cascara sagrada is recognized as safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration. It appears in the national formularies of most countries, and has been in the United States Pharmacopoeia since 1890.

There have been a number of clinical trials on cascara sagrada that have explored its value for cleansing the colon before bowel examinations and similar diagnostic tests. Its value in easing constipation is clear, that is when it's taken properly and at a safe dosage. In fact, cascara is such a mild laxative that it can safely be used by the elderly, and for the mild constipation that can occur following anal or rectal surgery. It is for the most part classified as a stimulant laxative since it induces peristalsis and bowel movements. The active phytochemicals in cascara are called anthraquinones. They are inactive in the gastrointestinal tract until they reach the colon. This is where they work with the local intestinal bacteria to produce a soft or formed stool after about six to eight hours, which then causes vigorous peristalsis (muscle contraction of the intestinal wall). Unlike most of the other laxatives on the market, cascara does not cause what is referred to as ‘bowel addiction’ and loss of muscle tone. Cascara can be used to correct acute or chronic bowel problems, as well as assisting in the restoration of the large intestine and its muscle tone. Cascara sagrada can, and should be combined with carminatives (herbs which act to relieve flatulence or the symptoms of colic by expelling gas from the intestines) to improve its effect.

Combined with conventional measures to soften the stool (plenty of dietary fiber and exercise with increased water intake) occasional use of cascara sagrada preparations makes sense for preventing the pressure and pain associated with hemorrhoids and anal fissures (cracks in the skin near the anus). In fact, by speeding up bowel movements, hemorrhoids are also less likely to develop. It has been shown that in smaller amounts, cascara has even been proven to be effective in the treatment of liver disorders and gallstones. The anthraquinones in the herb even have potent antibacterial properties; and have been used against leukemia and as an immuno-suppressant during skin graft operations. Cascara constituents have also served as chelating agents in the prevention of urinary stones. Cascara is known to be non addictive as stated, this doesn’t mean that it should be used on a regular basis to make the body do what it should be doing on its own. What it means is that if there are periods where constipation is a problem, this product may be helpful in relieving the symptoms. Cascara does not lose efficacy with repeated use, so if you need a little help cascara may prove to be your new best friend! †

REFERENCES:

1. Sonnenberg A, Koch TR, "Epidemiology of constipation in the United States. Dis Colon Rectum. 1989. 32:1-8.
2. Blumenthal, Mark; Goldberg, Alicia; Brinckmann, Josef, Eds,; Tyler, VarroE, PhD, ScD. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. American Botanical Council, 2000.
3. Wichtl M & Bisset MG (eds): Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, Stuttgart, Germany; 1994.