Cascara sagrada, which means ‘sacred bark’ in Spanish, is one herb that is more than just a medicinal plant. The bark of the tree is commonly used in its dry form because of its medicinal benefits as the fresh bark can make one very ill, resulting in nausea and vomiting. Cascara Sagrada bark, which is also known as chittem bark, has a bitter taste and is used to paint the nails of kids to stop their nail-biting habit.
In addition to the common nutrients like vitamin B, potassium, manganese, and calcium, cascara sagrada has anthraquinone glycosides. Also, Cascara Sagrada’s laxative properties are as a result of the free anthraquinone and hydroxyanthracene derivative (HAD) contained in the herb.
The Health Benefits of Cascara Sagrada
Cascara sagrada is a herb known for its many health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the amazing medicinal health benefits of the herb!
Relieves Constipation
The herb is mainly used to treat constipation by cleansing the colon. It is one of the herbs good for the digestive system. In fact, it becomes effective within just 8 hours of consumption.
Aids in Weight Loss
Rich in laxatives, the herb is used in making diet and slimming teas which are effective for promoting weight loss. It is advisable to incorporate cascara sagrada into your daily diet and shed off the extra pounds!
Treats Insomnia
Cascara sagrada has proven helpful in soothing the nerves and supporting sound sleep for people who suffer from insomnia.
Combats Cancer
Cascara sagrada bark contains anti-cancer properties and ensures that chemotherapy is more effective. The herb contains rich contents of anti-oxidants and as such, is able to fight off the free radicals in the body and eliminate cancer-causing cells.
Treats Gastric Disorders and Gallstones
The herb contains potent properties that help boost digestion and gastrointestinal activity in the body thereby cleansing the system and keeping the organs in good condition. Also, gallstones can be treated and prevented with the use of cascara sagrada. As a matter of fact, the herb boosts digestive juices and eases the digestion of food, which in turn, prevents the accumulation of stones. In addition to this, medicines made from the herb extracts are effective for treating serious health conditions such as jaundice, cirrhosis, and an enlarged liver.
Promotes Healthy Hair
With so many hair products promising to take care of all your hair problems, hair care can be a bit of a pain, right? The question is: do these products really live up with their promises? Well, Cascara Sagrada is worth a try!
Since cascara sagrada cleanses the body internally, it has the ability to prevent hair and scalp issues such as lice, dandruff, and flaky scalp. In fact, hair products made from cascara sagrada contain medicinal values that help to treat a number of hair problems. People who suffer from breaking hair can also take cascara sagrada oral supplement to prevent clogged pores on the scalp that result in hair fall.
In addition, cascara sagrada boosts healthy hair growth. It can also be effective as a conditioner to make hair soft, strong, and radiant. When used on a regular basis cascara sagrada can be helpful in strengthening the hair follicles.
Good for the Skin
Cascara sagrada is a natural product that helps make your skin look radiant. This wonder bark helps to make one look youthful by eliminating fine lines, wrinkles, and spots on the skin that come with age.
It is common for teenagers approaching puberty to suffer common skin problems like acne. Thankfully, this can be minimized and averted with the help of cascara sagrada tinctures. Also, patchy skin can be treated by regularly applying cold tea made from cascara extracts.
In addition, with the many skin products made with this herb, it is believed that it contains hydrating properties. Cascara sagrada is good for the skin as it keeps it hydrated, fresh, and radiant.
Side Effects and Precautions
While cascara sagrada is a mild herb, it does have certain side effects. So before you use the herb, note that:
- When taken in high doses and for a prolonged period of time, cascara sagrada can result in diarrhea.
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers are advised not to steer clear of the herb in any form.
- A regular use of cascara sagrada can lead to an addiction to the herb.
- A prolonged use of the herb may lead to brownish yellow urine, which indicates loss of potassium in high quantities from the body.
Risks of Prolonged Use
It is important to take precautions, particularly when cascara sagrada is being used for long periods of time. A prolonged use of cascara sagrada may result in an increased risk of liver injury, which may be rare but quite serious. However, this liver damage can be reversed quickly when the use of cascara sagrada is discontinued.
There is also the risk of colorectal cancer resulting from a prolonged use of cascara sagrada. This is largely because anthraquinones such as cascara sagrada can result in a health condition known as melanosis coli–a discoloration of the colon lining. However, according to some studies, melanosis coli is a benign and reversible health condition.
The Bottom Line
Cascara Sagrada has been used in alternative medicine for a long time and has proven to be effective too. It acts as a laxative, a liver tonic and can also treat jaundice. In fact, this amazing herb is particularly effective for a healthy digestive system.
The herb can be used in various forms including liquid, dried, powder, capsule, or tablet. To function properly, the bark must be cured for at least a year or heated and dried to hasten the aging process. So, it is important to buy your cascara sagrada from a trusted source.
Evidently, cascara sagrada possesses properties that help to maintain a healthy body but it should not be used as a substitute for conventional medication.
