Cascara

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What does Cascara Sagrada do?

Cascara Sagrada is a medicinal plant whose bark is used primarily for relief from constipation. Traditionally it has been used as a folk remedy for chronic constipation, dyspepsia, as a tonic for the bowels, and a treatment for liver and gallbladder problems. It should be noted that except in usage for constipation, none of these traditional applications have been clinically validated.

Should my health care professional be advised before I take Cascara Sagrada?

They should be consulted first if you have any of these conditions, as Cascara Sagrada usage may be contraindicated: If you are menstruating (possible stimulation of endometrial activity) If you have Crohn's disease If you have ulcerative colitis If you have appendicitis, or any other inflamed intestinal disease. If you have abdominal pain (from an unknown source) If you are taking medication with cardiac glycosides (Potassium loss - a possible side effect- can effect the drugs action) If you are taking antiarrythimic medication (Potassium loss - a possible side effect - can effect the drugs action) If you are taking thiazide diuretics, licorice, or corticosteroids (Potassium loss may be aggravated with these drugs)

Are there other times my health care professional needs to be advised before I take Cascara Sagrada? They should be consulted first if you are:

Pregnant or trying to get pregnant (contraindicated if pregnant) Breast-feeding (contraindicated if breast feeding) If you plan to administer this herb to a child (not recommended for children under the age of two, over the age of two, only with a physician's approval).

How should I take this herb?

Take Cascara Sagrada in capsules or tablets by mouth. Swallow the capsules with a large drink of water. For the best bioavailability and if you have a sensitive stomach, it is often recommended that you take Cascara Sagrada as the comminuted drug, powder or dry extract for infusion, decoction, elixir, or a cold maceration. You can take Cascara Sagrada with or without food. It is recommended that you always take this drug with water.

What should the dosage be?

Internally: the recommended dosage is usually 20-30mg hydroxyanthracene derivatives/day calculated as cascaroside A and taken for no more than one to two weeks. Individual dosages should be the smallest amount possible to achieve effectiveness. Or an infusion made from 2 grams of the bark (cut into small slivers) and put into boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. One teaspoon usually yields 2.5grms of the drug. Daily dosage should be the smallest amount possible to achieve effectiveness.

What side effects may I notice from taking Cascara Sagrada?

If you experience any of these side effects, stop usage immediately and report them to your health care professional. Overdose/long term usage can cause loss of electrolytes (potassium, albuminuria, and hematuria) and fluid imbalance.. Potassium deficiency can lead to muscular weakness, especially with concurrent use of cardiac glycosides, diuretics, and corticosteroids. Overdose can also cause heart arrhythmias, nephropathies, edemas, accelerated bone deterioration. albuminuria and hematuria. (but these side effects are rare) It has been reported that intake of the fresh rind may lead to European cholera, intestinal colic, bloody diarrhea, and kidney irritation. Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (stop usage and report it to your health care professional if they are continuing or bothersome): Intestinal cramps (if this occurs immediately lower the dosage)

What do I need to watch out for with Cascara Sagrada?

Do not take more than the prescribed quantities. Do not take longer than 8 to 10 days. Do not take Cascara Sagrada unless the harvested bark has been aged for one year or artificially treated with heat and aeration prior to use. (Fresh bark or incorrectly processed bark can cause severe vomiting and spasms due to the free anthrone content) Read labels carefully before purchasing . There have been reported cases of herbal products being sold that did not contain active ingredients (the herbs active constituents) needed to be of any therapeutic value. Unless using the raw herb, buying a standardized product when purchasing a product may reduce the possibility of this occurrence. Look also for products that are clearly labeled with the ingredients contained and amounts.

Where can I keep my herbal product?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). The raw herb, tinctures or infusions should be stored in airtight, dry, and light resistant containers. If there is an expiration date listed on the herbal product, throw away the unused portion after the expiration date.

Can you tell me a little more about Cascara Sagrada?

Cascara Sagrada is originally indigenous to North America. Today it is grown worldwide and cultivated primarily on the pacific coast of Canada and North America as well as in East Africa. The harvested bark must be aged for one year or heat-treated prior to use . It is a deciduous shrub or small tree with many upright branches. It can be found growing naturally in the moist soils under coniferous forests or the sides of roads from Canada to the Rocky Mountains of Montana and also in California. It can reach heights of 6 to 28 m. Its bark is thinly fissured and gray. The leaves are oblong to ovate, and the margins are finely dentate. Leaves are usually dark green. The flowers, which grow in the leaf axils, are small greenish/white and bellshaped with sepals larger than the petals. It produces small, dark purple, rounded berries with ovate, black seeds.

What are the actions that have been associated with the herb?

Generally, Cascara Sagrada is thought to influence the motility of the colon, inhibition of stationary and stimulation of propulsive contractions. It also stimulates active chloride secretions, increases water and electrolyte content, and stimulates peristalisis.

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