Cascara santo: what it is for and how to consume it

Cascara santo is a medicinal plant widely used to treat constipation, due to its laxative effect that stimulates bowel movements and promotes the elimination of feces. The laxative effect promoted by this plant is milder than other natural laxatives, such as aloe vera or senna, for example.

Furthermore, the sacred cascara, whose scientific name is Rhamnus purshiana DC helps increase appetite and has purgative, diuretic and digestive properties, and can be found in health food stores and some compounding pharmacies, in capsule or powder form.

Before using any type of natural laxative, it is recommended to consult a nutritionist and/or gastroenterologist and make changes to your eating habits, increasing your consumption of foods rich in fiber and consuming at least 2 liters of water per day.

What is the sacred cascara for?

Cascara sacra has laxative, diuretic, stimulatory and tonic actions and, therefore, can be used to treat constipation in the short term, as it restores the natural tone of the colon and promotes a smooth increase and regulation of peristaltic movements. of the intestine.

When consumed, the sacred shell releases a substance in the large intestine that is processed by the bacterial flora, producing the release of aglycones that act on the mucosa and promoting evacuation.

In small doses, cascara santo can also help stimulate the appetite. Furthermore, this medicinal plant facilitates the expulsion of bile accumulated in the gallbladder, helping to reduce the absorption of fat at the intestinal level.

How to drink

Cascara santo can be consumed in capsule or powder form and the dose depends on each person’s age and health history. It is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist before consuming this medicinal plant, and it is normally recommended to consume 1 capsule per day before bed.

Holy peel tea

Another way to consume the sacred cascara is through tea.

Preparation mode: Place 25 g of peels in a pan with 1 liter of boiling water, letting it rest for 10 minutes. Drink 1 to 2 cups a day.

See other recipes for laxative teas to combat constipation.

When not indicated

Cascara santo is not recommended in case of suspected pregnancy, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it can pass through the milk and cause diarrhea in the newborn, and is also not recommended for children under 12 years of age. This medicinal plant should also not be ingested together with some medications, such as digoxin, corticosteroids, arrhythmia medications, diuretics or cardiotonic glycosides, as there may be some drug interactions.

Furthermore, it should not be used in case of intestinal disorders, such as appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, stomach pain, rectal bleeding, vomiting or dehydration.

Side Effects of Cascara Sagrada

Despite having many benefits, the use of cascara santo can lead to the occurrence of some side effects, such as:

• Tiredness;
• Abdominal colic;
• Decrease in potassium in the blood;
• Diarrhea;
• Lack of appetite;
• Poor absorption of nutrients;
• Nausea;
• Loss of regularity to defecate;
• Excessive sweating;
• Dizziness;
• Vomiting.

To avoid side effects, it is recommended to use cascara santo under medical supervision and following the daily doses suggested by the manufacturer, which is normally 50 to 600mg per day divided into 3 daily doses, in the case of cascara capsules.