Organic Cascara Sagrada

Product Description

Cascara sagrada is a large deciduous shrub or a small tree. It has reddish-gray bark and deeply veined leaves. Cascara has small, greenish flowers that are followed by red fruit (which are poisonous) that turn black as they ripen, but it is the bark that is used medicinally. The fresh bark of the plant is removed and cut into small pieces, and dried for one year before using. Fresh bark is not used medicinally because it has an emetic or vomit-inducing property.

There are numerous of benefits to cleansing the colon, and cascara sagrada plays a key role in the cleansing process. It is widely believed, in the medical field that the build up of toxic materials in the colon can contribute to illness. This amazing herb helps to rid the colon of built-up waste, and expel toxins from the digestive system. It works by stimulating and speeding up the large intestine’s wavelike contractions. When this happens this allows for bowels to pass through more frequently which results in a softer and quicker bowel movement.

Cascara sagrada contains compounds known as cascarosides which help to strengthen the muscles of the intestinal tract. The Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center notes that cascarosides increase peristalsis (intestinal motility), as well as increase water and electrolyte concentrations within the intestine. This in turn leads to improved muscle tone and enhanced bowel elimination.

The chemical emodin, found in this herb has been found in the laboratory to greatly enhance the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapies. There is also preliminary research that shows that cascara sagrada might be useful as an antiviral that could be effective against the herpes simplex virus II.

• do not use cascara sagrada if there are existing ulcers, colitis, or any other gastrointestinal conditions

• use caution if pregnant or nursing

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