Cascara Sagrada

Cascara Sagrada - Cascara Sagrada is an herbal laxative that is derived from the red-tinted bark of Rhamnus purshiana, a tree which is indigenous to the Pacific Northwest United States. It was commonly used by many Native American tribes who called it “sacred bark” and shared their medicine with Europeans.

Cascara sagrada was historically introduced to Europeans by Eli Lilly Company, who marketed “Elixir Purgans”, a laxative which had cascara as an ingredient along with other herbs.  Cascara sagrada, the bark of a particular type of buckthorn tree, is a strong laxative.  It has a long history of use, and was given its name, meaning sacred bark, because of its medicinal virtues. 

Today, cascara is marketed in everything from "miracle weight-loss" formulas to general "cleansing" formulas.

What we like about this plan The efficacy of cascara sagrada as a laxative has been demonstrated many times. When properly treated and used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, it can soothe constipation. Cascara is so gentle that even the elderly can take it, and it can treat the constipation that can be a result of complications of surgery (through averting the stress and pain that accompany anal fissures or hemorrhoids).

What we dislike about this plan Prolonged use of any laxative may cause excessive mineral and nutrient loss, most notably loss of potassium (essential for proper heart function).  Laxatives may increase the effect of digitalis drugs, causing heart beat abnormalities.  Cleansing oneself on a regular basic to lose weight is a dangerous answer to weight loss both mentally and physically.

How healthy is this plan?  It is not healthy at all.  Many people can become ill, depleted there bodies of essential electrolytes needed for proper function.  People can become dependent on Cascara as well as other herbal and over the counter laxatives.

Here is the bottom Line  Purging your body in an effort to drop body weight is dangerous and ignorant. The loss is never real fat loss, just water and essential vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.  This can also trigger dependency, and binge and purge eating disorders.  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.