Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with Cascara Sagrada
Modern herbals recommend Cascara Sagrada for constipation and endorse the Eclectic physicians’ assertion that it “restores bowel tone.”
Constipation - Cascara Sagrada is an ingredient in dozens of over-the-counter laxatives, among them Comfolax plus and Nature’s Remedy. In addition, physicians write more than 2.5 million prescriptions a year for products that contain cascara.
Cascara Sagrada contains chemicals (anthraquinones) that stimulate the intestinal contractions we know as “the urge.” And the Spanish were right in believing that Cascara Sagrada is milder than the other anthraquinone laxatives, which include aloe, buckthorn, rhubarb, and senna. As a result, cascara is less likely to cause nausea, vomiting, and intestinal cramps. On the other hand, these reactions are possible. If they occur, use less or stop using it.
Research has also supported the Eclectics’ observation that Cascara Sagrada restores bowel tone. According to the natural-product text, Pharmacognosy, “Cascara Sagrada… not only acts as a laxative, but also restores natural tone to the colon.”
Intriguing Possibility - Harry Hoxsey may have been on the right track. The herb contains aloe-emodin, which has been shown to have anti-leukemia action in laboratory animals, supporting its use as a cancer treatment. Unfortunately, aloe-emodin is also quite toxic, and scientists say more research is needed before it can be used to treat leukemia.
Rx for Cascara Sagrada
To benefit from the laxative action of Cascara Sagrada, use either a decoction or a tincture.
For a decoction, boil I teaspoon of well-dried bark in 3 cups of water for 30 minutes. Drink at room temperature, I to 2 cups a day before bed.
The taste is quite bitter. You may find that a tincture is more palatable. In a tincture, take 112 teaspoon at bedtime.
When using commercial preparations, follow package directions.
Do not give Cascara Sagrada to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.