Page 231 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

five greenish-yellow petals that grow in umbel-shaped
clusters. Red berries appear and ripen to dark purple
or black. The berries have yellow pulp and two to three
seeds each.

Edible Use: The fruit is sometimes eaten raw or
cooked, but is reported to be slightly toxic and also has
a laxative effect. Tea is made from the bark after drying
or aging. It has a bitter taste. Do not use fresh bark.

Medicinal Use: Cascara is usually prescribed as
tea, however many people cannot tolerate the intense
bitterness. The bark can be powdered and taken in a
capsule as a more palatable alternative. Its medicinal
effects are usually felt within 6 to 8 hours. Cascara is
recommended only for short-term use, no more than 2
weeks. Always use the smallest effective dose. Only
used aged cascara bark (see harvesting).

Natural Laxative: Cascara bark is a natural laxa-
tive for the treatment of constipation. The herb acts as
a stimulant on the large intestine, stimulating contrac- which causes ulcers, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus,
tions and moving food through the digestive system.
and others. It is also effective against Candida yeast.
Gallbladder, Liver, Stomach, and Pancreas Central Nervous System: Cascara sagrada im-
Stimulation: Cascara stimulates the gallbladder to proves anxiety, emotional well-being, and other cen-
produce more bile. This action aids digestion and pre- tral nervous system problems in some people
vents and breaks up gallstones. It improves secretions
from the stomach, liver, and pancreas, treating issues Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The herb is an anti-
such as enlarged liver and poor digestion. inflammatory, however, there are more effective anti-
inflammatories with fewer risks available.
Lowers Cholesterol: Cascara is said to have a
beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. However, it is Cancer: Cascara has been used to inhibit the growth
not recommended for this purpose because of its long- and spread of cancer. It can be used in addition to tra-
term side effects and potential risks. ditional cancer treatments with medical supervision.
Hemorrhoids: Harvesting: Harvest cascara in the spring, at least a
Because of cas- year before using it medicinally. Aging is necessary to
cara’s laxative reduce gastrointestinal irritation. Fresh cascara causes
properties, it is nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intense intestinal
helpful, temporar- spasms. Dry the bark or bake at low heat until com-
ily, in the treat- pletely dry.
ment of hemor- Warning: Cascara sagrada is a stimulant and should
rhoids. It reduces be used for the short-term only, less than 2 weeks. Cas-
the need to bear cara should never be used during pregnancy or lacta-
down, which eases tion. It can stimulate menstruation and miscarriage.
the condition.
Cascara should not be given to children. Long term use
Antimicrobial can result in chronic diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances,
Properties: Cas- dehydration, and severe intestinal pain. It can also
cara has antibacte- cause toxic hepatitis. Cascara can interact with some
rial and anti-fungal prescription medications and should not be combined
properties. It is effective against Helicobacter pylori,

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