Cascara Bark

There are a few special types of bark with medicinal properties in the world, and one of these is Cascara Bark.

What is Cascara Bark and what are its medicinal properties? We’re going to share these with you today.

What is Cascara Bark?

Cascara Bark is a shrub known for centuries among Native Americans due to its laxative effects. The plant bark is believed to improve the muscle tone of the colon itself.¹ Cascara Bark is also used in Europe, Siberia, and Kazakhstan as a herbal remedy and natural dye for cotton, silk and woollen clothes.

What are the Health Benefits of Cascara Bark?

Cotton, silk and woollen clothes aside, Cascara Bark has some health benefits too.

Some are powerful and help treat some more severe conditions such as liver problems, haemorrhoids, and cancer.

Let’s look through these benefits to understand them better:

Laxative Effect

As we mentioned earlier, Cascara Bark is mainly used against chronic constipation. How does it help exactly? It contains the anthraquinones which inhibit the absorption of water and electrolytes in the intestines. As a result, stool volume increases and that in turn stimulates muscle contractions in the colon and provokes the clearance of the bowel.³

Cascara Bark is still used by people who prefer natural laxatives to chemical ones. Some studies even suggest using Cascara Bark before a colonoscopy, to prepare the bowel for this procedure.⁴

Liver Health

A 2010 study revealed that Cascara Bark contains emodin, which helps against liver damage.⁵

Some herbalists use Cascara Bark combining it with garlic, olive oil and lemon juice to promote the passage of gallstones.⁶^,7

Hemorrhoid Treatment

Hemorrhoids (piles) are lumps occurring inside or around the anal canal (back passage) which contain swollen and enlarged blood vessels. They are normally asymptomatic and can occur at any age and affect both males and females.⁸

When hemorrhoids occur, they can be extremely painful; a person needs to find an effective treatment and fast! Cascara Bark is a natural remedy that helps soften stools and clean the intestines without pain. Some studies consider Cascara Bark a preferable treatment for older adults against hemorrhoids and chronic constipation.⁸

Weight Loss

As with other laxatives, Cascara Bark can in some cases, lead to weight loss. However, if you’re wanting to use the herb purely for weight loss purposes, it’s best to consult a health professional first.⁹

Does Cascara Bark Have Any Side Effects?

Like anything, usage of Cascara Bark can cause a number of side effects.

These include: Nausea, headache, loss of energy, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, depression and return of constipation after stopping the treatment.

Even for short-term use to treat constipation, Cascara Bark may cause abdominal pain and cramping. Which is why it’s only recommended to be used for the treatment of severe constipation.

It is advised that Cascara Bark should not be used by children and pregnant women.

If you suffer from severe constipation, then you may want to consider trying Cascara Bark as a natural alternative. Speak with a health professional to see if it could be right for you.

Properties

Cancer Prevention¹^,2
Constipation²^,³
Demulcent²^,³
Digestive Function²^,³
Digestive Restoration²^,³
Gall Stones²^,³
Haemorrhoids⁸
Laxative³^,⁴
Liver Health⁵^,⁶^,7
Weight Loss / Management⁹

References: