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Cascara sagrada, or Cascara Buckthorn, is also known as the ‘sacred bark’, the Spanish translation of its name. Its anthraquinone content renders the bark a very powerful laxative and emetic, and the fresh bark will cause a bloody form of diarrhea and severe vomiting. When aged for at least year, however, and also heat treated, it is an extremely useful laxative, and the most commonly used herbal laxative today.

Anthraquinones promote the peristalsis of the colon that leads to the necessity for a bowel movement, and its use also promotes a healthy bowel wall. Prolonged use, however, can cause cramps and colic, and cascara sagrada is best used only in small doses when needed, and even then for no more than a week at a time.  It can also be used to treat jaundice since it promotes the excretion of bile.

If you are looking for a good laxative, choose cascara sagrada which is found at your local or internet health food store.  Always choose name brands like Now foods and Solaray to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.