Cascara: The Superfood Tea You’ve Never Heard Of 

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Cascara sagrada, a plant revered for its health-promoting properties, has been a subject of interest in the wellness community. This article delves into the benefits of Cascara sagrada supplements, exploring how they can support various aspects of health. Derived from the bark of the Rhamnus purshiana tree, these supplements have a rich history in traditional medicine. We will look at the science behind Cascara sagrada, its uses, and what makes it a noteworthy addition to a health-conscious lifestyle. Join us as we unravel the benefits of this natural supplement.

What Is Cascara?

Cascara sagrada is a natural supplement derived from the bark of the Rhamnus purshiana tree native to North America. Known for its laxative properties, this supplement has been utilized for centuries by various cultures for its health benefits. Cascara sagrada works by stimulating the bowel movements and is often recommended for short-term relief of constipation.

When consumed, the active compounds in Cascara sagrada interact with the bacteria in the large intestine to produce substances that help stimulate the muscles in the intestinal wall. This action promotes increased bowel movements and helps to alleviate constipation.

Aside from its primary use as a laxative, Cascara sagrada has been explored for other health benefits. Some studies suggest it may also support liver health and aid in digestive system detoxification. However, it is essential for people to use Cascara sagrada responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid potential side effects such as electrolyte imbalance or dependency with long-term use.

In summary, Cascara sagrada supplements offer a natural solution for relieving constipation and supporting digestive health. With its long history of use and the backing of traditional practices, it remains a popular choice among people seeking natural health remedies.

What Are the Benefits of Cascara Sagrada?

  • Supports Digestive Health: Regular use of Cascara sagrada, can contribute to a healthier digestive system. Ensuring more regular bowel movements, helps prevent the uncomfortable symptoms of constipation and maintains the natural balance of the digestive tract, which is crucial for nutrient absorption and overall gut health. /PMC2372710
    • Relieves Constipation: Cascara sagrada acts as a natural laxative, facilitating easier bowel movements by stimulating the muscles in the intestinal wall. This makes it highly effective for short-term relief of constipation, improving stool consistency, and reducing straining during bowel movements. /PMID: 30321134

Is Cascara Sagrada Safe?

Cascara sagrada is recognized for its efficacy as a natural laxative, with a long history of use for relieving constipation and supporting digestive health. When used appropriately and for short-term periods, it is generally considered safe for most adults. The key to its safe use lies in adhering to recommended dosages and not exceeding the duration of use typically suggested to be no more than one to two weeks. Health experts advise against long-term use to prevent potential side effects, such as dependency or electrolyte imbalance. It is also important for individuals to consult with a healthcare provider before starting Cascara sagrada, especially if they are pregnant, nursing, have existing health conditions, or are taking other medications. By following these guidelines, people can minimize risks and utilize Cascara sagrada as a safe and effective part of their wellness routine.

Medication Interactions with Cascara Sagrada

  • Diuretics (water pills): Cascara sagrada’s laxative effect can lead to increased loss of water and electrolytes, including potassium. When combined with diuretics, which also promote the excretion of water and potassium, there’s a heightened risk of significant potassium depletion. This can result in muscle weakness, severe dehydration, and heart rhythm disturbances, which are critical concerns for overall health.
  • Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids, which are often used to reduce inflammation, can also lower potassium levels in the body. Using Cascara Sagrada concurrently can worsen this effect, leading to an increased risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels), with symptoms ranging from muscle cramps to irregular heartbeats, potentially compromising heart function.
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin): Digoxin is used to treat heart failure and arrhythmias by increasing the strength of heart muscle contractions. Potassium levels influence digoxin’s effectiveness and safety. Low potassium levels, which can be further reduced by Cascara Sagrada, raise the risk of digoxin toxicity. This condition can cause nausea, dizziness, and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Warfarin (Coumadin) and other blood thinners: Cascara sagrada may either increase or decrease the effects of blood thinners, affecting blood clotting times. This unpredictable interaction could lead to an increased risk of bleeding if the blood becomes too thin or a heightened risk of clot formation if the medication’s effectiveness is reduced. Monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to maintain safe and effective blood thinning therapy.
  • Antidiabetic medications: The use of Cascara sagrada may influence blood sugar levels by affecting nutrient absorption and possibly altering intestinal flora. For individuals managing diabetes with medication, this effect can complicate blood sugar control, necessitating adjustments in medication dosages or timing to prevent episodes of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
  • Other laxatives: Combining Cascara sagrada with other laxatives, especially other stimulant types, can amplify their effects, leading to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and potential damage to the intestinal lining. This combination can also increase the risk of developing laxative dependence, where bowel function becomes reliant on laxatives for regular movement.
  • Contraceptive drugs: There’s concern that the increased bowel movement speed induced by Cascara sagrada might reduce the absorption of contraceptive drugs, potentially decreasing their effectiveness and increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy. This interaction highlights the importance of considering alternative or additional contraceptive methods when using Cascara sagrada.
  • Antacids and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): By altering the pH levels in the stomach and intestines, Cascara sagrada may impact the effectiveness of antacids and PPIs, which are designed to reduce stomach acid and treat conditions like GERD and ulcers. This interaction could lead to decreased efficacy of the antacids or PPIs, resulting in worsened symptoms or delayed healing of the gastrointestinal lining.

Supplement Interactions with Cascara Sagrada

  • Herbal supplements with laxative effects (e.g., Senna, Aloe, Rhubarb): The combination of Cascara sagrada with other herbal supplements that also act as laxatives can significantly amplify the laxative effect. This heightened effect may lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, as both types of supplements increase water secretion in the bowel. The risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as cramping and diarrhea, also increases, potentially leading to discomfort and health complications.
  • Potassium supplements: Cascara sagrada may cause potassium levels to drop due to increased bowel movements, which can lead to hypokalemia, a condition characterized by low potassium levels that can adversely affect heart and muscle function. Using potassium supplements concurrently could help counteract this effect, but it requires careful monitoring to avoid both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia (excess potassium), each of which carries risks for heart health.
  • Calcium and Magnesium supplements: The interaction with Cascara sagrada might affect the body’s ability to absorb these minerals effectively. For calcium, this could impact bone density and health, while for magnesium, implications might include effects on muscle function, sleep, and mood regulation. The laxative action of Cascara sagrada might reduce the time these minerals are in the gut, diminishing absorption and potentially leading to deficiencies or necessitating dosage adjustments.
  • Iron supplements: Iron absorption can be significantly reduced by the rapid intestinal transit time caused by Cascara sagrada’s laxative effect. This reduced absorption is a concern for individuals relying on iron supplements to prevent or treat anemia, as it might lead to ineffective treatment or worsening of iron deficiency symptoms, such as fatigue and weakness.
  • Supplements that affect heart rhythm (e.g., Omega-3 fatty acids, Coenzyme Q10): Both omega-3 fatty acids and Coenzyme Q10 have been noted for their heart health benefits, including potential effects on heart rhythm and blood pressure. Given Cascara sagrada’s potential to disturb electrolyte balance, particularly potassium, which is vital for heart function, combining these supplements might complicate the management of heart rhythm. This interaction underscores the need for careful monitoring of heart health and electrolyte levels.
  • Fiber supplements (e.g., Psyllium, Glucomannan): Fiber supplements are typically used to improve bowel regularity and health. However, when taken with Cascara sagrada, there might be conflicting effects. Increased bowel movements from Cascara sagrada could decrease the efficacy of fiber by reducing its residence time in the digestive tract, minimizing its beneficial effects on stool bulk and gut health. Conversely, the combination might lead to excessive bowel activity, resulting in discomfort from gas and bloating or even intestinal blockages if adequate water is not consumed.

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Cascara Sagrada 450mg by NOW Foods

Cascara sagrada bark (Rhamnus purshiana), which means “sacred bark”, has a long history of use by traditional herbalists to promote bowel regularity.*

  • Promotes Bowel Function*

Suggested Use: Take 1 capsule at bedtime with a full glass of water. Do not exceed recommended dose. For short term use only; do not take continuously for more than 1 week.

Amount Per 1 Veg Capsule Serving
Cascara Sagrada
 … 450mg
(Rhamnus purshiana) (Bark)


Food First!

Although this article discusses supplements in detail, don’t forget that we are absolutely committed to the “Food First” approach to nutrition. When it comes to your health, the totality of your eating habits far surpasses the impact of individual nutrients or any single supplement you consume. Even though this article doesn’t delve into the broader picture of your overall diet, it’s crucial to keep this element at the forefront of our minds. Your food needs to provide all the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals to nourish your body systems down to the cellular level.

Food choices, rather than supplements, are the most critical factors for a healthy gut microbiome. These trillions of tiny inhabitants in your gut affect your brain waves; they orchestrate your immune system. They possess the power to create molecules that can switch genes on or off and are even capable of synthesizing neurotransmitters. Opting for organic foods and steering clear of plastic packaging (including those labeled BPA-free) is a smart move to limit toxin exposure. The sum of all these parts leads to a powerful conclusion: the ultimate key to your health lies in the quality and balance of the food you consume. Supplements are secondary.

What To Eat

To Sum It Up

Cascara Sagrada supplements offer a range of health benefits, from promoting regular bowel movements and supporting digestive health to potentially enhancing liver function and aiding in the body’s natural detoxification processes. With its antioxidant properties, Cascara Sagrada may also contribute to overall well-being by protecting against oxidative stress. While it’s known primarily for its effective laxative effects, the potential for supporting weight management and improving skin health highlights its versatility as a supplement. Understanding these benefits allows for a better appreciation of how Cascara Sagrada can be a part of supporting health and wellness.


This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Supplement Sciences website seeks to provide comprehensive access to the most relevant supplement information along with convenient online ordering. We do not provide medical advice and cannot guarantee that every product suggested is completely without risk. Since each person is unique in their health history and medication use, it is important to discuss supplements with your personal physician. Specifically, pregnant women and individuals being treated for cancer or liver or kidney problems must consult their physician about every nutritional supplement they plan to take. People taking medications for the treatment of HIV or with a history of organ transplant must not take supplements without consulting with their physician.


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