Let's Talk About Poop

When I was younger, I was horrified at how often my grandmother would end up talking about "regularity" with strangers and friends when we were in public together. To her, that was the basis of all health - if you were pooping right, then you were probably healthy. If you weren't, you should take some Ex-LAX or worse yet, Castor oil. Now that I'm an adult and a certified herbalist, I end up talking about regularity every single day. (I know my grandmother probably gets a kick out of that!) What she believed all those years ago is actually true. If our digestive system isn't working properly to expel toxins from our system, those toxins get re-absorbed into our colons. It's important to POOP! Below is some info on one of the strongest natural laxatives and some things you should know about it. 

When it comes to natural laxatives, Cascara Sagrada is probably the most commonly used worldwide. The name comes from Spanish explorers who, after learning of its healing properties from Native Americans, called it the “sacred bark.” The bark of this tree must be cured for over a year before it is considered safe enough to use as a laxative. Otherwise it will cause severe cramping and vomiting.

Today, Cascara Sagrada can be found in many over the counter laxative preparations in Europe; but in the United States, it is considered too harsh and habit-forming as an ingredient in most non-prescription laxative products. Certainly, precautions must be taken when ingesting such a powerful plant, but as a natural supplement, Cascara Sagrada is available and safe when administered sparingly.

Deemed a “last resort” option by herbalists, Cascara Sagrada should only be considered a short-term solution, as it is less effective the more times it is used, and will often require a larger dose to achieve the same results. Most people can become laxative dependent if they take Cascara Sagrada too often. Habitual use can also lead to potassium deficiency and severe vomiting. To avoid this, the constipated should use for less than a week at a time.

Cascara Sagrada is never safe for those with ulcers or for pregnant and nursing women, especially since it can cause diarrhea in breast-fed babies.