American buckthorn, or cascara

American Buckthorn, Or Cascara: Treatment of Constipation and Other Diseases

American buckthorn, also known as cascara, is a plant that is used medicinally to treat constipation and other ailments. It is a shrub or tree that can grow up to 6-8 meters and grows on the Pacific coast of North America. The bark of this plant is used as a pharmaceutical raw material, and contains derivatives of hydroxyanthracene and bitterness, which provide its laxative effect.

Cascara is one of the most widely used laxatives and is used in both folk and scientific medicine. The German National Health Service recommends its use for constipation and other diseases in which an easy bowel movement with soft stools is desirable.

As with any treatment, cascara has its limitations and side effects. You should not use American buckthorn if you have volvulus, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Cascara can also deplete the body of important minerals, especially potassium, if consumed over a long period of time.

To prepare tea from the bark of American buckthorn, you need to pour 2 teaspoons with the top of the bark into 1/4 liter of boiling water and let it brew for 10 minutes. It is advisable to drink 1 cup at night, since the laxative effect will follow after 6-8 hours.

Moderate consumption of cascara will not lead to side effects, but eating unripe berries or using fresh bark may cause diarrhea, colic, or stomach and intestinal cramps.

It should also be noted that American buckthorn bark may affect the effectiveness of some medications, so you should consult your doctor before use.

American buckthorn, or cascara, is an effective remedy for treating constipation and other ailments. However, as with any treatment, caution should be exercised and a physician should be consulted before use.