Jared's Den
Aged Cascara Sagrada Bark
100% ORGANICAged cascara sagrada bark is primarily used as a stimulant laxative for short-term relief of occasional constipation. Aging the bark for at least a year is a critical step, as fresh, unaged bark contains compounds that can cause severe intestinal spasms and vomiting. Why the bark must be agedFresh cascara bark contains powerful compounds called anthrone glycosides. Aging the bark allows these harsh, irritating compounds to break down into milder anthraquinone glycosides, or cascarosides, which have a less intense and more tolerable laxative effect. The aging process reduces the risk of side effects like severe cramping. Medicinal usesLaxative for constipation: The main, evidence-backed use of aged cascara bark is as a stimulant laxative. It works by irritating the colon, which causes muscle contractions (peristalsis) that move stool through the intestines. The anthraquinones also inhibit the colon from reabsorbing water and electrolytes, which helps soften the stool.Colon cleansing: The powerful laxative effect is used to empty the colon, sometimes in preparation for medical procedures like a colonoscopy.Digestive tonic: Some herbalists use cascara sagrada as a bitter digestive tonic to stimulate the bowels and aid digestion.Gallstones: Historically, Native Americans used cascara sagrada to treat gallstones, although there is a lack of scientific evidence to support this claim.Other traditional uses: Other unproven traditional uses have included treatments for joint and muscle pain, dysentery, and gonorrhea.