Native Americans living in the Pacific Northwest discovered the benefits of Cascara Sagrada centuries ago.  Cascara Sagrada is made from the dried aged bark from certain trees that are native to the Pacific Northwest, specifically in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia.  It is a mild laxative and can be used to induce vomiting.  The bark from these trees which are in the buckthorn family must be aged for at least one year before it can be used because it is much too potent for immediate use after harvesting. Eating fresh Cascara Sagrada may cause vomiting and diarrhea.  Cascara Sagrada is one of only a handful of herbs that have been approved by the United States Food and drug Administration as an acceptable over-the-counter drug.  It is used as a laxative and it is effective in about six to ten hours after ingestion.  It produces a soft stool that will be easily passed so it is recommended for use after rectal surgery.  Children and pregnant women should not use this unless approved by a physician. A person who suffer from diverticulitis, colitis, heart disease, severe anemia, severe hemorrhoids, liver or kidney disease, or anyone who has had recent colon or abdominal surgery should consult their doctor before using this supplement. The name Cascara Sagrada comes from the Spanish and it means sacred bark.  The active ingredients in the bark will cause the large intestines or the colon to contract thereby causing a bowel movement.  Cascara Sagrada should not be used long term as the body may develop a dependence on it to process a bowel movement.  Since Cascara Sagrada is a laxative some stomach cramping may occur.

(To Be Continued)