Cascara Sagrada
For Chronic Constipation
Constipation is infrequent or difficult
evacuation of faces, less than once every two days. Too hard
and dry stools can require excessive effort and cause painful
defecation. Constipation is a sign of chronic dehydration. One
of the main functions of the large intestine is to take excess
water out of the excrement so that it is not too loose.
Constipation herbal remedies can help resolve this issue. There
are several herbal cures that can successfully treat chronic
constipation.
Constipation takes place when the stool
travels in the large intestine too slowly. The large intestine
creates solid waste by taking excess water from the stool.
Constipation can be prevented through changes in diet and
exercise habits in most cases. Drinking at least eight 8-ounce
glasses of water daily and eating plenty of high-fiber foods
such as oat bran, fruits, and vegetables with skin can often
improve this condition.
Constipation is becoming more widespread
because of the unhealthy diet followed by most of us today.
With the trend of eating fatty, starchy and sugary, fast
foods people
aren't getting enough fiber, which in turn slows down the
bowels. Fiber helps keep people from getting constipation.
Constipation can occur if you don't eat enough fruits and
vegetables. This will mean you lack the necessary bulk to fill
your rectum.
Constipation can also stem from a lack of
friendly bacteria in the intestines. Enzymes and friendly
bacteria in your small intestine do much of the work of
breaking down the food.
Cascara
sagrada
Cascara sagrada ( Rhamnus
purshiana ) is a powder made from the aged bark of the Rhamnus
purshiana tree. The bark has hormone-like oils that promote
peristaltic action in the colon. It is one of the best herbs to
use for chronic constipation, its effects can be felt within 6
to 8 hours, producing soft stools with little discomfort. The
bark is used by cultures around the world in many
over-the-counter laxatives as a nutritional support for chronic
constipation.
Cascara sagrada can help expel parasites when
used with other herbs. Cascara sagrada is never to be used
fresh and it must be aged for at least a year to break down its
anthrone chemicals. The herb can be artificially aged by
heating but some useful constituents may be lost. Cascara
Sagrada helps to alleviate the constipation by the creation of
softer stools.
Cascara sagrada is a good alternative because
it is gentle on the stomach, it does not work like some
laxatives where you are afraid to go out, although it is not a
good idea to take it before work if your do not have easy
access to a bathroom. It works with the natural rhythm of your
body. Cascara Sagrada continues to be one of the most popular
laxative ingredients today and is used in many over-the-counter
formulations.
Warning! Chronic constipation can be a serous
condition and Cascara sagrada is a powerful herb and should be
used with the advice of your health care provider. You do not
want to be dependent on Cascara sagrada to have a normal bowl
movements. Your goal should be to develop habits like eating a
healthy diet and drinking enough water to where you don't need
herbs like Cascara sagrada to have
healthy bowel movements.
by Carol Branwen
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