Hemorrhoids Treatment
A Sacred Bark Against
Hemorrhoids
Cascara sagrada, in Spanish, means “sacred bark”. It is a well known natural laxative that is obtained from the reddish brown bark of a tree. This tree (scientific name is Rhamnus purshiana) is native to the Pacific Northwest. Some North American tribes gave several pieces of this medicinal bark to the Spanish explorers, who in turn, called it “cascara sagrada”.
The bark, however, should not be eaten or ingested fresh because it can irritate the gastrointestinal system and cause intestinal spasms and vomiting. To create an effective medication, the bark should be cured for at least one year. This aging process can be hastened by heating and drying. What is important is that the bark should be aged properly.
The active ingredients in cascara sagrada bark are anthraquinone derivatives, which stimulate peristalsis of the intestinal tract. Peristalsis refers to the wavelike contractions of the intestines to push the food along its way and facilitate bowel movement. Since the food does not stay long in the intestines, the digestive enzymes have less chance to absorb liquid from it, and the resulting stool is moist and soft. This action of anthraquinone derivatives supports several findings that cascara sagrada relieves chronic constipation, especially among elderly folks.
Related to the softening of the stool, the use of cascara sagrada preparations can prevent the pressure and can ease the pain associated with hemorrhoids. The sacred bark may also prevent the development of hemorrhoids. since the bowel movements are speeded up.
Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other similar agencies of several countries recognized cascara sagrada as mild, safe, and effective, it is now the main component in many laxatives and in several hemorrhoid treatments. Cascara sagrada can be taken in the form of tablet, powder, capsule, liquid, or dried herbal tea. With this last method of taking cascara sagrada, many prefer to add sugar since the medicinal tea itself is quite bitter. The capsule and tablet forms are more convenient.
Although considered a mild medicinal, the cascara sagrada may produce some side effects. For example, using cascara for more than two weeks may lead to a potassium deficiency. This is why the cascara should not be taken with diuretics, a group of drugs that also lower potassium levels in the body.
The long-term usage of cascara may also make the user dependent on it or the user may experience chronic diarrhea or weakness. This is because the speeding up of bowel movement results in lesser amounts of vital fluids and salts absorbed by the body. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should also avoid using cascara since the effects on fetus or infants are still unknown.
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