Cascara: uses, side effects, interactions

Benefits

What is cascara for?

Cascara is an herb made from the skin of the coffee fruit. It looks like a cherry and is often used as a coffee or tea drink. Cascara is a plant that acts as a laxative for constipation, as well as a treatment for gallstones, liver disease, and cancer. Some people use it as a "bitter tonic." Currently, you can buy cascara as a dietary supplement, but not as a drug.

How does it work?

There is not enough research into how this herbal supplement works. Discuss with your herbalist or doctor for more information. However, there are some studies showing that cascara is the skin of the fruit which contains laxative properties that stimulate the intestines.

Dose

The information provided below is not a substitute for medical recommendations. Always consult your herbalist or doctor before taking this medicine.

What is the usual dose for cascara for adults?

As a laxative for constipation, you can usually use 20-30 mg of cascara per day. The standard dosage for using cascara is a cup of tea, which is made by steeping 2 grams of finely chopped dry cascara. After that, please mix with 150ml of boiling water for 5-10 minutes, stir and then consume. Liquid cascara extract can be used in doses of 2-5 mL three times a day.

The dosage of herbal supplements may vary from patient to patient. The dose you will need depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbal supplements are not always safe for consumption. Discuss with your herbalist or doctor for a dosage that is suitable for you.

In what forms is cascara available?

Cascara is a herbal plant that can be available in capsule, liquid extract, tea, or syrup form.

Side effects

What side effects can cascara cause?

Cascara can cause several side effects including:

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dependence on laxatives.
At high doses and long-term use, cascara can cause softening of the bones (osteomalacia), blood in the urine (hematuria), or albumin in the blood (albuminuria) indicating poor kidney activity.
Fluid and electrolyte imbalances (at high doses and prolonged use)
Pink or orange urine.

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be other side effects which are not listed here. If you have concerns about certain side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.

Security

What should I know before taking cascara?

Check the cause of constipation: whether fiber, fluids, or exercise are missing from your lifestyle. Check for cramps, rectal bleeding, nausea and vomiting. If these symptoms occur, stop using the cascara.

Avoid long-term use of the cascara as it can cause loss of bowel tone.
The regulations governing the use of herbal supplements are less stringent than those of drugs. Further research is needed to determine its safety. Before using, make sure the benefits of using herbal supplements outweigh the risks. Consult an herbalist or doctor for more information.

Before consuming, first check what is the cause of your constipation. Because usually cascara is used as a laxative due to constipation. Also know whether fiber, fluids, or exercise are missing from your lifestyle and are the cause of your constipation.

Also check for cramps, rectal bleeding, nausea and vomiting. If these symptoms occur, stop using the cascara. Avoid long-term use of the cascara as it can cause loss of intestinal tone (which regulates intestinal contractions).

The regulations governing the use of herbal supplements are less stringent than those of drugs. Further research is needed to determine its safety. Before using, make sure the benefits of using herbal supplements outweigh the risks. Consult an herbalist or doctor for more information.

How safe is cascara?

The use of cascara is not recommended in children, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding until further research is available. Cascara is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth while breastfeeding. Cascara can pass into breast milk and can cause diarrhea in a nursing infant.