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These health guides are no substitute for proper diagnosis and treatment from your own health professional.
Cascara sagrada
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Rhamnus purshiana
The reddish bark of this plant is often harvested , dried, aged and used as a laxative. It has been used by the American Indians to help relieve constipation for centuries. These days, one can buy this herb either as a powder or liquid form in a great many over- the- counter laxative preparations.
The active ingredients of this herb, anthraquinones, act on the intestines by producing a wave-like contraction of the muscles of the intestinal wall. It restores tone to the relaxed bowel and is a mild laxative.
It treats chronic constitpation, and it is not habit forming. It is also considered an intestinal tonic. The bitterness of this herb increases the secretions of the entire digestive system, including liver, stomach, gallbladder and pancreas; thus being a good remedy for gallstones, and chronic liver complaints such as an enlarged liver.
Some of the anthraquinones in this herb are said to be able to treat herpes simplex, the virus that causes cold sores. Another component in cascara, aloe-emodin, has an anti-leukaemia action according to researchers, and it may be used as an alternative treatment for certain forms of cancer.
Fresh bark of the herb should not be used. It should only be used if it has been aged for at least a year, to prevent cramping of the bowel.
Do not use during pregnancy or in cases of severe diarrhea.
References
- Tierra M.The Way of Herbs. New York. Pocket Books. 1990.
- Black P. The Illustrated Herbal. Hamlyn. 1987
- Boxer A, Black P.The herb Book. Reed International Books Limited. 1980.
- Burch E (N.D.).The Complete Herbal Companion.Harper Collins 2000
- L’Orang D.The Herbal Healing Secrets of the Orient.Prentice Hall 1998
- Tierra M.The ways of Chinese Herbs.Pocket Books. 1998.
- Liu HC.Chinese System of Food Cures.Pelandok Publication.1989.
- Dr.Hong YH, PhD, Hsu CS, PhD. Commonly Used Chinese Herbs.Oriental Healing Arts Institute, 1980.
- Dr.Hong YH, PhD. How to Treat Yourself with Chinese Herbs.Oriental Healing Arts Institute. 1993.
- Murray M, Pizzorno J.The Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicines. Prima Pub. 1998.
- Tierra L.The Herbs of Life.Freedom, CA. Crossing Press. 1992.
- Dr.Walker M.Olive leaf extract. Kensington books. 1997
- Kloss J, Promise M.Back to Eden, revised version. Mass Market Paperback. 1989.
- Prevention Magazine (editors).The complete book of natural & medicinal cures. Health books. Berkley Publishing Group, 1996.
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