Casсara Sagrada

Description

NSP Cascara Sagrada — The Gentlest Herbal Laxative with a Century of Clinical History

Cascara Sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana, “sacred bark”) is the bark of a shrub native to the Pacific Coast of North America. For centuries, it was used by indigenous peoples of California and Oregon for digestive health. It was listed in the US Pharmacopeia as an official laxative from 1877 to 2002 — one of the longest-running botanical entries in official pharmaceutical standards.

NSP Cascara Sagrada (SKU 170) is a standardized herbal supplement using aged bark containing anthraquinone glycosides (cascarosides) — natural compounds that gently stimulate peristalsis in the large intestine without habituation when used appropriately.

How It Works

Active compounds — cascarosides A, B, C, D — act in two stages:

1. Direct stimulation of intestinal nerve plexuses (Meissner’s and Auerbach’s): increases smooth muscle contraction in the large intestine → enhanced peristalsis
2. Inhibition of water and electrolyte reabsorption in the colon: retains fluid in the intestinal lumen → softer stools

Onset: 6–12 hours after taking (ideal for overnight action — take at bedtime, results in the morning).

Key difference from senna: Cascara is gentler, with lower anthraquinone concentrations and reduced risk of intestinal irritation.

Supplement Facts

Each capsule contains:
– Cascara Sagrada bark extract (Rhamnus purshiana) — 850 mg
– Aged bark (minimum 1 year aging — converts irritating fresh anthrones to gentler cascarosides)

Free from: sugar, gluten, artificial colors and preservatives.

Serving: 100 vegetarian capsules

When to Use

Short-term (7–14 days):
– Temporary constipation of any origin
– Bowel preparation before medical procedures
– Constipation from diet changes, stress, or travel
– Restoring regular bowel movements after antibiotic therapy

Detox programs:
– Component of colon cleansing programs
– Combined with probiotics and fiber for comprehensive GI detoxification

Suggested Use

Starting dose: 1 capsule at bedtime.

Full dose: 1–2 capsules at bedtime — acts in 6–12 hours (morning results).

Maximum continuous use: 7–14 days. Longer use requires medical consultation.

Take with a full glass of water (250–300 mL). Maintain fluid intake of 2+ L/day.

NSP Colon Detox Protocol

1. Cascara Sagrada NSP — peristalsis stimulation and elimination
2. CleanStart NSP or Psyllium Hulls NSP — fiber sorbent that binds toxins
3. Bifidophilus Flora Force NSP — microbiome restoration post-cleanse
4. Liquid Chlorophyll NSP — intestinal deodorant and blood detoxification

Safety and Contraindications

Contraindications:
– Intestinal obstruction
– Acute inflammatory GI conditions (appendicitis, Crohn’s disease flare)
– Pregnancy and breastfeeding
– Children under 12
– Dehydration
– Hypokalemia (low potassium)

Possible side effects with prolonged use:
– Pseudomelanosis coli (reversible dark discoloration of colonic mucosa)
– Hypokalemia without electrolyte supplementation during extended use

Drug interactions: May potentiate warfarin; reduces cardiac glycoside and antiarrhythmic efficacy if hypokalemia develops.

Dietary supplement. Not a medicinal product.