In English, cascara sagrada which is Spanish means “sacred bark”. So needless to say, it is the bark of this tree that is primarily used for medicinal purposes. It’s also something that is commonly turned into tea, and consuming it is known to offer an impressive number of health benefits.

Actually, cascara sagrada is well-known for its ability to cure constipation. In other words, this medicinal tree is a form of all-natural laxative. But just because it’s highly revered for its ability to promote normal bowel movement doesn’t mean that you cannot benefit from its consumption if you go to the toilet regularly.

Here are some other perks that a cup of cascara sagrada tea is known to offer:

Lowered Cancer Risk

Numerous studies have shown that cascara sagrada tea’s antioxidant properties may help lower a person’s risk of cancer. Certain biological compounds in the beverage exhibit the ability to keep at bay cellular destruction and mutation by fighting off excess free radicals, which are harmful molecules that are blamed for a number of health problems.

Slowed Down Aging Process

Thanks to its antioxidant content, cascara sagrada tea can be considered as an anti-aging agent. Certainly, it’s a much cheaper way of keeping fine lines and wrinkles from forming. However, it’s not just the outward signs of aging that cascara sagrada tea is known to ward off, but also inward ones such as achy and swollen joints.

Beautified Hair

Many can attest to the effectiveness of cascara sagrada tea against hair fall. Again, it’s for the fact that the herbal drink boasts of amazing antioxidant properties. Folk healers also employ cascara sagrada topically for the treatment of various problems concerning the hair and scalp, such as dandruff and head lice.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

A cup of cascara sagrada tea is also known to help calm the mind, and it’s exactly for this reason why consuming it can be very beneficial for people who constantly suffer from stress and anxiety. So whenever you feel like you are going to explode because of a stressful or anxious situation, relax and have a cup of this time-honored herbal drink.

Improved Sleep

Since it’s capable of soothing your nerves, then it doesn’t come as a shock why drinking cascara sagrada tea before you hit the sack can help you attain a good night’s sleep. Insomnia is a common complication of stress and anxiety, and there is no denying that dealing with it all-naturally is way better than popping a sleeping pill in the mouth.

Eliminated Gallstones

Folk healers also recommend the intake of cascara sagrada tea to those who are suffering from gallstones. In fact, the herbal drink is commonly used for dealing with a number of digestive issues. However, do take note that it’s not suitable for those who are suffering from ulcerative colitis, crohn’s disease or appendicitis.

These are just a few of the many health benefits that cascara sagrada is known to bring. Worry not that consuming a cup of it will make you want to rush to the toilet. Actually, for it to work as a laxative, it needs to be taken in strong concentrations. Drinking a strong brew of cascara sagrada tea is virtually impossible because it will surely taste really bitter. It’s for this reason why cascara sagrada extracts or capsules are the ones ideal for constipation.

JUST A FEW WORDS OF CAUTION: Refrain from taking cascara sagrada tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Similarly, do not consume it or any preparation containing cascara sagrada if you have a medical condition, unless your physician says that it’s absolutely fine to do so. Just like what’s mentioned earlier, steer clear of this herbal tea if you are suffering from ulcerative colitis, crohn’s disease or appendicitis.