- What is it for?
- Fight constipation
- Prepares the intestine for diagnostic tests
- Hemorrhoids
- Skin and hair care
- Other uses
- How to take it?
- Contraindications
- Side effects
- References
The Copalquín (Rhamnus purshiana) is one of the common names given to a tree native to western North America. The tree is 4.5 to 10 meters tall and its trunk is 20 to 50 centimeters in diameter. The species is probably better known as cascara sagrada, due to the properties of its dry bark.
The bark must have aged for a year before being used properly. In this there are chemical substances that exert laxative action, stimulating peristalsis in the colon. Freshly cut, the bark has higher levels of the active ingredients, which can cause severe bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
These active ingredients are hydroxyanthracene glycosides. These substances are not easily absorbed in the small intestine, but are hydrolyzed by the intestinal flora. They inhibit the absorption of water and electrolytes in the large intestine and allow the volume of its contents to increase.
When being excreted by the kidneys, some of the chemical components present in the cortex cause a change in the color of the urine. The fruit is also edible raw or cooked and in the same way it has a laxative effect.
What is it for?
The dried and aged bark of R. purshiana has been used as a natural laxative medicine for many years by the inhabitants of the Pacific Northwest and North America.
Glycosides naturally derived from anthraquinone that explain this property are also found in the leaves and fruits of plants such as senna, rhubarb root and aloe latex.
Fight constipation
It is used as a laxative in elderly and pediatric patients. Once ingested, the peel begins to work in the colon within six to ten hours.
The active principles of copalquín stimulate the lining of the colon mucosa, producing an active secretion of electrolytes and water.
Therefore, intestinal content is increased, exerting dilation pressure on the colon; in turn, the pressure stimulates the movement of the stool.
Prepares the intestine for diagnostic tests
It can be used as a form of natural bowel preparation for colonoscopies or other procedures, such as intestinal exams, in place of other laxatives.
Hemorrhoids
The laxative properties of copalquín soften the stool, facilitating its passage through the colon. As a result, it is effective in reducing the urge to strain the intestine and thus decreasing the manifestation of hemorrhoids.
Skin and hair care
One of the most widely used uses for copalquin is for skin and hair care. Its anti-aging, moisturizing and youth acne treatment properties have been recognized. On the hair it prevents hair loss and strengthens it.
Other uses
- The tree is ornamental.
- Provides food and habitat for wildlife and prevents soil erosion.
- Due to its bitter taste, the peel can be applied to the nails to prevent the bad habit of biting.
- Peel extract is sometimes used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.
- It has also been used in the manufacture of sunscreen.
- There are ailments for which its use has been reported although there is not enough evidence of these effects. These include the fragmentation of gallstones and the prevention of their formation; liver problems, such as hepatomegaly or an enlarged liver; and also as a chemotherapy enhancer.
How to take it?
The dose should be low initially and gradually increased as needed. The shell must be aged for at least one year; If not, it should be dried in an oven at about 250 ˚F (about 121 ˚C).
To combat constipation or gallstones, you can make a decoction of the bark. To do this, mix four teaspoons of dry bark with one liter of boiling water. The solution is allowed to stand for an hour to ensure complete dissolution.
It is drunk from ½ cup to 1 cup, 2 to 3 times per day, not to exceed two cups per day. This preparation is most effective when taken on an empty stomach, allowing the herb to act quickly.
Tinctures can be used instead of the decoction. The recommended dose is 15 to 30 drops to replace each cup of solution. Always be careful to use the lowest effective dose.
Because it is a very bitter herb, honey or sugar can be added to the decoction to make it more palatable. Flavorings like anise can be added to further counteract the unpleasant taste.
It is necessary to ingest large amounts of water with each dose of copalquin. If it comes in capsule form, the manufacturer's instructions should be followed. If it is the liquid extract, you should take approximately one teaspoon in each dose, 2 to 3 times a day if necessary.
Contraindications
- Its use is not recommended if you are taking medications to treat congestive heart failure (CHF) and heart rhythm disturbances (atrial arrhythmias).
- Nor is its consumption desirable if diuretics are ingested. Copalquin may potentiate the effects of these drugs and possibly lead to potassium deficiency. In those cases, you should consult with the treating doctor before taking it.
- It is contraindicated when being treated for disorders that cause inflammation with drugs such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone and others. These drugs can lower your body's potassium levels.
- Due to its laxative properties it should not be used by people suffering from Crohn's disease, as well as by individuals with intestinal obstructions or lesions, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, hemorrhoids, appendicitis or kidney problems.
- The effects of warfarin can be increased if copalquin is being ingested simultaneously, causing an increased risk of bleeding.
Side effects
- Active compounds can be transferred to the baby through breast milk. Therefore, lactating women should not ingest it.
- The induction of labor is another of the effects that can have if it is taken during pregnancy.
- Diarrhea, one of the possible side effects of copalquin, is a common cause of electrolyte imbalance. Excessive use of this product can lead to a loss of minerals and salts such as potassium and sodium.
- Diarrhea can lead to dehydration leading to weakness, blurred vision, confusion and, in severe cases, fainting, kidney failure, and even death.
References
- Cascara (nd). Retrieved June 6, 2018 at webmd.com
- Cascara sagrada herb (sf). Retrieved June 6, 2018 at herbal-supplement-resource.com
- Constipation and cascara sagrada (sf) Retrieved on June 6, 2018 at healthline.com
- 10 Amazing Benefits of Cascara Sagrada for Skin, Hair and Health (2017). Retrieved June 6, 2018 at stylecraze.com
- Terry S. (2017) What is Cascara Sagrada good for? Retrieved on June 6, 2018 on Livestrong.com
- Powers D. (2017). The Dangers of Cascara Sagrada Bark. Retrieved on June 6, 2018 on Livestrong.com
- Princeton C. (2017). Health Benefits of Cascara Sagrada Bark. Retrieved on June 6, 2018 on Livestrong.com
- Rhamnus purshiana (2018). Retrieved on June 6, 2018 at wikipedia.org