Cascara Sagrada Dangers

Discomfort

• When using cascara sagrada, the most common danger you run is experiencing discomfort. Common side effects from cascara sagrada include stomach cramping and aches, according to RX List. People with stomach problems, such as those with ulcers, stomach pain or any intestinal disorders, can experience a significant increase in their symptoms by using cascara sagrada, so they should steer clear of this product. Rectal bleeding has been reported among those using this product.

Dehydration

• Because cascara sagrada is a laxative, using it long-term can result in serious dehydration. And that, in turn, can result in low electrolytes in your body, which can lead to muscle weakness and even major heart problems.

Medication Interactions

• Although it is a natural medicine, cascara sagrada can have dangerous interactions with numerous medications. There is a moderate danger of interaction with Digoxin (Lanoxin), any corticosteroid, other stimulant laxatives, Warfarin (Coumadin) and water pills.

Disease

• Liver damage and acute hepatitis have been among the reported results of using cascara sagrada. Oddly enough, even though some people believe that cascara sagrada can help cure cancer, it may in fact cause cancer. That's because it has anthraquinones, which are compounds that have been found to cause tumors and colon cancer in lab animals, according to the Global Healing Center.