The sacred husk is a medicinal plant widely used to treat constipation due to its laxative effect that promotes the evacuation of feces. Its scientific name is Rhamnus purshiana DC and can be purchased in natural products stores and in some handling pharmacies.
The extract of the shell is metabolized by the intestinal bacteria, producing substances that stimulate the movement of the intestine, failing evacuation.
What is the Sacred Shell used for?
The sacred shell is usually used to combat constipation, but can also aid in weight loss, since it has properties that decrease fat absorption, in addition to potentiate the digestion of fat, and can also be used to control cholesterol.
This plant has laxative, diuretic, stimulating and toning properties. Thus, it can be used to combat fluid retention, weight loss, help in the treatment of constipation, abdominal bloating, dysregulated menstrual flow, hemorrhoids, liver problems and dyspepsia.
Contraindications of use
The sacred shell should not be used by pregnant women as it can cause abortion, infants, children under 6 years and by patients who have appendicitis, dehydration, intestinal obstruction, nausea, rectal bleeding, vomiting or abdominal pain.
Side Effects of the Sacred Shell
Although it has many benefits, the use of the sacred shell can lead to the occurrence of some side effects, such as:
- Tiredness;
- Abdominal cramps;
- Decreased potassium in the blood;
- Diarrhea;
- Lack of appetite;
- Malabsorption of nutrients;
- Nausea;
- Loss of regularity to defecate;
- Excessive sweating;
- Dizziness;
- Vomiting.
To avoid side effects, it is advisable to use the holy shell under medical supervision and following the daily doses suggested by the manufacturer, which is usually 50 to 600 mg per day divided into 3 doses per day in the case of capsule shell.
Sacred shell tea
The dried bark of the sacred shell is used to make teas and infusions.
How to prepare: Put 25 g of peels in a pan with 1 liter of boiling water, let stand for 10 minutes. Drink 1 to 2 cups a day.
See other laxative tea recipes to combat constipation.
