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Native to Northern Africa, Senna has been used for hundreds of years — internally as a laxative and internal cleanser, and externally for skin health. While senna is categorized as a stimulant laxative, it is milder in action than other botanicals used for the same purpose, such as aloe and rhubarb.
WHAT IS SENNA USED FOR?
Senna is so effective it is an FDA-permitted monograph ingredient for the treatment of occasional constipation. Clinical trials have shown that Senna increases the frequency of bowel movements and is effective as a laxative for occasional constipation. It also provides quick relief, working in 8-10 hours. There are several types of laxatives: bulk-forming (which add bulk to stool), hyperosmotics (which increase the amount of water in the bowels), lubricants (which coat the bowel) and stimulants, which act directly on the intestinal wall. Senna is both a stimulant and hyperosmotic laxative. Senna leaf anthranoids have been documented to stimulate peristaltic contractions, helping move waste through the GI tract.* In addition, they increase levels of water and electrolytes in the intestines, softening stool and accelerate colonic transit time, increasing the frequency of bowel movements.
Is senna tea safe to drink?
Senna is an herb that comes from several different flowering species of the Cassia plants. The leaves, flowers, and fruits of the senna plant have been used in tea as a laxative or stimulant for centuries.
The leaves of the Senna plant are also used in some teas to help relieve constipation or promote weight loss.
Fast facts on senna tea:
- Senna is available as a tea, a liquid, a powder, or tablets.
- It is regarded as safe when used by adults and children over the age of 2.
- While generally safe, senna can interact with certain medications.
Uses of senna tea
- Senna is most often used as a laxative, either to relieve constipation or in some cases, to help with weight loss. It is also an ingredient in some conventional over-the-counter laxatives.
- The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved senna as a non-prescription drug to treat constipation. The most common doses are:
- Children: 8.5 milligrams (mg) per day to cause a single bowel movement
- Children over 12 and adults: 17.2 mg per day, with no more than 34.4 mg each day
- Older adults: 17 mg per day
- Postpartum pregnancy: 28 mg per day, divided into two doses
- It is not recommended to use senna for longer than 2 weeks at a time.
