The leaves, pods and fruits of Cassia senna, more commonly known as the senna plant (or tree), have been used as a laxative since the 9th century AD. Contemporary medicine uses the natural laxative properties of senna as an anti-constipation drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Many doctors recommend the senna for its laxative skills in the clinical setting; however, the leaves of the plant are also sold retail in health food stores, supplement stores or food stores. In the latter case, it is quite common to find it in the form of dried leaves to be consumed after infusion in a similar manner to tea.
Information on safety and dosing
There is little information about the use of senna tea, contrary to the drugs that contain it. No dosage has been established, although it is recommended to use 1-2 grams of dried and infused senna in hot water (10 ') twice a day.
Like most laxatives, chronic use of senna can lead to addiction, abuse, abdominal discomfort or diarrhea.
Individuals with a clinical history of intestinal obstruction and / or inflammatory bowel disease should use the senna with caution. It is not appropriate for individuals taking other laxatives or suffering from diarrhea.
Some data suggest that senna may interfere with cytochrome P450 enzymes; therefore, it should be used with regard to any pharmacological therapy in which the active ingredients are metabolized by the cytochrome P450.
Side effects include potential hypokalemia.
Effectiveness
The drugs having senna as the main ingredient have been studied for their effectiveness in alleviating intestinal constipation, but there is no scientific research on the effects of senna tea on this disorder.
The FDA has approved all the medicinal forms of senna against constipation, although the various investigations have obtained inconclusive results.
The bottom line?
The data supporting the use of senna tea as an effective method to alleviate intestinal constipation are very limited.
However, it is likely to be considered a safe product, as long as medical history, current condition and possible drug therapies are taken into consideration.
Those who choose to use the senna must drink a lot of water, do not prolong the treatment for more than ten days and stop it at the first symptom of diarrhea or hypokalemia.
