There is a good chance that most adults have consumed this herb without knowing it: senna is the primary ingredient in most over-the-counter laxatives.
The herb has a long history of being used to relieve constipation, first by Arabian physicians in the 9th century AD. Legend has it that the herb was used by a great caliph of Baghdad, who sent his physician out in search of a mild laxative to replace those available in his court at the time – ironic considering the fierce potency of senna. The Arabian herb was later introduced to Europe and eventually to England, where it was later cultivated, in 1640.
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The botanical name for senna is Cassia senna and it is a relative of the Leguminosae plant family. Although there are numerous varieties of this plant, the herbal extract is derived from two specific species of Cassia, ‘alexandria’ and ‘tinnevelly’. The former herb is native to Arabia and cultivated in Egypt and Sudan, which explains why it is occasionally referred to as Egyptian senna; while the tinnevelley is extensively cultivated in southern and eastern India.
Research over 50 years has shown that senna is certainly effective as a laxative, but it is not a gentle one. It is thus advised that it be used in preparations that combine it with other ingredients, or alone as a last resort in the treatment of constipation. Senna acts through sennosides which irritate the lining of the large intestine, causing the muscles to contract strongly, resulting in a bowel movement about 10 hours after the dose is taken. The herb also prevents absorption of fluid from the large bowel, helping to keep the stool soft.
Other: mucilage, flavonoids, volatile oil, sugars, and resins
Actions
Purgative
Antipyretic
Alterative
Cathartic
Laxative
Vermifuge
Diuretic
What is Senna used for?
Primary:
Constipation
Inflammatory skin conditions
Other:
Hypertension
Obesity
Note: Senna is used mainly for severe constipation, but where there is inflammation in the gastro-intestinal tract, rhubarb is a better alternative since it has fewer side effects. Senna is a good short-term laxative but should not be taken for more than 10 days as it may weaken the large bowel muscles.
Combinations
Due to the strong action of senna, and the fact that it is foul tasting, it may be combined with aromatic herbs to improve palatability and lessen its intensity. Some excellent correctives include:
Cardamon
Ginger
Fennel
Cloves
Cinnamon
Dosage (for constipation)
Tea:
Steep 3-6 dried pods or leaves in a cup of boiling water. Add honey or lemon to improve the taste.
Tincture:
2-4 ml before bedtime.
Capsules:
10-60 mg of sennosides per day for no longer than 10 days.
Safety
Do not take senna in cases of ulcers, colitis, haemorrhoids, inflammatory conditions of the gastro-intestinal tract, diarrhoea or pregnancy. Senna should not be administered for longer than a 10-day period. Larger doses, or prolonged use of senna can cause diarrhea, nausea and severe abdominal cramping, with possible dehydration.
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