What is Senna?

Senna, or Cassia, is a herb that has been used as a laxative for more than a thousand years. This herb is also known as India Senna, Tinnevelly Senna, Cassia Senna, Chartum Senna and Alexandrian Senna. It contains anthrachinone, which causes intestinal contractions by interaction with bacteria in the digestive path. Leaves and pods of plants are used for people suffering from constipation. It is available as a liquid extract, dried pods or capsules. The recommended dose is 0.5 teaspoon (about 2.5 ml) of liquid leaf extract or 50 to 100 mg capsules. Dried pods can be cooked into tea and use three to six for each cup of water. As Senna tastes very unpleasant, tea should be mixed with another taste. The herb should be maintained in a dark dry area, protected from both light and humidity. Anyone who takes it should carefully follow the package instructions.

Senna should not be taken for more than a week straight, or addiction may develop. There are many side effects that may occur when using thisHerbs, including toxicity and increased colon cancer risk. Also, diarrhea, as well as colon pigmentation, laxative dependence and enlarge the ends of the fingers and fingers, may occur. Senna can also color urine.

people suffering from Crohn's disease or other serious digestive diseases should not use Senna. It should not be used by people with diversion disease, colitis, congestive heart failure, gastrointestinal cancer, liver disease, kidney disease or recent colon surgery.

Anyone using herbal supplements should inform their regular healthcare provider because it can interact with other medicines. A trained herbalist may be able to offer more information about herbal add -ons.