What effect have senna leaves?
The main ingredients of Senna are the so-called anthranoids (“anthraquinones”): They increase the release of water into the intestine, so that the stool becomes softer.
The laxative effect of the medicinal plant is also used when an easier bowel movement is desired. This is the case, for example, with hemorrhoids and anal fissures, but also before and after operations in the abdominal cavity or in the area of the rectum and anus, as well as for bowel cleansing before X-ray examinations.
- Senna irritates the intestinal mucosa and in rare cases may cause cramping gastrointestinal symptoms. If this happens to you, you should urgently reduce the dose.
- In case of misuse of Senna (too long and/or too high doses), proteins and blood may appear in the urine (albuminuria, hematuria). In addition, the body then loses too many mineral salts (electrolytes) such as potassium. Increased potassium loss can cause muscle weakness and disrupt heart function, among other things.
- A harmless discoloration of the urine may occur during ingestion.
- Allergic reactions to Senna are possible.
How are senna leaves used?
It is possible to use senna in different ways.
Senna leaves as a home remedy
The dried senna leaves are suitable for the preparation of a senna leaf tea:
Drink the senna leaf tea in the evening before going to bed. With this dose you will reach the amount of anthranoids necessary for a laxative effect. This is about 20 to 30 milligrams per day.
Alternatively, a cold water extract of senna leaves or fruits is suitable: For this purpose, the plant parts are prepared with cold water, left to stand for a few hours and then strained. For drinking, it is best to warm the extract slightly.
Ready-made preparations with senna
A powder or extract of senna leaves or fruits is also used for the production of ready-to-use preparations. For example, coated tablets, tablets, granules and instant teas based on the medicinal plant are available. You can find out how to use and dose the preparations correctly from the respective package insert or from your doctor or pharmacist.
What you should consider when using Senna
- Before you treat constipation with senna leaves or fruits, please first try to eliminate the constipation with the help of a dietary change with lots of fiber and sufficient liquid or swelling agents such as psyllium or flaxseed. Do not take Senna for more than one to two weeks.
- As a precaution, use during pregnancy and lactation and in children under twelve years of age is not recommended – or should be done only on medical advice.
- Habitual (chronic) use of laxatives such as senna leaves may cause potassium deficiency. This can influence the effect of other medications – such as certain heart medications for heart failure and arrhythmias (digitalis preparations, antiarrhythmics).
How to obtain Senna products
You can obtain the dried senna leaves and fruits as well as various dosage forms based on senna at your pharmacy or drugstore. For proper use, please read the respective package insert or ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What are senna plants?
Senna plants are shrubs up to two meters tall with imparipinnate leaves and yellow flowers arranged in clusters. After pollination, the flowers develop into flat, brown legumes that are up to five centimeters long and are colloquially called senna pods.
Senna plants grow in dry, warm areas from north central Africa through Sudan, Egypt and Arabia to southern India.
