Senna Leaf: What Is This Medicinal Plant And How To Take It?
Nature provides us with plants with therapeutic effects that, on many occasions, are preferred over drugs, seen as more extreme, invasive and artificial treatments.
Senna leaf is a plant whose use dates back to the Middle Ages a time when they already knew its properties as a laxative.
In recent years, this plant has become more popular not only being used to treat intestinal problems such as everyday constipation, but it has also been attributed slimming properties.
Although it has been shown to be quite effective as a natural laxative, the senna plant is not exempt from controversy, given that, at certain doses, it can cause more harm than benefit to the body.
Let’s see in more detail what this plant is, how it can be prepared in infusion format, what its therapeutic effects are and also its side effects and what it should not be used for.
A medicinal plant with many properties
Senna (Senna alexandrina) is a medicinal plant cultivated in Egypt, Sudan, Somalia, Pakistan and India which is known, above all, for its powerful laxative effects. This plant falls into the category of stimulant laxatives, since it acts directly on the intestinal mucosa, increasing the peristaltic movements of the colon.
It has also been linked to improving the symptoms of hemorrhoids, in addition to being used by some people to lose weight more easily.
Despite its benefits, the plant, which is sold in herbalists and pharmacies both in leaves and in tablets without a prescription, can present some undesirable effects, and although it is a natural remedy, it is not free of problems for health.
Preparation of the infusion
The infusion of senna leaves is not too complicated, however, Some precautions must be taken into account to prevent the infusion from becoming unpleasant and harmful to health
In herbalists you can find preparations of this plant, along with others such as ginger, mint or fennel to make the infusion more pleasant to the palate, given that the senna plant is quite bitter.
The infusion can be prepared with 1 or 2 grams of senna leaves per 250 ml of water. Place the senna leaf in a container, such as a pot, a cup or a saucepan, add the hot water and wait about 5 minutes for the liquid to absorb the plant’s nutrients. It is advisable not to add boiling water, since in this case the infusion will become too irritating.
Main uses and indications
The main components of senna are sennosides. The infusion of this plant has been shown to be a powerful short-term laxative and this is its main use For the senna leaf infusion to be as effective as possible, it is recommended to drink it before going to sleep, as it will facilitate egestion the next morning. The recommended daily dose of senna leaves is between 0.5 and 2 grams.
Because it helps alleviate the effects of constipation, making it easier to eliminate feces, it also helps heal injuries to the rectum such as hemorrhoids. For this purpose, people over 2 years of age can consume it, although it is recommended that children between 2 and 15 years old take other treatments, such as mineral oil and lactulose.
This plant is a diuretic, which helps purify the body and reduces fluid retention. It has also been associated with an improvement in the muscles of the urinary system, facilitating the expulsion of urine.
Senna is thought to be a likely effective treatment for bowel preparation before a colonoscopy, as are castor oil and bisacodyl. However, research has yet to clarify whether senna leaves are the most effective component for this purpose or whether other substances such as polyethylene glycolic or sodium phosphate are more effective in cleansing the intestines.
Side effects
Abusive consumption of this plant can generate a situation of dependence on laxatives This contributes to the intestine not working autonomously, becoming “lazy.”
Most of the side effects of this plant are due to overdose and prolonged consumption over time. Consuming quantities greater than 3 grams of senna leaf daily can be toxic.
Due to its laxative effects, the main symptoms that this plant can cause are of the gastrointestinal type, such as vomiting, diarrhea, soft stools, intense cramps, as well as a decrease in vitamin K, hemorrhages, lack of potassium, decreased hemoglobin, hypocalcemia. , hypokalemia, intestinal malabsorption, dehydration, increased menstrual flow, liver damage and, in the most severe cases, coma.
Contraindications
Although it is a natural remedy, It must be taken into account that senna leaf is not suitable for all types of people
Below are the cases in which the consumption of this plant is not recommended, both in infusion format and in tablets.
1. Pregnancy and lactation
The senna plant stimulates smooth muscles something that could cause premature contractions and even abortion.
During breastfeeding, it is not recommended to take senna leaf since the laxative substances present in this plant could reach the baby through breast milk, causing digestive problems in the newborn.
2. Hypersensitivity to senna
People who are allergic to the plant should not consume any derivatives Of the same.
If you take a senna leaf infusion or tablet for the first time, it is recommended to do so gradually, ingesting a small amount to see what effects may occur.
In this way, it is possible to know if there is any type of hypersensitivity to any compound in the plant, such as swelling of the lips, respiratory problems or any other type of immune response.
3. Digestive problems
Given its laxative action, people who suffer from any digestive problem such as diarrhea or Crohn’s disease should avoid consumption as much as possible by Senna Alexandrina.
The plant is recommended only in cases where there is constipation not due to serious illness. If the person suffers from a serious medical condition, it is appropriate to consult a doctor before resorting to natural treatments.
4. Lose weight
Many people consider that if they eat a large meal, to avoid gaining weight or accelerate the results of diets focused on losing weight, consuming laxatives will prevent the absorption of certain nutrients such as fats.
This is simply not true. The consumption of laxatives does not prevent the absorption of the components present in food and, if so, it does so in a very reduced way.
Senna leaf is not a remedy to lose weight easily. Its excessive consumption can have a negative impact on the metabolism, for this reason it should not be used for the purpose of losing weight.
There are other surprising natural remedies that have been shown to be effective in achieving this goal, such as exercising or eating a varied and healthy diet that does not lack vegetables and fruits.
5. Long-term consumption
Although it has been shown to be an effective short-term remedy for treating constipation, It is not recommended to consume this plant for more than two weeks since in the long run it can have a harmful effect on the liver, intestines and even the heart.
The ideal is to take senna leaf infusions or tablets occasionally. If you suffer from daily constipation, you should not consume this plant to solve it. It is advisable to go to a professional.
Interactions with other herbs and medications
The leaf of the senna plant can have a particularly negative impact on the body in case the person who is consuming it is also taking other natural remedies or drugs. No interactions have been found between senna herb and food.
Some of the compounds with which this plant interacts and the adverse effects that are generated are the following.
1. Diuretic medications and laxative herbs
Since senna is a laxative plant, combining it with other compounds that have the same function or that contribute to more frequent urination enhances this effect.
Laxatives and diuretics contribute to a decrease in potassium in the body.
2. Estrogens
Some hormone replacement treatments use estrogens. The senna plant reduces the amount of these hormones in the body, which causes hormone replacement treatments to reduce their therapeutic effects.
3. Contraceptive tablets
Estradiol is an estrogen present in some contraceptives. Considering that senna decreases estrogen levels in the body, it also reduces the effectiveness of contraceptive treatments.
4. Digoxin
Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a drug used to treat heart problems. This medication may interact with senna, since the side effects of digoxin are increased if there is a decrease in potassium in the body.
