Senna

Species Name: Senna alexandrina.

Also known as: Cassia senna, tinnevelly senna, India senna, Alexandrian senna, and Khartoum senna.

Do you know what Senna can do for you? You may have heard of Senna before and not been aware that it was an herb. Even people that do not usually use herbal supplements or medicine have likely heard of senna since it is a common ingredient in many commercial medications.

What is Senna: Just what is this herb called Senna and what does it do? Senna is the common name for many species in the genera Senna and Cassia, both in the family Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae. The term "Senna" is often used specifically for the medicinal herb Senna alexandrina. Some species are created commercially in the United States for use. The leaves and pods of this powerful plant are what are used medicinally to help induce bowel movements or create softer stools. Senna is native to Europe and Asia and is now cultivated commercially in the Middle East and India.

Home Remedies using Senna:

Benefits of Senna:

Senna’s main purpose is as a laxative. This is why it is used as a main ingredient in several commercial laxative products. It works because it has chemicals that are part of the class called anthraquinones which means they are stimulant laxatives. Senna works because it irritates the lining of the lower gastrointestinal tract. The bowel contracts which helps push out contents of the lower intestinal tract. It can also help keep more water in the intestines which can give you a softer stool that will be easier to pass.

There are some types of Senna that are marketed to be safe for children but always ask your doctor if you have any concerns over whether or not it is safe to use Senna on yourself or on your children. Senna laxatives are sometimes given to pregnant women who suffer from constipation or just after delivery when they need something gentle. It may take up to 8 or even 12 hours for you to get results from using senna.

Use of Senna:

• To relieve constipation
• Standardized extracts, tinctures, liquids and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements

Side Effects of Senna:

Do not use senna for longer than 1 week without consulting your doctor or other health care provider. Prolonged use of senna can be dangerous or lead to dependency.