The Health Benefits of Senna Herb

Senna is an herb; it is a small, light green shrub with oval leaves and small yellow flowers. The leaves and the fruit of the plant are used to make medicine. Senna is an FDA-approved non-prescription laxative, a plant that is also known as cassia senna, wild senna, cassia marilandica, or locust plant.

 

It works by interacting with the bacteria in the digestive track, resulting in intestinal contractions. The plant has been used in India for thousands of years as a laxative.

 

It can be found in capsule and tablet form, tea bags and loose tea, as well as liquid extracts. The undiluted dried root can be found in health food stores.

 

Senna is generally used by people suffering from constipation. For relief, a person should take ½ teaspoon of the liquid, or one 50 or 100 mg capsule or tablet. After taking the Senna, a bowel movement should occur within six to 12 hours. Senna leaves have laxative properties and is excellent for treating this condition.

 

Senna leaves are found in several over-the-counter laxative products. Senna has compounds in it that stimulates the colon and improves digestion. Senna leaves have healing properties and can be pulverized and applied to burns and wounds on the skin.

Senna Herb
Senna Herb

Its leaves are also used for inflammatory skin conditions when used in paste form and applied topically to the skin. Senna leaf can also be chewed like tobacco to combat mouth infections and gingivitis. Senna is also a mild anti-inflammatory that can soothe internal and external swelling.

 

Senna is safe for short-term use for anyone over the age of 2, although it isn’t recommended during pregnancy. It might cause dehydration, diarrhoea or loose stools, so you might need to drink more water when using this herb. It may increase abdominal pain in people with conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and appendicitis.

 

Senna might interact or interfere with some medications, herbs and supplements. It may interact with heart medications because it lowers your potassium levels. Potassium is needed for normal heart beats.