{"id":9852,"date":"2023-07-01T16:17:14","date_gmt":"2023-07-01T15:17:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=9852"},"modified":"2025-04-14T11:04:10","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T10:04:10","slug":"senna","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/senna\/","title":{"rendered":"Senna"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":9853,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"e710c21f-64ff-4f7b-8896-eac8b0c23887","beyondwords_preview_token":"b669d54e-ac98-4b41-add7-796eef5a84bb","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[700,685],"sustainability":[1575],"sense":[18,786],"western_action":[1016,991,993,1020],"chinese_action":[1031,1171],"ayurvedic_action":[1059,1114],"energetics_action":[],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-9852","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-skin","conditions-digestive-system","sustainability-amber-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","sense-cooling","western_action-laxative","western_action-anthelmintic","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-stimulant","chinese_action-drain-fire","chinese_action-relieve-food-stagnation","ayurvedic_action-anuloma","ayurvedic_action-virechana","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20230701","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Senna is a very strong plant that treats constipation temporarily","latin_name":"Senna alexandrina<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Fabaceae","herb_summary":"The senna plant has been used for thousands of years to ease constipation. Senna offers a stimulating and efficient cathartic action, containing a range of chemical constituents including anthraquinones which give senna its reliable laxative effect.","key_benefits":"Cathartic for digestive complaints\r\nStrong antioxidant\r\nAntimicrobial\r\nAnti-infectious properties\r\nDiaphoretic\r\nVermifuge","how_does_it_feel":"The experience of Senna is dose dependent. The lighter dose offers a herbal tea that is: light, soft, almost tasteless but a gentle, soothing experience. The mucilage is faint but offers a light, sunny, almost creamy taste. A heavier dose may cause cramp-like discomfort, uncomfortable diarrhoea, and nausea.\r\n\r\nThe leaves are stronger in action although most commonly used for their therapeutic potential are the Senna pods. Dried pods are often found in Afro-Caribbean food shops and are used as a decoction, for a bedtime drink, and is considered a liver detox (short term use only). This results in a bowel movement, up to ten hours after the dose has been taken.","hdif_image_1":13102,"hdif_image_2":9857,"hdif_image_3":8550,"hdif_video":"","sense":[18,786,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"It can be used for a short-term requirement, in an otherwise healthy person when a soft stool is desirable for example if one has an anal fissure, or haemorrhoids (8). It is helpful to employ the additional use of aromatic herbs to counteract any unwanted side effects. The leaves irritate the digestive tract and encourage peristalsis, so are helpful for short term relief of constipation.\r\n\r\nHowever long term habitual use should be avoided so as to avoid weakening the digestive tract and causing dependency, and if there is inflammation in the gut (for example with Crohn\u2019s or IBS) it should be avoided.","into_the_heart_of":"Senna is a powerful herb which has been used for centuries as a potent laxative across the globe. In Sanskrit the whole plant is known as <\/span>rajavriksha<\/span><\/i>- \u201cking of trees\u201d. Because of its potency, when using senna in herbal blends it is best to start with small doses of the pods as they are milder than the strongly purgative leaves. Senna is commonly sold in pharmacies as an over the counter medicine.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt has bitter, sweet and cooling properties and is used in Chinese medicine to drain downward, and guide out stagnation and for constipation due to heat accumulation in the intestines. The literal translation of \u201cfan xie ye\u201d (the Chinese name for Senna) is \u201cpurgative leaf of the foreigners\u201d.\u00a0<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"\"sennaOur earliest records of its use is by 9th century Arabian physicians, early Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic texts. Traditionally the leaves of Senna are used for a laxative effect, prepared with complementary dried figs, plums and honey(10). Senna will reduce lactation (11).<\/span>\r\n\r\nTraditionally, it was used to treat ringworm infections and other intestinal worms in combination with other known herbal protocols. It was once considered useful in the treatment of halitosis (bad breath) and biliousness (marked by suffering disorder in the liver)(12).<\/span>\r\n\r\nAccording to Culpepper (1649) \u2018the leaf heats in the second degree and dries in the first, it carries downwards both choller, phlegm, and melancholy, it cleanseth the brain, heart, liver, spleen, it cheers the senses, opens obstructions, takes away dullness of sight, preserves youth, helps deafness (if purging will help it) helps melancholy and madness\u2019 (13).<\/span>\r\n\r\nUsed traditionally to cleanse the digestive system during fasting and is useful for all fevers. It was used for catarrhal complaints, jaundice, obesity, faulty menstruation, worms and smallpox(15). According to Levy (1974) Senna was used to tone and restore the digestive system and to thoroughly cleanse the system. Using 8-10 large pods in \u00be pint of cold water, soaked for 7 hours taken with a pinch of powdered ginger per cupful.\u00a0<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"\"sennaEnergetically, senna is considered bitter, cooling and pungent. Working therapeutically on the digestive, excretory and circulatory systems. It can have a strong purgative action and should be taken with care, adhering strictly to the recommended doses. The patient's constitution should be strongly considered to avoid incorrect usage.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe addition of ginger or crushed fennel seeds will reduce any unwanted griping, pain and nausea particularly when senna is administered acutely in larger doses or given to sensitive individuals. After consuming senna, urine may temporarily show a reddish hue, which is considered transient and harmless. However, any suspected blood in the stool or urine should be followed up immediately by a physician.<\/span>\r\n\r\nModern practitioners may use senna for strong, otherwise healthy patients. It is better to manage constipation on a longer-term basis with mucilaginous herbs (like <\/span>slippery elm<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>marshmallow<\/span><\/a>), moistening & hydration therapies as well as stress management and <\/span>gut health support<\/span><\/a>. They are also likely to encourage increased consumption of fresh organic fruits and vegetables and outdoor physical exercise. All of these areas are focused on and improved before or alongside administering other medicinal herbal therapeutic treatments.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nRhubarb<\/span><\/a> (Rheum palmatum<\/span><\/i>)<\/span>,<\/span><\/a> dandelion root<\/span><\/a> (Taraxacum officinalis, radix<\/span><\/i>)<\/span> and <\/span>licorice root <\/span><\/a>(Glycyrrhiza glabra, radix)<\/span><\/i> are generally considered preferable to senna, with fewer side effects and smoother, milder action. However, modern research may indicate a wider spectrum of usage for Senna particularly for the effective treatment of modern diseases (16).<\/span>\r\n\r\nSennosides are compounds in senna that irritate the lining of the large intestine causing the muscles to contract strongly creating the bowel movement. The sennosides are broken down in the bacterial flora of the colon and prevent the reabsorption of fluid, this helps to maintain a softness and motionability to the stool. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved senna\u2019s use in occasional short term constipation.<\/span>\r\n\r\nFrom a Chinese medicine perspective Senna Angustifolia<\/em> (fan xie ye) will \u2018clear heat\u2019 and \u2018purge fire\u2019 with a nature that is sweet, bitter and very cold. Dosage used: laxative (0.5g - 1g), cathartic (1-3g), purgative (4-8g) (17).<\/span>","research":"\"sennaModern research supports the traditional knowledge of senna as a plant medicine that offers \u2018Health-promoting effects\u2019. It has shown that all parts of the plant have a therapeutic potential: the root, stem, leaf and flower are all rich in numerous phytochemicals offering a diverse beneficial effect for treatment of metabolic syndromes (18).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe antioxidant activity found in Senna genus was correlated with the contained polyphenols and the phenolic and flavonoid content. We could profit from this antioxidant activity particularly in our modern treatment of diseases that are on the increase: cardiovascular disease (CVD), Diabetes (T2DB), Parkinson\u2019s disease and neurodegenerative dysfunction (19). Modern research may support the broader spectrum of use for senna particularly in the treatment of skin conditions and infectious disorders.<\/span>\r\n\r\nA randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of senna versus Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) for colon preparation for colon cleansing.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nTwo groups who were going to undergo an elective colonoscopy were split into those taking senna (152 patients) and PEG (170 patients). The group taking senna were advised to take 24 tablets in divided doses (the first twelve at 2pm and the other twelve at 10pm). They were also advised to drink lots of clear liquid, and each senna tablet contained 9-11 mg of Sennoside A and B.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn the PEG group patients received 4 sachets in 4 litres of water the day before the procedure, and were asked to drink 250ml every 15 minutes from 5pm the evening before. They were also asked to drink clear liquid on the morning of the colonoscopy and fast after midnight.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe Aronchick scoring scale was used to evaluate the quality of the colon cleansing, and compliance, tolerance and adverse events were also evaluated.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nOverall results showed that the treatments were equal when it came to quality of colon cleansing, tolerance and compliance as well as incidences of adverse effects. There was more abdominal pain in the senna group, and more nausea and vomiting in the PEG group. Overall it was concluded that senna has the same efficacy as PEG for colon cleansing and could be prescribed as an alternative for bowel preparation. This study shows that senna works well for relieving constipation (35). <\/span>","did_you_know":"The genus name Senna derives from the Arabic word \u2018sana\u2019 used to describe plants that have leaves and pods with cathartic, laxative properties (20).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nNowadays, senna tablets are prescribed on the NHS alongside other medication as a bowel preparation formulation prior to a colonoscopy (21).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nSenna has been used in the Southern Hemisphere for a wide range of cultural uses. From rituals to nutrition, house building decoration to poisons and medicine. In both East and West Africa a decoction was used during ceremonial tribal incisions and tattoos were performed. Probably as an anti-infective. The crude pounded bark was interestingly used as a fish poison and an addition to curries and chillies (9).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":9858},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Senna is native to Northern Egypt, it belongs to a large genus of attractive flowering plants presently found throughout the tropics with up to 350 species\u00a0recognised worldwide (3). Commonly used species in Herbal Medicine are <\/span>Cassia senna<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Cassia acutifolia<\/span><\/i> also known as Alexandrian Senna. <\/span>Cassia angustolia<\/span><\/i> is also used, and is known as Indian Senna. For both plants the medicinal parts are the leaf and pods. As for <\/span>Rhamnus purshianus<\/span><\/i> or <\/span>Cascara sagrada<\/span><\/i> the bark of the tree is used. Both contain natural compounds known as anthraquinones.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe Senna plant is a legume, a recognizable member of the pea family previously known as the Leguminosae, now called the Fabaceae. Senna is a shrub of approximately one meter in height with a straight woody stem and a soft, appealing appearance. It has attractive yellow inflorescences best described as pretty \u2018pea-type family\u2019 flowers.\u00a0 The lance-shaped leaves are arranged either side of a central stem. The dried fruits (seed pods) are flat and papery each containing about 6-8 seeds (4,5).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nWith a high adaptability in terms of soil and climate, the senna plant can easily be propagated from these seeds that will remain viable for several years (6).\u00a0<\/span>","common_names":"","safety":"Senna is generally considered safe and well tolerated, but it can cause adverse events when used in high doses or for a longer time than is recommended. These events usually require dosage reduction and are generally mild and uncomfortable but transient in nature. Most unfortunate clinical events are linked to the overuse of laxative medication. This approach may be taken by the individual for weight management, stress management and metabolic disorders. \r\n\r\nDo not prescribe in pregnancy or during lactation without medical supervision because of potential genotoxicity (25). Not to be administered to children under the age of 12 without medical attention. The European Medical Agency (EMA) does not recommend Senna for breastfeeding or pregnant mothers and other vulnerable people. \r\n\r\nDo not use Senna products for more than 10 days at a time, as this may lead to the weakening of the large bowel muscles (27). Senna is generally considered useful for the occasional bout of constipation but if you are still constipated after taking Senna for three consecutive days, we advise that you contact a herbalist (28). You can find a herbalist in our resources section here.\r\n\r\nSenna use can lead to the intensification of menstrual bleeding.\r\n\r\nRemember persistent constipation should always be thoroughly investigated and seeing a herbalist is advised.\r\n\r\nAvoid using the Senna bark fresh or inadequately prepared because this is likely to result in severe vomiting and intestinal spasm (29). For constipation it is the leaves and pods that are used. ","interactions":"Senna should not be used with diuretic medication, antiarrhythmic drugs or corticoadrenal steroid tablets because herb\/drug interactions lead to increased and unwanted potassium loss. This will increase the likelihood of heart arrhythmias so avoid simultaneous use with all antiarrhythmic drugs. This includes digoxin, lanoxin, and any other heart medication (24). \r\n\r\nAs senna increases the speed of bowel movements, it can decrease how long any medication is in the body and therefore decrease efficacy of oral medications.\r\n\r\nIn cases of excessive use, Senna can cause a disturbance in fluid and electrolyte balance. Regular and long-term use is likely to lead to dependency and may reduce a person's natural capacity for an unassisted, natural, regular bowel movement. ","contraindications":"Do not use it in cases of intestinal obstruction, or with abdominal pain of unknown origin.\r\n\r\nAvoid use in cases of diarrhoea, or during any intestinal inflammation such as Crohn\u2019s disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, as it is likely to accelerate the inflammatory process (23).","preparation":"