Scientifically known as senna Alexandria SennaThis is the most commonly used herb to treat certain types of constipation. The plant can grow to about 6 feet tall and has bright green, hairy stems, dark green leaves, and pale yellow flowers.
Senna contains compounds called anthraquinones, which give the plant a laxative effect. This may also make the herb useful for cleansing the bowels before a colonoscopy, treating some irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, and relieving hemorrhoid symptoms.
Preliminary studies suggest that senna may have antimicrobial and hypoglycemic (lowering blood sugar) properties that may aid in the treatment of conditions such as skin infections, diabetes, and obesity.
This herb is safe when taken in moderation, but can be dangerous when taken in large doses or over long periods of time.
Senna is a medically approved treatment for short-term constipation. This herb is a stimulant laxative, which means it works by stimulating intestinal contractions and promoting bowel movements.
Expert guidelines for the management of constipation list senna-based laxatives as an evidence-supported method for treating chronic idiopathic constipation (or long-term constipation without a clear cause). Senna also appears to help relieve constipation associated with opioid use.
Because of senna's stool-softening effects, medical professionals often recommend using senna to cleanse the bowels before surgery or other medical procedures, such as colonoscopies. Anthraquinones (compounds with laxative properties) found naturally in senna increase the amount of fluid in the intestines, which softens the stool and helps to completely cleanse the intestines.
Studies have shown that senna is safe for preoperative bowel cleansing in children and adults. Senna can sometimes be combined with other treatments, such as probiotics, to support this process.
Studies have shown that senna may help treat certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Senna's anti-inflammatory properties help relieve constipation and associated symptoms such as cramps and discomfort in the digestive system.
Some healthcare providers recommend senna as a complementary treatment for IBS-C, a type of IBS that includes constipation as a primary symptom. More extensive research is still needed on how senna can be used as a treatment for IBS.
Supplementing with senna may help relieve uncomfortable symptoms of hemorrhoids (swollen veins around the anus), such as pain around the rectum.
Constipation or hard stools can cause or worsen hemorrhoids. Senna can help manage hemorrhoid symptoms because it relieves constipation and softens stool. Older studies have shown that senna may help treat hemorrhoids in some cases.
Further research is needed on this theory before senna can be widely recommended as a specific hemorrhoid treatment.
In traditional medicinal practices, senna has been used anecdotally as a treatment for hypoglycemia, meaning it may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
A very small study found that nine adults with diabetes and constipation consumed senna tea consistently over several months. After treatment, participants saw improvements in red blood cell glucose levels, constipation, and other diabetes-related complications.
The findings are promising for long-term diabetes management, but much larger studies are needed to confirm them.
Because of its stimulant and laxative properties, senna is often sold as a diet or weight loss supplement in tea form. The herb may promote bowel movements, which may result in temporary water weight loss.
Researchers also theorize that senna supports metabolism and weight gain by promoting the elimination of toxins from the body. However, additional human clinical trials are needed before senna can be recommended as a treatment strategy for obesity.
Studies have shown that senna may help fight a variety of bacterial and fungal infections.
When applied topically, senna appears to have skin-healing benefits, including fighting acne, clearing skin infections, and treating inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema.
Traditionally, cultures around the world have used topical preparations of senna for this purpose. Although some current research supports these uses, more extensive studies are needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Senna comes in powder, capsule, and liquid form. It is also commonly found as a tea.
Some senna products come in capsule form that can be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Be sure to check the product label before consuming. Experts do not recommend chewing, splitting, or crushing these types of capsules.
When taking senna, you can expect to see results in about 6 to 12 hours. Some experts recommend taking the herb before bed to help you have a bowel movement in the morning.
dosage
Dosages of senna may vary slightly depending on the product and person using the herb.
Most adults take about 17 mg of senna once or twice daily for up to 10 days. Talk to your health care provider before taking senna for more than a week.
Many senna supplement products contain 8-9 mg of senna per capsule.
When used as directed, senna is generally considered safe for adults and children 2 years of age and older.
However, it may be unsafe for people with certain health conditions, such as:
- Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Appendicitis or inflammation of the appendix
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- Liver disease
- dehydration
If you have any of the conditions listed above, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are currently experiencing abdominal pain or intestinal obstruction, consult your doctor to see if Senna is right for you.
Potential Drug Interactions
Senna may interact with certain medications, including:
- diuretic: Taking senna along with diuretics (water pills) may cause imbalanced potassium levels in the body. Diuretics help excrete salt and water from the body. This effect can be doubled when used with a laxative such as senna, which can remove too much potassium from the body.
- Estrogen: Senna may interfere with the absorption of estradiol, a form of estrogen found in some types of birth control. This may make the contraception less effective.
- Heart medications: Senna is a stimulant laxative and may lower potassium levels, which may increase your risk of experiencing side effects from the heart medication lanoxin (digoxin). Senna's laxative effects may also increase the blood-clotting effect of the drug Coumadin (warfarin) and increase the risk of bleeding.
- Stimulant laxatives: Taking senna while taking other forms of stimulant laxatives may worsen the laxative effect and lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Certain supplements, such as horsetail and licorice root, may also interact with senna by increasing the likelihood of low potassium levels.
Some experts recommend taking senna supplements at least 2 hours before or after taking other oral medications. Ask your healthcare provider about the best way to take senna with other medications or supplements.
What should I look for?
Senna is readily available at pharmacies and online in supplement or tea form.
When purchasing Senna products, check the label to see if the supplement has been tested by a third party for purity and potency. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements like it does drugs. Agencies such as US Pharmacopeia, NSF International, and ConsumerLab provide quality testing to ensure the safety and effectiveness of products.
Can you take too much senna?
It is not safe to use senna long term or take more than the recommended daily dose as a supplement or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Long-term use of senna can lead to a dependency on the supplement to produce bowel movements. Long-term or high dose use of senna can cause dangerously low potassium levels and may also cause liver toxicity and other side effects.
When used as directed for short periods of time, the potential side effects of senna are generally mild. Some of the most commonly experienced side effects include:
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- diarrhea
- sickness
- bloating
- throw up
- gas
- Urine discoloration
A serious side effect of long-term use of senna is liver damage, which can occur after several months of senna use. Although rare, electrolyte imbalances and changes in heart rhythm may also occur.
Senna is an herb used medicinally to treat short-term constipation. It may also have other health benefits, such as clearing the bowel before surgery, treating IBS symptoms, and relieving hemorrhoids. Early research suggests that senna may help treat skin infections, diabetes, and obesity, but more evidence is needed.
Senna may interact with certain medications, so consider consulting your healthcare provider before adding this supplement to your daily regimen.