Nature provides us with plants with therapeutic effects that, in many cases, are preferred over drugs, seen as more extreme, invasive and artificial treatments.

The senna leaf is a plant whose use dates back to the Middle Ages , when its properties as a laxative were already known.

What is the senna sheet?

In recent years, this plant has become increasingly popular , not only being used to treat intestinal problems such as daily constipation, but also has been attributed with slimming properties.

Although as a natural laxative it has been shown to be quite effective, the senna plant is not without controversy, since at certain doses it can do more harm than good to the body.

Let’s see in more detail what this plant is, how it can be prepared as an infusion, 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 that 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 marketed in herbalists and pharmacies both in leaves and tablets without a prescription, may have some undesirable effects, because although it is a natural remedy, it is not free from health problems.

Infusion preparation

The infusion of senna leaves is not too complicated, however, it is necessary to take some precautions to avoid that the infusion becomes something unpleasant and harmful to health .

In herbalists you can find preparations of this plant, along with others like ginger, mint or fennel to make the infusion more pleasant to the palate, since 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, cup or saucepan, add the hot water and wait about 5 minutes for the liquid to soak up the plant’s nutrients. It is advisable not to add water that is boiling, since in that case the infusion will become too irritating.

Main uses and indications

The main components of senna are senosides. The infusion of this plant has been shown to be a powerful short-term laxative and this is its main use . In order to make the infusion of senna leaves as effective as possible, it is recommended to drink it before going to sleep, as it will facilitate the egestion the following morning. The recommended daily dose of senna leaves is between 0.5 and 2 grams.

Because it helps to alleviate the effects of constipation, facilitating the elimination of stool, it also allows for the healing of injuries to the rectum such as hemorrhoids. For this purpose, it can be consumed by people over 2 years old, although it is recommended that children between 2 and 15 years old take other treatments, such as mineral oil and lactulose.

This plant is diuretic, which helps to purify the body and reduces fluid retention. It has also been associated with an improvement in the musculature of the urinary system, facilitating the expulsion of urine.

It is believed that senna is probably an effective treatment for preparing the intestine 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 glycol or sodium phosphate are more effective in cleaning the intestines.

Side effects

The 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 an overdose and to the fact that its consumption is too long over time. Consuming daily quantities of more than 3 grams of senna leaf 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, loose 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 should be noted 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 the form of an infusion and in tablet form.

1. Pregnancy and lactation

The senna plant stimulates the smooth muscles , something that could cause premature contractions and even abortion.

During the nursing period, it is not recommended to take the breastfeeding leaf because the laxative substances present in this plant could reach the baby through the mother’s milk, producing digestive problems in the newborn.

2. Senna hypersensitivity

People with allergies to the plant should not consume any derivatives of it.

If you are taking an infusion or a tablet of senna leaf for the first time, it is recommended that you do so gradually, taking a small amount to see what effects can occur.

In this way, it is possible to know if there is any type of hypersensitivity to any plant compound, such as swelling of the lips, respiratory problems or any other type of immune response.

3. Digestive problems

Given its laxative action, people suffering from any digestive problem such as diarrhea or Crohn’s disease should avoid as much as possible the consumption of Senna alexandrine.

The plant is recommended only in cases where there is constipation not due to a serious disease. In case the person suffers from a serious medical condition, it is appropriate to consult a doctor rather than resorting to natural treatments.

4. Slimming down

Many people believe that if they eat a lot of food, to avoid getting fat or to accelerate the results of weight loss diets, 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 it does, it does so in a very reduced form.

Senna leaf is not an easy weight loss remedy. Its abusive consumption can have negative repercussions on the metabolism, for this reason it should not be used with the purpose of losing weight.

There are other amazing natural remedies that have been shown to be effective in achieving this end, such as exercising or eating a varied and healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit.

5. Long-term consumption

Although it has been shown to be an effective short-term remedy for treating constipation, it is not recommended to exceed 2 weeks of consumption of this plant , as it may adversely affect the liver, intestines, and even the heart in the long run.

Ideally, you should take senna leaf teas or tablets occasionally. If you suffer from daily constipation, you should not consume this plant to solve it. It is advisable to consult a professional.

Interactions with other herbs and medications

The leaf of the senna plant can have a particularly negative effect on the organism if the person who is consuming it is also taking other natural remedies or drugs. No interactions between senna herb and food have been found.

Some of the compounds with which this plant interacts and the adverse effects generated are the following.

1. Diuretic drugs and herbal laxatives

As 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 estrogen. The plant in the breast decreases the amount of these hormones in the body, which reduces the therapeutic effects of hormone replacement treatments.

3. Contraceptive tablets

Estradiol is an estrogen present in some contraceptives. Because senna lowers estrogen levels in the body, it also reduces the effectiveness of birth control treatments.

4. Digoxin

Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a drug used to treat heart problems. This drug can interact with senna because the side effects of digoxin are increased if there is a decrease in potassium in the body.

Bibliographic references:

  • Cogley K, Echevarria A, Correa C, De la Torre-Mondragón L. (2017) Contact Burn with Blister Formation in Children Treated with Sennosides. Pediatr Dermatol;34: 85-88.
  • Irwin H.S. and Barneby R.C. (1982). The American Cassiinae: A synoptical revision of Leguminosae tribe Cassieae subtribe Cassiinae in the New World. Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden, 35, 1-119.
  • Izzy, M., Malieckal, A, Little, E. and Anand, S. (2016). Review of efficacy and safety of laxatives use in geriatrics. World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics 7 (2), 334-342
  • Leung, L., Riutta, T., Kotecha, J. and Rosser, W. (2011). Chronic constipation: An evidence-based review. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. 24 (4), 436–451.
  • Vilanova-Sanchez A, Gasior AC, Toocheck N, et al (2018). Are Senna based laxatives safe when used as long term treatment for constipation in children? J Pediatr Surg ;53:722-7.