What are the health benefits of senna leaf?

Senna is a woody perennial plant belonging to the legume family. The plant is native to North Africa and the Middle East and is mostly found in the temperate regions of India and China. The herb was first used therapeutically by Arabian physicians during the 9th century. Leaves were made into tea and often prescribed as a laxative for issues stemming from intestinal blockage. As a whole, Senna is quite beneficial to the entire body, whether dealing with immunity, indigestion and constipation, weight loss, skin and hair issues to name a few.

Since we have had so many individuals come into the shop asking for herbs that alleviate intestinal issues, we have decided to create our own herbal concoction.

So why does the tea help with constipation? The leaf causes the walls of the large intestine to contract, which pushes the stool through the system. Because of this effect, senna leaf is supportive in relieving constipation and often lead to bowel movements within a six to twelve-hour time period. Senna basically irritates the bowels and intestines to increase the peristaltic movements within the colon. Prolonged use of senna leaf tea can cause stomach cramping and nausea. Senna leaf is not meant to be used for more than a two-week time period.

Senna has hepatotoxic properties (long term use can cause liver damage) and should not be consumed by women that are menstruating, breast feeding or pregnant. Being that the herbs is an irritant to the bowel, anyone with hemorrhoids or ulcers, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory intestinal issues such as Crohn’s disease, should avoid this herb.

Whenever taken properly, senna can be a powerful aide in relieving intestinal issues. As always, do your own research to see if this herb is the right one for you. On a side note, senna is the main ingredient for most over the counter medications, as well as being the safest of them.

Source: www.healthbenefitstimes.com/senna/
Source: www.livestrong.com/article/174419-senna-leaf-health-benefits/