Senna Tea
Senna tea is a common herbal remedy prepared…
…from the senna plant’s leaves (usually Cassia acutifolia or Cassia angustifolia). Anthraquinones, which are strong laxatives, are the active components. Some people use senna tea for other reasons, such as weight loss. It has been hypothesized that it might help with constipation and hemorrhoids. There have been no studies to establish whether this assertion is true or untrue.
Benefits of Senna Tea
While several research have looked at the effects of senna in powder or capsule form, relatively few have looked at the possible health advantages of senna tea. Some supporters claim that drinking the tea might help with detoxification and weight reduction. There is currently no proof that senna tea can give these advantages. The use of laxatives is not regarded as a safe method of losing weight or reducing body fat. The majority of scientific studies on the health benefits of senna concentrate on its potential for use in the treatment of constipation and other gastrointestinal problems.
Constipation
It is a well-known practice to use this beverage for occasional constipation. The researchers found that the active compounds in senna have a laxative effect. They cause irritation to the colon lining and promote colon contraction and bowel movements.
Senna also inhibits the resorption of water and electrolytes from the colon, which increases fluid in the intestines and softens stool. A major study review published in the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology, however, did not identify senna as a first line of therapy for constipation. According to the study’s authors, the quality of evidence supporting the usage of senna is low. They also expressed worries about the fact that dosages differ depending on preparation and that not enough is known about the safety or efficacy of long-term usage.
Preparation for a Colonoscopy
Senna has been used in combination with other medicines to cleanse the colon prior to colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is a sort of medical treatment that is commonly used to check for colon cancer. Some evidence backs up this claim, albeit much of it goes back to the 1980s and 1990s.
Other Gastrointestinal Disorders
It is possible to use senna tea to treat IbS and other symptoms of the disease. There is not enough evidence to support using senna tea or other senna preparations to treat these conditions.
Possible Side Effects
Senna tea is usually mild when used for short-term treatment of nausea and vomiting. There are a number of side effects of using senna tea.
- Stomach discomfort
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
There are concerns to be aware of, even though senna tea can be used for a longer period of time under medical supervision.
Selection and Preparation
Senna tea may be found at health food stores, vitamin shops, and online. There is no defined dose, however scientific research advise that no more than 34.4 milligrams (mg) should be taken twice day. When it was investigated for the treatment of general constipation, the typical dose was 17.2 milligrams (mg) per day. 17 mg daily has been utilized in elderly individuals. 28 mg in two split doses has been used to treat postpartum constipation.
However, estimating the dose in a cup of tea and how it will effect you presents some difficulties. On their product labels, several tea vendors state that they employ a “unique mix.” Specific quantities of each herb in the tea are not stated, so you have no idea what you’re getting. Experience with one tea may not be applicable to the usage of another, as the amount of active ingredient varies from product to product. Some senna teas are also blended with other stimulating laxative herbs, such as cascara sagrada or rhubarb, the effects of which must also be addressed.
It would be hard to determine the dose of your cup of tea if the amount of active compound in each teabag was listed. The amount of senna is dependent on the time and water temperature. It’s less likely that you’ll get more than your intended dose when you use an over-the-counter senna drug product with a standardized dose. If you are still considering taking senna tea, keep in mind that it typically begins working within six to 12 hours after you take it. It can cause the urge to defecate the next morning when taken before going to bed.
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