Senna is a plant native to tropical Africa and India that has been used to solve constipation problems due to its powerful laxative effects.
And is currently also being a remedy used for weight loss for its diuretic and depurative properties.
However, it is not recommended to use it for a long time or excessive, as it could cause severe intestinal problems and other conditions that affect the health of the body in general.
Senna tea is known for its high depurative and detoxifying power of the body, hence it has always been used as a slimming herb.
This type of herb is consumed in infusion and it is necessary to be constant to be able to notice its effects on the organism.
What is it for?
Senna has laxative, purgative, depurative, and for this reason widely used to treat gastrointestinal problems, especially constipation.
This plant softens the feces and can be used to relieve discomfort when evacuating people with anal fissures and hemorrhoids.
Despite their benefits, senna leaves should be used with caution and under medical guidance, as their constant use can cause alterations of the intestinal microbiota, very strong colic, and even predispose to rectal neck cancer.
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Senna Tea, When to take it, benefits, side effects!
When to take senna tea.
It is recommended to take them at night before going to sleep since it takes between 10 and 12 hours to take effect the laxative.
It is usually used when easy defecation is needed and in patients with acute or occasional constipation.
The recommended daily dose assessed in tisanes is 05-2 g/200 ml of leaves and fruits.
Normally, senna causes a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours, so it can be taken before bedtime to produce a bowel movement the next day.
Senna leaf tea benefits.
Senna leaf is basically taken in the form of an infusion. It is shown that it is a highly recommended remedy to quickly combat constipation, indirectly helping to solve other problems such as hemorrhoids.
The properties and benefits of the senna tea must be known to take advantage of them and benefit health.
Anyway, the senna leaf presents important contraindications that it is necessary to know before consuming it.
Helps relieve constipation.
The most popular use of senna leaf is to relieve constipation. Although more evidence is needed, a review published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery note that it is a safe treatment option to mitigate this condition in children.
However, an article in the book Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health suggests that its consumption be done only in the short term and to mitigate occasional constipation.
In addition, he comments that its preparation in tea is taken, in most cases, at bedtime, to produce a bowel movement the next morning.
Promotes intestinal preparation before colonoscopy.
Thanks to its laxative effects, senna leaf is also used as an alternative method for its benefits in preparing the large intestine before a colonoscopy.
This is an examination that allows direct and complete visualization of the colon to diagnose and treat intestinal diseases.
Helps improve hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. One of the main causes of this problem is constipation.
Although there is no evidence regarding the benefits of senna leaf to improve this condition, it is assumed that, by helping to combat constipation, it would also contribute to improving hemorrhoids.
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Possible side effects.
The laxative effect of senna is mainly due to its ability to irritate the intestinal mucosa, for this reason, the use of this plan for more than 1 week could cause some side effects such as intense colic, abdominal bloating, and increased amount of gas.
In addition to this, some people may also have vomiting, diarrhea, increased menstrual flow, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, intestinal malabsorption, and decreased hemoglobin in the blood test.
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Contraindications.
The properties and benefits of the senna leaf are clear, but it is also necessary to know that they present some contraindications.
This plant can produce negative effects on health if its contraindications are not taken into account.
Here’s what you need to know about them.
Senna tea for weight loss.
There are many people who turn to the senna leaf to lose weight. However, it is not recommended to use this plant for this purpose.
Its incidence on metabolism is imprecise and ineffective.
However, to lose weight the most effective is to exercise and bet on a balanced diet.
This should be rich in foods such as vegetables, fruits, and legumes and away from processed products.
Pregnancy and lactation.
A pregnant woman should not take an infusion of senna leaf. This plant stimulates smooth musculature, so it could lead to premature contractions and there would be a risk of miscarriage.
Breastfeeding women should also avoid consuming this plant. It could produce a laxative effect on the baby’s digestive system.
This would present a number of unnecessary complications that would leave the creature in a vulnerable situation.
Digestive problems.
Senna leaf can cause problems if certain types of gastrointestinal conditions.
It is very appropriate to take an infusion of senna leaf in the event that the stool is not very consistent, as then it can lead to diarrhea.
Its consumption is also contraindicated if there are digestive problems, ulcers, etc.
Reaction to certain medications.
Taking senna leaf infusion is not recommended if certain medications are taken. It has been observed that drugs with aspirin can present a bad interaction.
If you are taking medication, therefore, it is most appropriate to consult the doctor if it is possible to take an infusion of senna leaf.
People with allergies.
There are people who have had allergic reactions to senna leaves. When you first take an infusion of senna leaf you have to do it in small amounts and gradually.
In this way, it can be observed if any type of allergic reaction appears, always linked to the swelling of some tissues.
It is not common, but it could be that the inflammation affects parts of the face such as the lips.
On the other hand, it is necessary to be careful in case the swelling of the respiratory tract produces breathing difficulties.
Therefore, before using the senna leaves it is important to ask a doctor for guidance to avoid possible complications.
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How to prepare senna tea.
To prepare the senna tea and reap its benefits, the green leaves of the senna should be preferred, because they have a more active effect on the body, compared to its dry version.
In addition to this, the greener the leaf, the stronger the effect.
Ingredients
1 to 2 gms senna leaves;
250 ml of boiling water.
Preparation.
Place the grass in a pot or cup, add the water and let stand for 5 minutes. Wait until it is warm, strain, and drink 2 to 3 times a day without adding sugar.
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