Senna & Constipation


The illustration below is Senna Alexandrina, a popular ingredient in many over the counter laxatives.




senna, senna leaves, senna pods



It contains natural chemicals - anthraquinone glycosides, strong laxatives that soften stools and increase the contractions of intestinal muscle, thereby stimulating bowel movements. Other herbs that contain anthraquinone glycosides are aloe, buckthorn, and cascara sagrada.


"Any herb that contains anthraquinones can be unpleasantly powerful," notes the book The Green Pharmacy.


Senna, is powerful


  • Able to prevent or treat postoperative constipation after proctologic surgery - the medical journal Diseases of the Colon and Rectum

  • It successfully treats 93%-96% of women suffering from postpartum constipation. By comparison, only 51%-59% of women in the placebo group experienced relief. -The South African Medical Journal

  • Researchers recommended its use in terminal cancer patients with opiate-induced constipation, citing the effectiveness of the herb and its relatively low cost. - Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

  • A combination with bulk laxatives can alleviate chronic constipation in geriatric patients. -Pharmacology


Unpleasant


It tends to have more side effects such as:


  • stomach cramps
  • diarrhea
  • gas


More serious side effects:


  • fainting
  • dehydration
  • electrolyte disorders as low blood potassium*, albuminuria, and hematuria.


*Can lead to muscle weakness and disorders of heart function.


That's why it should be the last resort - after liquid intake, high-fiber diet and other gentler herbs failed in relieving constipation. Stick to recommended dosage. Start with the lowest effective quantity and adding other herbs. It should not be taken over long periods of time i.e. longer than two to four weeks without medical supervision. Unless indicated by a doctor, it should not be used by children under 12, pregnant women, nursing mothers and anyone with an intestinal obstruction, stomach inflammation, or intestinal inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or appendicitis.


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