Senna
Senna
Senna, or Swarnapatri in Sanskrit, is also known as Indian senna. It is used for various medicinal purposes, including constipation.
According to Ayurveda, Senna helps in managing constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) property. Taking a Senna leaf powder along with lukewarm water also helps in managing weight by improving the Agni (digestive fire) and thus digestion due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Usna (hot) property.
Senna helps in managing blood sugar levels by increasing the insulin production due to its antioxidant property. It also helps to remove worms from the intestine due to its anthelmintic property.
Applying Senna leaf paste on the skin helps in managing various skin problems like inflammation, blisters, redness etc. due to its Ropan (healing) property.
It must be kept in mind that excessive consumption of Senna might cause severe diarrhea and loss of fluid from the body. So, it is advisable to take Senna as recommended by a physician[2][4][5].
According to Ayurveda, Senna helps in managing constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) property. Taking a Senna leaf powder along with lukewarm water also helps in managing weight by improving the Agni (digestive fire) and thus digestion due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Usna (hot) property.
Senna helps in managing blood sugar levels by increasing the insulin production due to its antioxidant property. It also helps to remove worms from the intestine due to its anthelmintic property.
Applying Senna leaf paste on the skin helps in managing various skin problems like inflammation, blisters, redness etc. due to its Ropan (healing) property.
It must be kept in mind that excessive consumption of Senna might cause severe diarrhea and loss of fluid from the body. So, it is advisable to take Senna as recommended by a physician[2][4][5].
What are the synonyms of Senna?
Cassia angustifolia, Indian Senna, Tinnevelly Senna, Sanaya, Alexander senna, Hindisana, Svarnapatri, Sonamukhi, Svamamukhi, Sonapata, Mindhiaval, Nelavarika, Nelaavare, Nelavarike, Nela Avariake, Sna, Sunnamukhi, Nilavaka, Chinnukki, Adapatiyan, Sunamukhi, Sannamakhi, Sanapati, Sarnapatta, Nilapponnai, Avarai, Sena, Barg-e-Sana[1]
What is the source of Senna?
Plant Based
Benefits of Senna
Modern Science View
Senna helps in managing constipation due to its laxative property. It contains certain constituents that help loosen the stool and speed up the bowel movement. It also promotes easy excretion of the stool[4].
Ayurvedic View
Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. Factors such as frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression, etc. aggravate Vata and Pitta in the body leading to Constipation. Senna helps to manage constipation by balancing Vata and Pitta. It also helps to expel waste products from the large intestine because of its Rechana (laxative) property.
Tips for using Senna to get relief from Constipation-
a. Take 0.5-2 gm (or as directed by the physician) of Senna powder.
b. Have it with lukewarm water before going to bed at night to get relief from Constipation.
Tips for using Senna to get relief from Constipation-
a. Take 0.5-2 gm (or as directed by the physician) of Senna powder.
b. Have it with lukewarm water before going to bed at night to get relief from Constipation.
Modern Science View
Senna helps in Intestine/bowel preparation before any diagnostic or surgical procedure like colonoscopy which requires a fecal matter free bowel. It has a laxative property which promotes bowel movement and helps in the easy excretion of stool. Senna also stimulates the transport of water and electrolytes which increases intestinal movements. This helps in further cleaning of the intestines for Colonoscopy[6].
Modern Science View
Senna might help in certain Diagnostic imaging procedures which require fecal matter free intestines. It helps remove fecal matter from the intestines due to its laxative property by promoting bowel movement and promoting the passage of stool from the body[3].
Modern Science View
Senna might help manage Hemorrhoids by preventing constipation. It has laxative property which improves bowel movement and promotes easy passage of stool. This prevents constipation and thus the development of Hemorrhoids[7].
Ayurvedic View
Hemorrhoids or Piles, known as Arsh in Ayurveda, is generally caused by an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle. It involves the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata. An aggravated Vata causes low digestive fire leading to constipation. This causes swelling of the veins in the rectum area leading to the formation of piles mass. Senna stimulates the digestive fire due to its Ushna (hot) property and helps prevent constipation. It also helps reduce the size of piles mass due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
Tip for using Senna to prevent Hemorrhoids-
a. Take 0.5-2 gm (or as directed by a physician) of Senna powder.
b. Have it with lukewarm water before going to bed at night to get relief from constipation and prevent Hemorrhoids.
Tip for using Senna to prevent Hemorrhoids-
a. Take 0.5-2 gm (or as directed by a physician) of Senna powder.
b. Have it with lukewarm water before going to bed at night to get relief from constipation and prevent Hemorrhoids.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Senna might help manage Irritable bowel syndrome by allowing the easy passage of stools due to its laxative property[4].
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, unhealthy food habits and lifestyle lead to a weak digestive fire that increases the accumulation of Ama and causes constipation. This leads to an imbalance in meda Dhatu which results in obesity. Taking Senna powder helps to remove Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) property by reducing the excessive fat in the body. It also removes waste material from the intestines and provides relief from constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) property, further contributing to Weight management.
Tip for using Senna powder to manage weight -
1. Take 0.5-2 gm (or as directed by a physician) of Senna powder.
2. Have it with lukewarm water before going to bed at night to help manage weight.
Tip for using Senna powder to manage weight -
1. Take 0.5-2 gm (or as directed by a physician) of Senna powder.
2. Have it with lukewarm water before going to bed at night to help manage weight.
How effective is Senna?
Likely effective
Constipation, Intestine preparation before any surgery
Likely ineffective
Diagnostic agent
Insufficient evidence
Irritable bowel syndrome, Piles, Weight loss
Precautions when using Senna
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
Senna is a natural laxative. It is advisable to avoid long term use of Senna for managing bowel functions as it might alter normal bowel functions and lead to the development of dependence on using Senna to pass the bowel.
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Senna is safe to be taken in prescribed amounts during breastfeeding. It is advisable to avoid excessive consumption or consult a physician before taking Senna during pregnancy[3].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
1. Senna might increase the effect of laxatives. So, it is generally advisable to consult a physician while taking Senna along with laxatives[3].
2. Senna might decrease the levels of potassium in the body when taken along with other diuretics. So, it is generally advisable to consult a physician while taking Senna along with diuretic drugs[3].
2. Senna might decrease the levels of potassium in the body when taken along with other diuretics. So, it is generally advisable to consult a physician while taking Senna along with diuretic drugs[3].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Senna might cause an electrolyte imbalance and affect the heart functions. So, it is advisable for patients with heart disease to avoid or consult a physician before using Senna[3].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Senna is safe to be taken in prescribed amounts during pregnancy. It is advisable to avoid excessive consumption or consult a physician before taking Senna during pregnancy[3].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Nausea
2. Excessive salivation
3. Increased thirst
4. Dehydration[4]
5. Laxative dependence
6. Liver damage[3].
2. Excessive salivation
3. Increased thirst
4. Dehydration[4]
5. Laxative dependence
6. Liver damage[3].
Recommended Dosage of Senna
- Senna Capsule - 1 capsule twice a day or as directed by a physician.
- Senna Powder - 0.5-2 g a day or as directed by a physician[1].
- Senna Tablet - 2 tablets at bedtime or as directed by a physician.
How to use Senna
1. Senna Powder
a. Take 0.5- 2 gm (or as directed by a physician) of Senna powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water.
c. Take at night before sleeping.
2. Senna Capsules
a. Take 1 capsule of Senna or as directed by a physician.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water.
3. Senna Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Senna or as directed by a physician.
b. Swallow them with warm water at bedtime.
a. Take 0.5- 2 gm (or as directed by a physician) of Senna powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water.
c. Take at night before sleeping.
2. Senna Capsules
a. Take 1 capsule of Senna or as directed by a physician.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water.
3. Senna Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Senna or as directed by a physician.
b. Swallow them with warm water at bedtime.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Senna (Senna) should be taken preferably at night before going to bed.
Modern Science View
No, Senna is a natural laxative and an over the counter (OTC) product. So, prescription is generally not needed for buying Senna but it is advisable to consult a physician before using Senna[3].
Modern Science View
Senna is pungent and bitter in taste[4].
Ayurvedic View
Senna is a laxative that helps clear the intestine by increasing the bowel moment. According to Ayurveda, Senna has Rechana (laxative) property which provides great aid in clearing constipation.
Modern Science View
Senna is a quick-acting herbal laxative which is generally taken as a tea.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Srivastava M, Srivastava S, Rawat AKS.Chemical standardization of Cassia angustifolia vahl seed.PHCOG J. 2(13):554-560.
- WebMD.Senna: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Ramchander, Jalwal P, Middha A.Recent advances on senna as a laxative: A comprehensive review.Journal of pharmacognosy and phytochemistry.2017;6(2):349-353.
- Nanumala SK, Tulasi P, Sujitha E.In vitro anti-diabetic activity of seed extracts of Cassia auriculata and Cassia Angustifolia.European journal of experimental biology.2015;5(5):12-17.
- Khorasanynejad R, Norouzi A, Roshandel, et al.Bowel preparation for a better colonoscopy using polyethylene glycol or C-lax: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.Middle east journal of digestive diseases.2017;9(4):212-217.
- Tripathi RK, Bolegave SS, Shetty PA, et al.Efficacy and safety of a polyherbal formulation in hemorrhoids.J-AIM.2015;6(4):225-232.
- Assessment report on Senna Alexandrina Mill. (Cassia Senna L.; Cassia Angustifolia Vahl), folium and fructus.European medicines agency.2017.
- Balasankar D, Vanilarasu K, Selva Preetha P, et al. Senna – A Medical Miracle Plant.Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies.2013;1(3):41-47.
- Jalili J, Askereglu U, et al. Herbal products that may contribute to hypertension.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013 Jan:131(1):168-73.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.