Senna tea is one of the most commonly used laxatives in the world, but many attribute other uses to the infusion obtained from this plant, despite the fact that no actual studies have been conducted on the theme. Regardless of the myths surrounding this plant, there are many actual benefits to be had from its ingestion, and as such, there is much to learn about it. The Senna leaves and pods are harvested from a bush growing in the warm North African and Middle Eastern areas, and they have been used as far back as ancient Egypt for medicinal purposes. Arabic medicine also put great importance on the benefits of the Senna infusions, and after their entry in common use in western medicine, the leaves have become established worldwide as thoroughly beneficial. While some claim that the Senna leaves can be used to treat afflictions such as seizures and other, bigger health problems, the one truly documented benefit of Senna leaves rests in its laxative properties.
While Senna and Senna extracts have been used by many either to relieve constipation or to perform colon cleanses, Senna is not something that should be taken lightly, as it comes with a series of health precautions. For one thing, it should not be used as a day to day laxative, or even be used for more than 7 days without medical supervision because of its somewhat aggressive effect on the bowels. It also shouldn't be used by children and caution should be paid by those under treatment with calcium channel blockers, and those suffering from heart disease and heart failure or blood vessel disease should not use Senna extracts or infusions. Crohn's Disease patients, as well as those who have undergone colon surgery recently or know to suffer from liver or kidney disease should also avoid the Senna based treatments at all cost.
Senna treatments are recommended however in cases of severe constipation, on the condition that it is used infrequently, as the prolonged use of this plant can cause harmful side effects, such as liver and kidney failure and the appearance of cancer.
Senna extracts are available in drugstores or naturist medicine stores in various combinations, but Senna is also available for infusions. Senna infusions can be prepared in two different ways. The first is by using hot water, a few degrees below boiling point and pouring it over the prescribed amount of Senna (generally half a teaspoon is enough for an infusion), then leaving it covered for a few minutes and drinking it. The second way is by using cold water, and this time, leaving it to seep for about 12 hours, after which consuming it. The second method is the most indicated, as the cold water prevents some of the substances responsible for abdominal cramps to get into the water.
The nature has a lot of benefits, some of which take the form of medicinal plants, and as long as we do not abuse nature's gifts, they can help make our lives a lot easier.
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Senna tea is one of the most commonly used laxatives in the world, but many attribute other uses to the infusion obtained from this plant, despite the fact that no actual studies have been conducted on the theme. Regardless of the myths surrounding this plant, there are many actual benefits to be had from its ingestion, and as such, there is much to learn about it. The Senna leaves and pods are harvested from a bush growing in the warm North African and Middle Eastern areas, and they have been used as far back as ancient Egypt for medicinal purposes. Arabic medicine also put great importance on the benefits of the Senna infusions, and after their entry in common use in western medicine, the leaves have become established worldwide as thoroughly beneficial. While some claim that the Senna leaves can be used to treat afflictions such as seizures and other, bigger health problems, the one truly documented benefit of Senna leaves rests in its laxative properties.
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