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Senna Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

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By NS Desk 22-Dec-2020

Senna Health Benefits

Senna Health Benefits: Senna or Swarna Patri in India is called Indian senna. It is included in food for different medicinal purposes, together with constipation. As per Ayurveda, Senna assists in treating constipation because of Rechana’s laxative property. Consuming Senna leaf powder along with lukewarm water also assists in controlling weight by improving the Agni’s digestive fire and thus digestion because of Deepan’s appetizer and Usna’s hot property.
 
Senna assists in controlling blood sugar levels by improving insulin production because of its antioxidant property. It also assists in removing worms from the intestine because of its anthelmintic property.
 
Using Senna leaf paste on the skin helps in treating different skin problems such as blisters, inflammation, redness, etc. because of its Ropan healing property. It must be kept in mind that extreme consumption of Senna may lead to severe diarrhea and loss of fluid from the body. So, it is recommended to have Senna as advised by a physician.
 
Senna is a natural medicine comprising sennosides that are cultivated from the leaves of the senna plant. Sennosides irritate the lining of the bowel resulting in a laxative effect. Senna has been added in alternative medicine as a laxative and helps in treating constipation. The FDA has accepted not all uses for senna. It should not be taken in place of medication recommended for you by your doctor.
 
Senna is frequently sold as a herbal supplement. There are no specified manufacturing ethics in place for numerous herbal compounds, and some marketed supplements are infected with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to reduce the risk of infectivity.
 
What are the similar names of Senna?
Nela Avariake, Indian Senna, Cassia angustifolia, Nelaavare, Alexander senna, Tinnevelly Senna, Sonamukhi, Sarnapatta, Sanaya, Hindisana, Mindhiaval, Svarnapatri, Svamamukhi, Sonapata, Nilapponnai, Nelavarika, Nelavarike, Sunamukhi, Sna, Sunnamukhi, Nilavaka, Chinnukki, Adapatiyan, Sanapati, Avarai, Sena, Barg-e-Sana, and Sannamakhi,
 
What is the resource of Senna?
Plant-Based
 
BENEFITS OF SENNA
 
1. What are the benefits of Senna for Constipation?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Senna assists in treating constipation because of its laxative property. It comprises definite constituents that aids in loosening the stool and accelerate the bowel movement. It also leads to trouble-free excretion of the stool.

Constipation is caused because of an aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. Factors like regular consumption of junk food, sleeping late at night, excess intake of coffee or tea, stress, and depression, etc. aggravate Vata and Pitta in the body resulting in Constipation. Senna assists in treating constipation by balancing Vata and Pitta. It also aids in expelling waste products from the large intestine due to Rechana’s laxative property.

Instructions for having Senna to get relief from Constipation-

1. You can take 0.5-2 gm or as directed by the physician of Senna powder.

2. You can have it with lukewarm water before going to bed at night to get relief from Constipation.

 
2. What are the benefits of Senna for Intestine preparation before any surgery?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Senna assists in Intestine preparation before any diagnostic or surgical process such as colonoscopy that needs a fecal matter free bowel. It has a laxative property that leads to bowel movement and aids in trouble-free excretion of stool. Senna also stimulates the transport of water and electrolytes that boosts intestinal movements. This assists in the cleaning of the intestines for Colonoscopy.

Intestine problems are caused because of aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. Factors like regular consumption of junk food, sleeping late at night, excess intake of coffee or tea, stress, and depression, etc. aggravate Vata and Pitta in the body resulting in Intestine problems. Senna assists in treating Intestine problems by balancing Vata and Pitta. It also aids in expelling waste products from the large intestine due to Rechana’s laxative property.

Instructions for having Senna to get relief from the intestine problem-

1. You can take 0.5-2 gm or as directed by the physician of Senna powder.

2. You can have it with lukewarm water before going to bed at night to get relief from the Intestine problems.

 
3. What are the benefits of Senna for Diagnostic agents?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Senna assists in particular the Diagnostic imaging process which requires fecal matter free intestines. It assists in removing fecal matter from the intestines because of its laxative property by inducing bowel movement and creating the passage of stool from the body.

Intestine problems are caused because of aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. The Diagnostic imaging process requires fecal matter that makes free intestines. It assists in removing fecal matter from the intestines because of its laxative property by inducing bowel movement and creating the passage of stool from the body. Senna assists in treating Intestine problems by balancing Vata and Pitta. It also aids in expelling waste products from the large intestine due to Rechana’s laxative property.

Instructions for having Senna to get relief from the Intestine problem-

1. You can take 0.5-2 gm or as directed by the physician of Senna powder.

2. You can have it with lukewarm water before going to bed at night to get relief from the Intestine problems.

 
4. What are the benefits of Senna for Piles?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Senna assists in treating piles or Hemorrhoids by preventing constipation. It has a laxative property that induces bowel movement and promotes trouble-free passage of stool. This prohibits constipation and hence the expansion of Hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids or Piles, called Arsh in Ayurveda, is usually caused by an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle. It includes the impairment of all the three doshas, largely Vata. An aggravated Vata resulting in the low digestive fire leading to constipation. This leads to swelling of the veins in the rectum area resulting in the creation of piles mass. Senna stimulates the digestive fire because of Ushna’s hot property and assists in preventing constipation. It also assists in decreasing the size of the pile mass because of Rechana’s laxative property.

Instructions for using Senna to prevent Hemorrhoids-

1. You should take 0.5-2 gm or as directed by a physician of Senna powder.

2. You can have it with lukewarm water before going to bed at night to get relief from constipation and prohibit Hemorrhoids.

 
5. What are the benefits of Senna for Irritable bowel syndrome?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Senna assists in treating Irritable bowel movements by preventing constipation. It has a laxative property that induces bowel movement and promotes trouble-free passage of stool. This prohibits constipation and hence an improved bowel movement.

Irritable bowel syndromes are caused because of aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. It has a laxative property that induces bowel movement and promotes trouble-free passage of stool. This prohibits constipation and hence an improved bowel movement. Senna assists in treating Irritable bowel syndromes by balancing Vata and Pitta. It also aids in expelling waste products from the large intestine due to Rechana’s laxative property.

Instructions for having Senna to get relief from Irritable bowel syndromes -

1. You can take 0.5-2 gm or as directed by the physician of Senna powder.

2. You can have it with lukewarm water before going to bed at night to get relief from Irritable bowel syndromes.

 
6. What are the benefits of Senna for Weight loss?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Senna assists in reducing the excessive fat in the body. It also eradicates waste material from the intestines and gives relief from constipation. It has a laxative property that induces bowel movement and promotes trouble-free passage of stool.

As per Ayurveda, unhealthy food habits and lifestyle result in a weak digestive fire that leads to the accretion of Ama and causes constipation. This results in an imbalance in meda dhatu, which leads to obesity—having Senna powder assists in eradicating Ama because of Deepan’s appetizer property that assists in reducing the excessive fat in the body. It also eradicates waste material from the intestines and gives relief from constipation because of Rechana’s laxative property, further contributing to weight management.

Instructions for using Senna powder to manage weight -

1. You should take 0.5-2 gms or as directed by a physician of Senna powder.

2. You can have it with lukewarm water before going to bed at night to help manage weight.

 
7. What are the benefits of Senna for Skin Disease?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Senna assists in treating skin diseases such as eczema involving rough skin, blisters, inflammation, itchiness, and bleeding. It has Healing property that reduces skin inflammation and stops bleeding.

Senna assists in controlling the symptoms of skin diseases like eczema, including rough skin, blisters, inflammation, itchiness, and bleeding. Using Senna leaf paste on the skin decreases inflammation and controls bleeding due to Ropan’s healing property.

Instructions for using Senna to treat the symptoms of Skin disease -

1. You should take 0.5-2 gm of Senna powder.

b. You can add vinegar to it and make a paste.

c. You can apply this paste uniformly on the affected area twice or thrice a week to treat the symptoms of Skin disease.

 
8. What are the benefits of Senna for Acne and Pimples?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Senna assists in treating Acne and Pimples. Increased heat in the body leads to Acne and Pimples that increase sebum production, which clogs the pores of the skin. This leads to the creation of both white and blackheads. Senna powder assists in balancing and prevents clogging of pores and inflammation.

As per Ayurveda, people with Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type are mostly prone to Acne and Pimples. Aggravation of Kapha boosts sebum production that locks the pores of the skin. This leads to the formation of both white and blackheads. An Aggravated Pitta dosha also results in red pimples or bumps and inflammation with pus. Senna powder assists in balancing Kapha and Pitta, which prohibits clogging of pores and inflammation instead of Ushna’s hot nature.

Instructions for using Senna to manage Acne and Pimples -

1. You should take 0.5-2 gm of Senna leaves or seeds powder.

2. You can add vinegar or water to it and make a paste.

3. You can use this paste uniformly on the affected area twice or thrice a week to get free of Acne and Pimples.

 
How effective is Senna?
● Constipation
● Intestine preparation before any surgery
● Diagnostic agent
● Insufficient evidence
● Irritable bowel syndrome
● Piles
● Weight loss
 
PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING SENNA
● As per Experts: Senna is a natural laxative so It is advised to avoid long-term usage of Senna for treating bowel functions as it might modify normal bowel functions and result in the development of dependence of using Senna to pass bowel.
 
● Breastfeeding: While breastfeeding, Senna is safe to be consumed in a defined amount. During pregnancy, it is suggested to avoid extreme consumption or consult a physician before having Senna.
 
● Moderate Medicine Interaction: Senna may develop the effect of laxatives. So, it is usually recommended to consult a physician while having Senna along with laxatives. Senna may reduce the levels of potassium in the body when consumed along with other diuretics. So, it is usually recommended to consult a physician while having Senna along with diuretic drugs.
 
● Patients with heart disease: Senna may lead to an electrolyte imbalance and affect heart functions. So, it is recommended that patients with heart disease avoid or consult a physician before having Senna.
 
● Pregnancy: During pregnancy, Senna is harmless to be taken in approved amounts. During pregnancy, it is recommended to avoid extreme consumption or consult a physician before having Senna.
 
● Allergy: It is suggested to avoid the use of Senna in people allergic to Senna or Senna preparations as it may increase definite allergic reactions.
 
SIDE EFFECTS
1. Nausea
2. Excessive salivation
3. Increased thirst
4. Dehydration 
5. Laxative dependence
6. Liver damage
7. Pruritus
8. Urticaria
 
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE OF SENNA
● Senna Powder: You should take 0.5-2 g a day or as directed by a physician.
● Senna Capsule: You should take 1 capsule twice a day or as directed by a physician.
● Senna Tablet: You should take 2 tablets at bedtime or as directed by a physician.
 
HOW TO USE SENNA
 
1. Senna Powder
● You should Take 0.5- 2 gm or as directed by a physician of Senna powder.
● You can swallow it with lukewarm water or Add vinegar to it and make a paste.
● You can apply the paste uniformly to the affected region.
● You can use this remedy 1-2 times a day to manage eczema and other skin infections.
● You can have it at night before sleeping.
 
2. Senna Capsules
● You should take one capsule of Senna or as directed by a physician.
● You can swallow it with lukewarm water.
 
3. Senna Tablets
● You should 1-2 tablets of Senna or as directed by a physician.
● You can swallow them with warm water at bedtime.
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
Q. Do I need a prescription from the doctor to buy Senna?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

No, Senna is not a drug, it is a natural laxative and Over counter/ OTC product. So, a prescription is usually not required for buying Senna, but it is suggested to consult a physician before having Senna.

No, the prescription is usually not required for buying Senna, but it is suggested to consult a physician before having Senna. Usually, senna treats Intestine problems that are caused because of aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. Factors like regular consumption of junk food, sleeping late at night, excess intake of coffee or tea, stress, and depression, etc. aggravate Vata and Pitta in the body resulting in Intestine problems. Senna assists in treating Intestine problems by balancing Vata and Pitta. It also aids in expelling waste products from the large intestine due to Rechana's laxative property.

Instructions for having Senna to get relief from the Intestine problem-

1. You can take 0.5-2 gm or as directed by the physician of Senna powder.

2. You can have it with lukewarm water before going to bed at night to get relief from the Intestine problems.

 
Q. Is Senna good for colon cleansing?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Yes, Senna might be fine for colon cleansing because of its laxative and purgative properties. It improves bowel movements and helps in trouble-free excretion of stool.

Senna is excellent for colon cleansing due to Rechana’s laxative property. It assists in expelling waste products from the intestines and promotes colon cleansing.

 
Q. Is Senna tea good for you?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Yes, Senna can be included as an ingredient in tea and is excellent for health. Senna tea has several health benefits, mainly because of its stimulant and laxative properties. It aids in decreasing appetite, manages weight, clear intestines, and prohibit constipation.

Senna tea has several health benefits, mainly because of its stimulant and laxative properties. It aids in decreasing appetite, manages weight, clear intestines, and prohibits constipation.

 
Q. Is Senna good for diabetes?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Yes, Senna helps in treating diabetes because of its anti-diabetic property. It comprises certain constituents that decrease the breakdown as well as absorption of carbohydrates in the body. It aids in improving the secretion of insulin, thus lowering the levels of blood glucose and treating diabetes.

Yes, Senna helps in treating diabetes as it aids in managing blood sugar levels. It improves the digestive fire that decreases Ama or toxic remains in the body because of improper digestion and manages the blood sugar levels.

 
Q. How does Senna help in preventing worm infestation?

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Senna helps in prohibiting worm infestation because of its anthelmintic properties. It expels the parasitic worms from the body without resulting in any harm to the host.

Senna helps in prohibiting intestinal worm infestation. As per Ayurveda, worms are known as Krimi. The growth of worms is caused by low Agni or weak digestive fire. Having Senna assists in improving the digestive fire and destroys the perfect state for the growth of worms because of Ushna’s hot nature. It also eradicates the worms from the intestines due to Rechana’s laxative property.

Disclaimer - The aim of the article is just to convey information to you. Use any medicine, therapy, herb or fruit please do it under the guidance of a qualified Ayurveda doctor.