Herbal teas are not usually considered true teas but reap great benefits. They are traditionally infusions of various flowers, leaves, and even barks and are also known as tisanes. Herbal teas have recently become more and more popular and are famous for several emotional, physical, and mental benefits.
One such herbal tea is the Senna herbal tea, which is made from the leaves of the Cassia Angustifolia (Senna) or Cassia Acutifolia plant. It contains powerful laxatives, which, though not entirely scientifically proven, is said to help ease constipation while promoting weight loss.
In this guide, we will be proceeding through everything that you need to know about the Senna herbal tea, including the benefits of Senna tea and much more.
What are the benefits of Senna herbal tea?
Grown mainly in India and the Middle East, Senna tea consists of something known as sennosides or senna glycosides. These sennosides may not be digested but are broken down by the healthy bacterias present in the intestines.
This process of breaking down of sennosides helps irritate the colon cells, which in turn promotes movement in the intestine. Thus, one of the main Senna herbal tea uses is as a laxative.
As mentioned earlier, Senna herbal tea serves various purposes. To be more specific, read on to find out the multiple uses of Senna herbal tea:
- Causes colon contractions and thus increases bowel movements.
- Helps in softening tools by preventing electrolytes and water from being reabsorbed.
- Used for colon cleansing before colonoscopy.
- Aids in weight loss.
- Helps to ease bloating and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
- May help to provide relief to haemorrhoids.
How to consume Senna herbal tea?
The Senna herbal tea can be easily found as teabags, blends, and loose tea as well. If you have opted for the teabags or the blend, all you need to do is follow the steps mentioned in the package.
However, if you have purchased loose tea, follow the steps below:
- Take about 1 to 2 grams of the loose Senna tea leaves
- Steep for 10 minutes in hot water
- Add honey or stevia for sweetness
For the best medical benefits of Senna tea, the following dosages are advised:
INDIVIDUALS | DOSAGE |
Children | 8.5 mg/day |
Adults | 17.2- 34.4 mg/day |
Elders | 17 mg/day |
Postpartum Pregnancy | 28 mg/day (divided into two servings) |
Note: It is advised that you have a maximum of two servings a day.
What are the side effects of Senna herbal tea?
Though there are multiple Senna tea uses, there also may be severe side effects if not consumed properly. Down below, we have listed a few that are of common occurring:
#1. Cramping
#2. Diarrhoea
#3. Pain in the abdominal region
#4. Nausea
#5. Loss of fluid
#6. Disturbances in the electrolyte distribution
Regular consumption of Senna tea may force you to depend on it for a regular bowel movement. Keep in mind that one of the main uses of Senna tea is to relieve occasional constipation, which is why it may lead to diarrhoea. Therefore, keep in mind to take plenty of fluid and water to make up for the loss of water.
As for pregnant women, Senna tea might not be the best option for bringing relief to constipation. In such cases, a visit or consultation with the doctor is recommended.
But for breastfeeding women, Senna tea does not seem to have any such significant side effects. However, the right dosage should be maintained to avoid complications.
It is usual for a person to experience these side effects on their first try. To help cope up with the side effects, you may decrease the doses. However, if the problems persist, it is strongly advised to visit a doctor.
Reaction with other medications
Along with side effects, Senna tea tends to react with other drugs and medications. Below, we have listed a few drugs that are known to react with Senna tea easily. Therefore, in case you are on medication or are using any of the mentioned drugs, it is advised that you refrain from consuming Senna tea.
Being aware of these reactions will guarantee Senna tea’s safe consumption while ensuring minimum side effects and maximum benefits. Let us check the table below.
DRUG | REACTIONS |
Contraceptives | May decrease their effects |
Warfarin | May cause bleeding |
Digoxin | May cause potassium levels to drop |
Estrogens | The hormone may not function well |
Liquorice | May cause potassium levels to drop drastically |
Diuretics | Potassium and electrolyte levels may drop dangerously |
Horsetail | Decreases potassium level in the body |
These are a few of the many drugs that tend to react with Senna herbal tea. Outside of these, if there are other medications that you are on, you must consult your doctor before starting your consumption of Senna herbal tea.
Other facts about Senna herbal tea
Some other general facts that you must know about Senna herbal tea are:
- The Senna herbal tea is known to have a mildly bitter-sweet taste. However, unlike other herbal teas, it is not aromatic on its own. Thus, some producers tend to add other herbs with it to add flavour.
- The Senna herbal tea can be found in various forms, including tablets, liquids, powder, and of course, as herbal tea. You may opt for whichever is easier to consume.
- Senna herbal is approved by the FDA as an over-the-counter laxative for constipation.
Conclusion
Categorised as a herbal tea, there are various medical benefits of Senna herbal tea, especially for bringing relief and ease to constipation. It helps in stimulating bowel movements, thus helping with constipation.
However, as useful as it is, it is not entirely scientifically proven as not many studies have been conducted on it. Therefore, you may or may not get assured results from it. It may also have mild to serious side effects, depending on various factors.
Therefore, if you were to experience any such side effects, you must immediately visit a doctor for a better diagnosis. Otherwise, Senna tea as a laxative may prove exceptionally useful.
