Senna tea – What is it for, benefits and how to make it!

Senna tea is made from the leaves of the Cassia Sene plant. This plant thrives in tropical areas, although some can grow in more temperate climates.

Made from the leaves of the senna herb, also called Cassia senna, senna tea  is a remedy that is commonly used to relieve constipation. The yellow flowering plant from which the leaves come is native to tropical areas such as China and India. Senna normally grows in the desert. There are over 250 different Cassia species, but the most popular varieties are Cassia angustifolia and Cassia accutifolia, which are exported all over the world.

In several countries, senna has been used for many years to help alleviate certain health conditions such as skin problems, indigestion and respiratory ailments. Today, the tea form of this herb is growing in popularity due to its anti-constipation effect and potential to boost the waste removal process in the body – however, these purported benefits should really be taken with a grain of salt.

In terms of taste, senna tea is described as slightly sweet, but with a strong bitter undertone. It’s also not very aromatic. To make it more palatable, senna tea  is sometimes mixed with green tea or sweetened with honey.

Source:

The senna plant is a plant native to North Africa, currently cultivated in China and India on a large scale. The senna plant is widely used in herbal medicine. In ancient China, the leaves and the plant were generally used as laxatives. It is found as an ingredient in several laxative products sold as a stool softener and to stimulate intestinal muscle contraction and bowel movement.

This shrub can be found in various parts of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It is considered a powerful laxative due to the presence of compounds called anthraquinones. Senna leaves were used as a herbal laxative in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Today, the leaves of the senna plant are used to prepare tea to treat constipation and detoxify the body.

Properties:

The leaves and fruits of the senna plant are used to make medicinal herbs and teas to treat various ailments and conditions, including constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, and hemorrhoids.

The fruit is softer than senna leaves, doctors warn against using the leaves on a long-term basis, but there are no such warnings for the fruit. Senna tea  is best known for its laxative effects because it contains compounds called sennosides. These compounds irritate the lining of the intestine which gives the herb its laxative capabilities.

Senna is also known by several common names, including Alexandria senna, Cassia senna, Cassia Angustifolia and Casse.

What is it for:

Senna tea  is most commonly used for occasional constipation. Some proponents suggest that drinking the tea may also promote detoxification and weight loss, but it is not considered a safe way to lose weight or reduce body fat. It is sometimes used for irritable bowel syndrome and bloating.

Additionally, senna has been used for colon cleansing before undergoing colonoscopy (a type of medical procedure widely used in colon cancer screening) when used in conjunction with other agents.

Benefits of senna tea:

1. Anti-parasitic:

Certain compounds found in senna tea , such as sennosides, have an antiparasitic effect. By eradicating intestinal worms and other intestinal parasites, this tea can help ensure you get as much nutrients as possible from your meals.

2. Treats indigestion:

If you are suffering from constipation, bloating, cramping or indigestion, senna tea  can help by promoting the normal flow of food and waste through your bowels.

3. Anti-inflammatory:

Traditionally, senna tea has been used for a wide variety of inflammatory conditions, including headaches, fevers, and inflammation of joints and tissues.

4. Works as a diuretic:

This special tea is also known as a diuretic, which means it stimulates urination. This can flush excess salts, fats, toxins and water from the body. Senna can often result in dehydration, so make sure you’re well hydrated.

5. Skin care:

Senna tea,  due to the presence of tannin, resin and essential oils, is used to treat wounds and burns. Its anti-bacterial properties are also helpful in fighting acne and other skin foods.

Benefits of senna tea for weight loss:

Senna tea  can help eliminate excess toxins and waste from the body, which promotes weight loss. However, much of the weight that is “lost” is the weight of liquids. Thus, consuming the tea must also be combined with dietary restrictions and exercise to have a full effect.

1. Treats Hemorrhoids:

Senna helps reduce swelling and quick healing of anal fissures and other hemorrhoids due to its laxative effects.

2. Hair care and color:

Applying senna to your hair will ensure stronger, thicker and voluminous hair. It also acts as a natural hair highlighter, which gives ash blonde the golden color.

3. Colon cancer:

The antioxidants present in senna leaves help reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases in the body by neutralizing free radicals before they can cause oxidative stress, chronic disease and even cancer, especially colon cancer.

4. Treatment of intestinal worms:

The laxative properties of senna have been found to be useful in treating worms in the stomach and colon.

5. Works as a laxative:

The rich source of sinusoids found in this tea encourages peristaltic movement and rapid detoxification through its laxative effect. This helps to cure constipation. Senna is approved as an over-the-counter laxative.

See in the video below Other Benefits of Senna Tea:

Frequently asked questions about senna tea:

1. Is it safe to drink senna tea daily?

Not. Laxatives such as senna tea can damage the function of intestinal walls if taken for long periods of time. As a result, this can decrease your muscles’ ability to contract on their own, making your digestive process even worse.

2. Can I drink senna tea while breastfeeding?

Senna tea  is partially absorbed by the intestine and is therefore not recommended during breastfeeding or pregnancy.

3. What does senna tea do?

Senna tea  works by smoothing the muscles as digested food passes through the intestines. This is thanks to organic compounds called glycosides found in the plant. As a result, the volume of stool is increased and removed from the colon.

4. Is tea safe?

Although it is approved as an over-the-counter laxative, keep in mind that senna tea can still cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.

5. How does senna work?

Senna contains glycosides, which are a group of organic compounds that are commonly found in plants. These compounds work like a laxative by softening the muscles as digested food moves through the intestines. This helps to bulk up the stool and transfer it out of the colon. The process is caused by the fatty acid chain that promotes successful digestion, fermentation and conversion of glycosides into a purgative agent.

Senna tea recipes:

1. Senna with Ginger and Cinnamon:

INGREDIENTS:

– ½ tablespoon of dried senna leaves;
– Cinnamon sticks;
– 150 ml of water;
– Peeled ginger – the portion can be equivalent to one or two garlic cloves.

PREPARATION MODE

1. Boil the water.
2. Add the ginger and cinnamon and boil for another 30 seconds.
3. Remove from heat and add senna leaves.
4. Let it rest for 5 minutes, stir and serve.

2. Sene com mel:

INGREDIENTS:

– 1/4 teaspoon of dried senna leaves;
– 2 cups of water (filtered);
– 1/2 teaspoon of honey or sugar.

PREPARATION MODE

1. Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan.
2. Add the senna leaves, cover the pot and let it steep for 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture into a teacup or larger pitcher if you are making a larger serving.
4. Add honey or sugar if desired and enjoy!

3. Senna with hibiscus

INGREDIENTS:

– ½ tablespoon of dried senna leaves;
– 1 tablespoon of hibiscus leaves .
– 150 ml of water.

PREPARATION MODE

1. Heat the water, let it boil for 2 minutes, turn off the heat, add the dried senna and hibiscus leaves, mix, cover and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Wait for it to cool and serve.
3. If you want to improve the flavor you can add a cinnamon stick.
4. A little ground cinnamon can also work.

Side effects:

While senna tea appears to be effective as a short-term constipation treatment, it should not be used long-term. We recommend that it not be used long term due to the potential risks.

Long-term use of senna can cause laxative dependence and liver damage.

1. Electrolyte complications:

Regular use of senna tea can cause changes to the body’s chemical balance, typically in the form of lower levels of electrolytes, particularly potassium, which can be life-threatening at extremely low levels.

2. Thinner Blood and Heart Health:

Senna tea also has blood thinning qualities, so if you are already taking anticoagulant medication, drinking this tea can cause complications.

3. Pregnant and lactating women:

Pregnant and lactating women are advised to avoid consuming senna tea as it directly affects the intestines.

4. Liver toxicity:

Prolonged consumption of senna tea can also cause liver toxicity.

Senna tea  can cause several immediate side effects. These include:

1. Mild abdominal cramps;
2. Severe diarrhea , especially with prolonged use;
3. Nausea;
4. Fainting, which can often happen as a result of diarrhea that leads to water loss .

Conclusion:

Although this plant has numerous health benefits, some precautions must be taken when using this plant for treatment purposes.

It should never be used for longer periods than necessary without the opinion of a healthcare professional as it can cause permanent damage to the intestinal lining. It can also significantly change the absorption and effectiveness of other drugs given at the same time.

When it comes down to it, moderation is key; use it occasionally and you will be able to enjoy all its benefits without the possible adverse effects.