Senna - Useful Properties Of Senna, Senna Herb Laxative For Weight Loss, Contraindications

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Senna

Useful properties of senna herb, senna as a laxative for weight loss

Useful properties of senna

The beneficial properties of senna (Alexandrian leaf, or narrow-leaved cassia) have been known to people since ancient times. A medicinal wild-growing tropical plant with lanceolate leaves and bright yellow flowers can be found in India, Asia, and Arabia. In Russia, senna is grown for pharmacological purposes in specially designated areas, far from busy highways and large industrial plants.

A decoction and infusion of the leaves and herbs of this shrub is used as an effective laxative. The laxative effect of the medication normalizes bowel function and helps relieve constipation.

Senna properties

Senna contains in its composition the main active ingredients - anthraglycosides, which have a bright laxative effect. The mechanism of action consists in irritation of the receptors of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, a decrease in secretion, as well as in an increase in peristalsis in the large intestine.

The medicinal herb has a mild and delicate laxative effect (in this regard, the use of medicines containing senna leaf is allowed in pediatrics). The main indications for the use of senna are chronic atonic constipation, anal fissures and hemorrhoids. Another distinctive feature of senna preparations is that they do not cause cramping pains in the umbilical zone.

Senna herb for weight loss

Senna's therapeutic properties have also impressed all those seeking to become slim. Senna is one of the main ingredients of natural slimming teas. However, one should not forget that it is necessary to use decoctions, infusions and tablets containing senna in their composition only after personal consultation with a doctor (gastroenterologist), who, based on the patient's health, will be able to make adjustments to the intake of this drug.

Preparing a decoction of senna at home is not difficult. Senna decoction recipe: 1 tablespoon of the herb should be poured with 1 glass of boiling water, the resulting mixture is infused for 3-4 hours, after which it is recommended to take it in small sips before bedtime.

Taking a decoction of senna with excess body weight helps to cope with several negative factors at once: neutralize toxins, delicately free the intestines from fecal obstructions and naturally normalize stools. In addition, senna has a mild choleretic effect. By correctly and individually choosing the dosage, you can achieve the desired result and look spectacular, surprising those around you with your slender figure.

Senna as a laxative

As mentioned earlier, senna has a mild laxative effect and has a mild choleretic effect. Due to these properties, the use of decoctions and infusions of senna as a tea is perfect for atony of the large intestine, with inflammation of chronic spastic colitis and common constipation.

Positive dynamics after the use of drugs that contain senna, as a rule, is observed after 6-8 hours (based on this property, the use of senna is recommended in the evening, namely before bedtime). On the second or third day of taking the medicinal plant, a profound laxative effect occurs, after which defecation can be established in a natural way and in some cases the drug can be stopped altogether.

Contraindications to the use of senna

As before taking any medicinal plant, before using senna, you must familiarize yourself with its main contraindications and restrictions. First: Senna preparations are not recommended for nursing mothers, as well as for people suffering from diarrhea and acute intestinal diseases during inflammatory processes. Second: Senna preparations are contraindicated for people with individual intolerance to this medicinal plant (allergic reactions). Third: we should not forget that long-term intake of the herb can cause addiction to the body, therefore, the use of the drug should be alternated with the intake of other medicines that have a laxative effect.

The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist

Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).