The use of medicinal plants to combat health conditions has become common, in this case the senna leaf is known for its properties that help intestinal transit and improve ailments that attack the colon. Likewise, it becomes necessary to know the properties and adverse effects that said plant can produce, so you can consume it safely.
For these reasons, in this article we will give you the most relevant information about the sen leaf, highlighting its benefits and the way in which you can consume it to obtain each of them.
What is senna leaf?
The senna leaf is known in two varieties according to its place of origin, the Cassia angustifolia is native to Arabia, while the Senna alexandrina is from tropical Africa and Egypt. It is a shrub from 40 to 90 cm tall, with green leaves and its characteristic flowers that turn intense yellow.
Note: It is considered a medicinal plant, since since the Middle Ages it began to be implemented as a natural laxative in people who often suffer from constipation, which in turn significantly improves intestinal transit.
What properties does the sen leaf have?
According to the Colombian Vademecum of Medicinal Plants (1) , Alexandrine senna contains “Flavonoids (kamferol, isorhamnetin) sugars, mucilages, phytosterols, saponins and resin.”
These compounds give this plant the ability to be an antioxidant , regulate cholesterol absorption, in addition to strengthening the immune system and having a high level of fiber, all of which make it an excellent plant to treat intestinal diseases.
1. Laxative and cleansing
The senna leaf is a natural laxative , this is because it contains sennosides , a compound that acts as a stimulant in the nerve endings of the intestines , which favors intestinal transit and therefore has effects that regulate evacuations in people who suffer of constipation.
Thanks to the antioxidant properties , combined with the laxative effects of senna, the infusion of this medicinal plant performs detoxifying functions , while purifying the liver of all those substances that are not necessary for the body.
2. Vermifuge
The senna leaf, being laxative in nature, is indicated as a natural treatment to eliminate parasites at the gastrointestinal level, since its stimulating action together with its purifying effect help to expel said organisms.
Important: The administration of senna is not recommended in children under 12 years of age, in which case you should consult a pediatrician or gastrointestinal specialist.
What are the health benefits of senna leaf?
Due to its properties, the sen leaf has multiple benefits that are related to gastrointestinal conditions, thus being an effective home remedy that can be used for the following health conditions:
1. Combat constipation and fluid retention
The sen leaf stimulates the nerves of the large intestine , which causes an increase in the concentration of water and electrolytes that favor intestinal motor skills, therefore the person usually begins to feel movements at the level of the abdomen and later possible evacuations.
On the other hand, this medicinal plant also has diuretic properties, which lie in improving the muscles that make up the urinary system, so urination tends to be more frequent, this in turn helps to eliminate fluid retention caused as a symptom of other pathologies.
2. Relieves hemorrhoids and anal fissures
Inflammation of hemorrhoids and lesions or fissures in the anus usually appear as a consequence of constipation, so the intake of the sen leaf, by acting as a powerful laxative combined with its action that improves the consistency of fecal feces, They are an excellent option to reduce these conditions.
3. Contributes to the treatment of irritable colon
The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (2) details that senna notably benefits the amount of liquids and electrolytes in the lumen of the colon, which in turn increases peristaltic movements, that is, the contractions that are generated at the time of defecate.
Note: Pathologies such as ulcerative colitis are benefited by the consumption of senna, since this plant helps purify the body of stagnant waste that cause, in certain cases, inflammation and pain in the colon.
4. Promotes weight loss
If your intention is to lose weight without a diet , you can choose to ingest senna leaf infusions, this is because its main quality of being a natural laxative will help you not only improve intestinal transit , but also get rid of all those free radicals and more frequently clear your intestines of fecal content.
5. Clean the intestine before a colonoscopy
One of the main actions that you must carry out before performing a colonoscopy is to clean your intestines and colon of all fecal matter, therefore you can resort to consuming sen leaf several hours in advance, this will help you release all the contents that can lodge in your gastrointestinal system.
How to take senna leaf?
The consumption of senna or senna has transcended thanks to its powerful effects, therefore the pharmaceutical industry, especially that of medicines based on medicinal plants, currently processes the senna leaf so that it can be consumed in the form of capsules that contain 20 to 60 mg of Cassia angustifolia.
Note: Its effect usually occurs from 8 to 12 hours after having ingested it, which is the corresponding time for the gastrointestinal system to absorb the substances that the senna leaf possesses.
You can also obtain the properties and benefits by preparing a tea or infusion with the leaves of this wonderful plant as follows:
Ingredients
- 2 grams of senna leaves
- 250 ml of hot water
Preparation and consumption
- Pour the water into a pot and cook until it reaches its boiling point, then place the sen leaves and cover the container so that the plant permeates the water with its properties. Let infuse for 5 to 10 minutes.
- After the time has elapsed, strain the preparation, if it is your preference add a little sweetener and eat warm.
Contraindications and side effects of senna leaf
The consumption of sen leaf should be regulated, since it can mainly cause a decrease in minerals, mainly potassium, due to its diuretic properties; At the same time, if the person evacuates constantly, they may suffer from dehydration and loss of important lipids for the proper functioning of the body.
You should know: The National Complementary Medicine Program of Peru (3) , warns that senna leaf should not be ingested for more than 10 continuous days, since prolonged consumption of this plant can cause a decrease in serum globulin levels and pathologies related to the kidneys.
Key Findings
- The sen leaf is a medicinal plant in the form of a shrub, with medium green leaves and small yellow flowers.
- This plant stands out for its laxative , cleansing, diuretic and vermifuge properties.
- It is used to combat constipation, improve intestinal transit, relieve hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
- Its consumption can promote weight loss thanks to its ability to promote regular bowel movements.
- The senna leaf can be consumed in the form of tea or infusion to obtain its benefits.
- Senna leaf tea should not be consumed for more than 10 continuous days, as it can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.