Senna tea which belongs to the cassia plant is a herbal medication. It has been native to regions of Africa and India for centuries. The tea is extracted from this legume plant’s leaves, fruits, and flowers [1].
The tea has been used in traditional medicine for decades to treat constipation and laxative stimulants [2]. And is also suggested for losing weight. It is available over the counter in the form of tea, pills, powder, or liquid. Even the FDA has approved this tea as the best non-prescriptive laxative.
Senna tea has a sweet, mild, and bitter flavor. It has no smell, unlike other herbal teas with their aroma.
Benefits of Senna Tea
Senna tea has been there for centuries and has been used as traditional medicine for years. Therefore, it has many benefits associated with it like:
Treats Constipation
Senna tea is popularly used for constipation and to stimulate bowel movement. As per the research, it has active compounds that irritate the colon’s lining. And this further leads to contractions and bowel movements.
It Acts as a Laxative
Research suggests the presence of sennosides in the tea can stimulates peristaltic motion and help with rapid detoxification. FDA also approves it as a nonprescriptive over-the-counter laxative [3].
Helps in Treating Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids cause swelling of tissues and veins in the lower part of the rectum. The swelling further leads to pain, itching, or bleeding. Constipation, along with the swelling, adds pain and worsens the hemorrhoids. Senna tea can help relieve any discomfort caused by this. The laxative effects help to heal hemorrhoids, anal fissures, etc., quickly.
Helps With Stomach Problems
If you face problems like constipation, cramping, bloating, or indigestion, the tea helps relieve the pain. It helps to regulate the normal flow of food and waste from your body through the bowels [4].
Can Help as a Diuretic
Drinking this tea can help remove excess water, salt, toxins, and fats from the body. Its diuretic property can stimulate urination. But frequent urination may lead to dehydration. Therefore, you must always stay hydrated while consuming this tea.
Can Strengthen your Hair
Some research shows that consuming this tea can give you thicker, stronger, and more voluminous hair. It acts as a natural highlighter for your hair.
Posses Anti-Parasite Effect
The tea contains certain components like sennosides that have anti-parasite properties. It helps in removing worms and other unwanted gut parasites from the body. Thus you get all the nutrients from the food you eat.
Senna Tea Benefits for Skin
The tea contains anti-bacterial properties that help to fight against acne and other skin problems.
And due to the presence of resin, tannin, and essential oil, senna tea also helps treat wounds, burns, ringworms, and other issues.
Senna Tea Weight Loss
Senna tea is advertised as a weight loss remedy. However, research suggests that it is not a good option for losing weight.
Consuming this tea for weight loss can be dangerous and have many health effects if used for longer. Studies suggest that it can lead to an eating disorder, liver damage, etc., in the long term.
Is Senna Tea Safe?
Drinking this tea is usually considered safe for all adults and children. You should avoid it if you have any allergies or allergic reactions.
Before consuming this tea, consult your doctor if you are taking medicines for the heart rhythm, blood thinners, diuretics, steroids, or licorice root [5].
Senna Tea Side Effects
Some mild side effects include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea.
Taking senna tea for an extended period may result in electrolyte disturbances and laxative dependence and can also damage the liver.
How Long Does Senna Tea Stay in Your System?
Senna tea usually takes 1-3 hours to settle in your system. However, it may vary from individual to individual depending upon their metabolism.
The tea can last up to 8-10 hours to have an effect. Consuming tea in the evening is best if you have constipation.
Senna Tea Pregnancy
No research suggests if senna tea is suitable or have any side effect during pregnancy. You should always consult your doctor before taking it.
However, it is safe for nursing mothers. It is marketed as a laxative stimulant. The tea is approved by FDA and is available over the counter.
How to Make Senna Tea?
The process of making this tea is simple. Take 1-2 gm of dried leaves in hot water. Steep the mix for 10 minutes. Strain it in a glass.
You can add honey or stevia as a sweetener to give it a sweet taste [6].
Do not consume more than 2 cups of tea in a day.
How Long Does Senna Tea Take to Work?
It takes approx. 8 hours to work. Though it is a natural remedy for constipation, you should consume it only for the short term.
Bottom Line
Senna tea is a traditional herbal medicine used to treat constipation for ages. The tea is also suggested as a laxative stimulant.
It is popular for losing weight among people, but research suggests not using this tea to lose extra fat. It is good for the short term, and long-term use can have severe health effects. You should always consult a medical practitioner if you are on certain medication or have any allergies before including this tea in your diet.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. (2012). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
- Senna: MedlinePlus Supplements. (n.d.). Retrieved September 16, 2022, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/652.html
- Buhmann, S., Kirchhoff, C., Wielage, C., Mussack, T., Reiser, M. F., & Lienemann, A. (2005, November). Assessment of Large Bowel Motility by Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Two Different Prokinetic Agents. Investigative Radiology, 40(11), 689–694. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.rli.0000183054.43131.a8
- NHS website. (2022a, February 2). Senna. nhs.uk. Retrieved September 16, 2022, from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/senna/
