Should i use senna

Chronic constipation is a major cause, and minor bouts of constipation can irritate preexisting hemorrhoids 4. Senna is primarily used to alleviate constipation, but some people may also use it to prepare for colonoscopies and manage hemorrhoid symptoms. Senna is increasingly included in herbal teas and supplements that claim to boost metabolism and promote weight loss.

Yet, no scientific evidence supports using senna tea for any detox , cleanse, or weight loss routine. Senna is not recommended for frequent or long-term use, as it may alter normal bowel tissue function and cause laxative dependence 2. Due to its long-term health risks, you should not use senna to lose weight.

Senna tea is generally considered safe for most adults and children over age Nonetheless, it comes with several risks and side effects. The most common side effects are stomach cramps, nausea , and diarrhea.

However, these symptoms are usually mild and tend to resolve relatively quickly 2. Some people also experience allergic reactions to senna. Senna is meant to serve as a short-term constipation remedy. Long-term senna tea intake may lead to laxative dependence, electrolyte disturbances, and liver damage.

Furthermore, senna may negatively interact with certain types of medications, such as 6 :. If you have heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease IBD , or liver disease, you should consult your healthcare provider prior to taking any senna product, as it may exacerbate these conditions 6. Senna is not generally recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding 6. Common senna tea side effects include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea.

More serious side effects, such as liver damage, may occur from long-term use. A typical dose of a senna-based supplement is 15—30 mg per day for no longer than 1 week 1. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.

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Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Health Benefits. Possible Side Effects. Dosage and Preparation. Other Questions. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Related Articles. The Health Benefits of Senna Tea. What Is Psyllium? How to Soften Your Hard Stools. Are Herbal Stimulant Laxatives Safe? Acute liver failure with renal impairment related to the abuse of senna anthraquinone glycosides. Ann Pharmacother. Senna treatment in pregnant women and congenital abnormalities in their offspring--a population-based case-control study.

Reprod Toxicol. Effect of dietary fiber on constipation: a meta analysis. World J Gastroenterol. June 29, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.

We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Health Benefits.

Possible Side Effects. Selection and Preparation. The use of laxatives isn't considered a safe way to lose weight or reduce body fat. Bowel Prep: Step-by-Step Instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions What are some other natural alternatives to laxatives for treating constipation? In studies, a number of natural approaches have shown promise for treating and preventing constipation, including: Eating more fiber Adequate fluid intake Regular exercise Psyllium Probiotics Biofeedback effective for people with functional disorders that make it difficult to move their bowels.

Is it OK to drink senna tea every day? What does senna tea taste like? Natural Ways to Relieve Constipation.

Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? However, while…. Fennel tea is popular for its health benefits.

Fennel has long been associated with digestive and metabolic health, among other benefits. Fennel tea…. Chamomile tea is made from the chamomile flower and is used to treat a wide range of health issues.

Studies suggest the tea can be used to reduce…. Is senna tea safe to drink? Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Uses of senna tea Risks Side effects What are the drug interactions?

Takeaway Senna is an herb that comes from several different flowering species of the Cassia plants. Uses of senna tea. Share on Pinterest The leaves of the senna plant are used in teas and may help relieve constipation. Side effects. Share on Pinterest Cramping or abdominal pain are possible side effects of drinking senna tea.