Information About Senna

Information About Senna

The main benefit of Senna is the fact that it’s a natural relief for constipation. The reason why it is commonly used is because Senna has a very powerful laxative effect.

Senna works great for constipation, if you only use it every once in awhile. However, something many people don’t understand, is that excessive use of senna can cause many problems for your digestive system, including a high possibility of bowel dependancy. In the case of Senna, excessive use equates longer than 7 days! Keep in mind that many of the colon cleansing programs currently using Senna last 30-90 days!!!

Senna can also interfere with certain prescription medications or supplements you may already be taking. It is always wise to consult with your doctor or gastroenterologist, prior to taking Senna. This is especially important if you currently suffer from any of the following health conditions:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis
  • Recent Colon Surgery
  • History of Liver or Kidney Disease
  • History of Heart Problems

Side Effects of Senna

There are also many side effects of Senna that consumers need to be aware of. Here is a short list of the important side effects. It is ALWAYS recommended that you consult with your doctor, BEFORE you take Senna or colon cleansing products containing Senna.

  • Severe Cramps
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal Pains
  • Electrolyte Imbalance
  • Bloody Diarrhea
  • Urine Discolorization
  • Liver Toxicity & other problems

Not only is Senna a questionable herb used for colon cleansing. Read more about the Questionable Herbs Used for Colon Cleansing.

7 Comments »

  1. Boyd said,

    December 11, 2007 @ 10:47 am

    Thanks for posting this… I found it thru google.

    I have been looking into taking a Senna Supplement, but when I talked to my doctor about it, he basically told me that there are dangers to over-using Senna. He told me it’s very imperative that I am careful while taking Senna. He also told me never to use it for longer than 5 days straight. Your blog says 7 days… so it must be something serious!

    yikes!

  2. Planter said,

    December 27, 2007 @ 6:26 pm

    I can be one to attest that excessive use of Senna can & WILL mess up your pooping routine.

    I took Senna laxatives weekly for about twenty years. I now have a very hard time pooping when I need/want to. I switched to P&B shakes for the last 6 years, which is a much safer and respected constipation treatment….one which my doctor never told me about.

    I now take an oxygen colon cleanser which works even better for my constipation. I won’t be switching from that anytime soon…

  3. sue said,

    June 10, 2008 @ 9:14 am

    I just ran across your blog. I like to flush and cleanse my system out a few times a year and I had my own run in with senna and casacara segrada….they are addictive and harmful to the the bowel. I read Dr. Jensen’s book about having optimal colon health. It’s an absolutely wonderful book for those looking to educate themselves on the how and why’s of internal cleansing. He calls Senna & Cascara Sagrada stimulants poisons that should be avoided.

    Another good book is Dr. Group’s book – “Health Begins in the Colon” It’s not just a book about colon health, it’s about how to cleanse your ENTIRE life! Your colon, liver, home, air, water, etc. This is a must-have book for any naturopathic beliver.

    http://www.healthbeginsinthecolon.com

  4. noshad said,

    June 23, 2008 @ 2:03 am

    what is benifits of senna leaves.

  5. Colon Hydrotherapy Video On YouTube | My Colon Cleansing Blog said,

    November 4, 2008 @ 10:39 am

    [...] Information About Senna [...]

  6. Herbal Colon Cleansing Ingredients (VIDEO) | My Colon Cleansing Blog said,

    November 4, 2008 @ 12:04 pm

    [...] herbal colon cleansers put large amounts of cascara sagrada and/or senna in their product. These two herbs have been known to do horrible things to a person, when used in [...]

  7. DCurtis said,

    November 18, 2009 @ 12:06 pm

    Last nite was the first time i
    ever took senna cleansing tea the following morning standing at the bus stop i thought i was going to fall out, i broke out into a terrible sweat and i had very bad cramps. After i got on the bus i think i went blank meaning i don’t know what happen for a minute because while reloading my smart card i seem to couldn’t remember that i was reloading my card. It was embarassing and scary. I won’t take this again. I felt like i was having a baby and i thought i was going to faint. I am a healthy person with no medical problems

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