Senna (Cassia angustifolia) is a small plant native to the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East that has been used for centuries as a natural laxative.
It is remarkably effective. Both the leaves and the pods have purgative actions. The leaves are stronger but contain a resin which causes cramping pains. The pods do not contain this resin. Their action is milder but the griping pains are more manageable.
The actives within senna are called sennosides. They are converted by bacteria in the colon into rhein-anthrone which has two actions. The first is to irritate the bowel into peristalsis, downward contractions which move fecal matter along. The second is to increase fluid secretion by the colon which improves flow.
It is best to use the minimum amount of senna to achieve the desired effect. It is hard to set a dosage as different people respond in different ways.
As a guide, add hot water to 12 pods and leave them for 10 minutes. Pour off the liquid and drink just before bedtime. By morning you should know if the dose was strong enough! If not use more pods next time.
To help with possible griping pain, consider adding a few fennel seeds, cloves, a little powdered ginger or cinnamon to the hot water along with the senna pods.
Senna should not be used for more than a week as the bowel may become dependent.
Senna is considered safe for children to use over the age of six, but reduce the dosage. It is considered safe to use during pregnancy and feeding, but only under the supervision of a health professional.
It should not be used in conditions of inflammatory bowel disease.
Constipation is often indicative of a problem lifestyle. It can be brought on by stress, travel, and some people are just born with 'lazy bowels'.
Senna should only be used to treat occasional constipation. In the majority of cases if you are constipated….your diet needs looking at.
No Preservatives
No Additives
No Anti-Caking Agents
No Fillers
No M.S.G.
Hand Blended in Small Batches
Net Wt 2oz