Senna
The most powerful herbal laxative available. FDA-approved. Works in 6-12 hours. But this is emergency medicine, not daily maintenance.
Quick Facts
Also Called
Cassia angustifolia, Senna alexandrina, Sanay
Tradition
Arabian, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Primary Use
Stimulant laxative, emergency drainage
Form
Tea, tablets, capsules, standardized extract
What It Is
Senna is a flowering plant native to North Africa and the Arabian peninsula. Its leaves and pods contain sennosides, some of the strongest naturally-occurring laxative compounds known.
Senna is FDA-approved as an over-the-counter laxative (the active ingredient in Senokot and Ex-Lax). It's effective but not gentle. Use it when drainage is seriously stuck and gentler methods have failed, then get off it.
How It Works
- →Sennoside activation: Gut bacteria convert sennosides to rheinanthrone, which irritates the colon lining
- →Muscle stimulation: Triggers powerful peristaltic contractions, stronger than cascara
- →Fluid secretion: Inhibits water absorption and increases secretion into the colon
- →Speed: Works in 6-12 hours when taken orally. Effects can be strong.
Traditional Use
Arabian medicine:Used for over 1,000 years. Arab traders introduced it to Europe. Called "sana makki" (Meccan senna).
Ayurveda:Known as "Sanay" or "Sonamukhi." Used for constipation but always short-term, usually combined with carminatives (ginger, fennel) to reduce cramping.
Modern medicine: First entered Western pharmacopeias in the 17th century. Still one of the most-used laxatives worldwide.
Dosing Protocol
Standardized Extract
15-30mg sennosides at bedtime. Start with lowest dose. Most products are standardized.
Tea
1 cup senna tea at bedtime. Less standardized than capsules, effects vary.
Maximum Duration
7 days maximum. Seriously, not longer. Dependency develops quickly.
Contraindications
- • Pregnancy, can stimulate uterine contractions
- • Breastfeeding, sennosides pass into breast milk
- • Inflammatory bowel disease, worsens inflammation
- • Intestinal obstruction, do not use
- • Chronic use, causes dependency, "melanosis coli," electrolyte depletion
- • Children under 12, not recommended
- • Kidney disease, electrolyte shifts are dangerous
Best Products
Traditional Medicinals Smooth Move Tea
Senna combined with carminatives (fennel, licorice) to reduce cramping
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