Senna is most commonly used as a laxative - Cassia Angustifolia
Medicinal Values:
Its cathartic effects can be obtained from a tea prepared from 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried leaves. Senna’s use in treating constipation is well documented. It is one of the most popular laxatives, especially in elderly patients.
Senna Plant Benefits For Health:
As stated above, senna possesses medicinal value which can provide various health benefits given below.
1. Senna For Constipation:
Being a laxative, senna is effective in relieving constipation. It has been approved by the US FDA as a non prescription drug to treat constipation. Senna stimulates the muscles of the colon to push fecal matter through more quickly. Senna leaf acts on the intestinal walls to cause contractions that lead to bowel movements. It softens stool by enabling the colon to absorb water. It can effectively cure even the most severe cases of constipation. The glycosides in it help transport electrolytes, causing bowel movements within 6 to 12 hours of its intake. Senna can be bought as an over the counter (OTC) medication for adults and children above 2 years of age.
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2. Great Colon Cleanser:
Senna has been regarded as a â??cleansing herbâ?? due to its laxative effects. Senna leaf is used in traditional Chinese medicine to clear away the heat accumulated in the large intestine, helping the body get rid of the stagnant food accumulated in the stomach. Today, it is widely used in cleansing the colon before colonoscopy and other types of colon surgery.
3. Treatment of Hemorrhoids:
Senna has been found to be effective in the treatment of anal lacerations and hemorrhoids as it helps reduce swelling and facilitates quick healing. Moreover, since it promotes soft stools, it helps cause easy defecation in pathological conditions like anal fissure. This is due to the fact that after oral ingestion, the compounds in senna get absorbed into the intestinal tract, resulting in the separation of non-sugar parts in the colon. These non-sugar components increase the peristaltic movements by irritating and stimulating the intestinal tract. In this way, it speeds up the passage of stools through the intestinal tract.
4. Treatment of Intestinal Worms:
The laxative properties of senna have been found to be useful in the treatment of worms in the stomach and colon.
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Senna Medicinal Plant: Nutritional Value:
The nutritional value of this herb has been explained in the table below. As evident from the table, it is devoid of calories and fat but a rich source of vitamin B
