Among the group of medicinal plants we find some more useful than others. Today we are going to talk about an herb that is used for its laxative properties on numerous occasions. It's about the grass senna. This plant has this laxative effect thanks to the fact that it interacts with the bacteria that we have in the digestive tract and triggers certain intestinal contractions.
In this article we are going to tell you about all the characteristics, properties and uses of senna.
Key features
This plant is found in many tropical countries naturally. For more than thousands of years this plant has been used in India to have a good intestinal tract. Its laxative effects have been very beneficial for the population since time immemorial. Today we can find it in capsules and tablets, in tea bags and in bulk tea, as well as in some liquid extracts. It is very useful for people who suffer from constipation caused by poor digestion or a prolonged poor diet.
Its root can be dried undiluted and can be found in health food stores with different effects. As we have mentioned before, Senna causes various contractions in the digestive system, specifically intestinal contractions. These contractions are caused by the anthraquinone that is contained in it. These are glycosides that are derivatives of dimeric anthraquinone and are known by the name of senna glycosides or sennosides. The main forms of glycosides that we find in nature are often referred to by: A, B, C and D.
The leaves and pods of this plant are used as a laxative effect, although the latter are less powerful than the leaves.
How the senna plant works
We are going to analyze how this plant acts in our body to promote this laxative effect that we need at various times. This plant contains a large amount of glycosides. It is a group of organic compounds that we commonly find in most plants. These compounds have laxative effects as they act on the muscles of the digestive system and soften them. It has an effect similar to that of food when it is digested and moves through the intestines.
This effect of senna can help increase the volume of stool and cause it to move out of the colon. The process by which the greatest amount of stress is generated is caused by the chain of fatty acids that promotes successful digestion, fermentation and conversion. This is where the glycosides act as a purgative agent.
Senna cannot and should not be consumed in any context. You need to suffer from chronic constipation to go to this plant. To feel the relief and reduce the effects of constipation, we can use half a teaspoon of liquid per person. If we are going to consume the capsule, a concentration of 50 or 100 milligrams or a tablet should be consumed.
Once we have ingested in the senna a bowel movement should be had within 6 to 12 hours. In the event that it is not given, the dose must be increased. For those who do not want capsules there is also a type of tea available, although it has a more unpleasant taste. If it is mixed with other flavors of other types of tea, it can naturally achieve a quite pleasant taste.
Senna is generally used by people suffering from constipation and the main brand name is Senokot. This brand has also created some suppositories to alleviate this negative effect.
Senna tea
There are numerous people who prefer to have different herbal preparations to make tea. Senna can be purchased in tea bags and is sought after in many natural herbalist stores. There are other people who prefer to have the loose leaves to prepare the infusions themselves.
To prepare an infusion of senna you must do the following:
- We must soak the leaves in a pot of boiling water for approximately 10 minutes.
- The leaves can be put in cold water before being thrown into the boiling pot for the best effect. I know it should be kept in cold water for at least 10 or 12 hours before. This will make the leaves turn less resin in the tea. This makes the chances that when consuming the tea we have abdominal cramps is lower.
- Once we have let the sheets rest, mix them with boiling water we just have to filter and drink. The effect of the infusion can take up to 12 hours to obtain relief by removing constipation. It is recommended to take before sleeping so that the relief takes place in the morning.
The preparation that is usually recommended is that of boil 100 grams of the leaves in distilled water with five grams of fresh ginger cut into slices. We will leave everything to soak for 15 minutes and we will do it crazy and we must while it is hot. You just have to make the right amount to drink. And it is that this infusion of senna becomes an infusion that is too strong and is left to rest too long. This can lead to abdominal cramps.
Other herbs with which senna can be mixed and are carminative type they are mint and fennel. For those people who have a sensitive stomach, they can make the infusion with the senna pod better than with the leaves. This is because the pods are less potent, but they also work.
efectos secundarios
Unsurprisingly this plant also doesn't have some side effects. It is a kind of plant that It should not be consumed for more than 7 consecutive days. Nor have I recommended taking by those women who are pregnant or breastfeeding the baby. For children under 12 should not take the infusion as it can cause severe stomach cramps.
It is a fairly strong laxative that should be taken in moderation only during the period that a cure is needed. Therefore, it is necessary to know if constipation that extreme to act on it.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about senna.