




Senna is an herb. The leaves and the fruit of the plant are used to make medicine.
Senna is an FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) laxative. A prescription is not required to purchase senna. It is used to treat constipation and also to clear the bowel before diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy. Senna is also used for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), anal or rectal surgery, tears in the lining of the anus (anal fissures), hemorrhoids, and weight loss.
Senna fruit seems to be gentler than senna leaf. This has led the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) to warn against long-term use of senna leaf, but not senna fruit. The AHPA recommends that senna leaf products be labeled, "Do not use this product if you have abdominal pain or diarrhea. Consult a healthcare provider prior to use if you are pregnant or nursing. Discontinue use in the event of diarrhea or watery stools.
Senna is a plant native to Northern Africa, and both the leaves and the seeds are used in herbal medicine. Known primarily for its purgative properties, senna works as a natural laxative and is often taken in a capsule, pill, granule or tea format. Senna tea and supplements can be found in the herbal section of many grocery stores and also in health food stores. Treating Constipation Eating senna leaf or drinking senna leaf tea will encourage bowel movements. The leaf causes the walls of your large intestine to contract, which will push stools through your system. Because of this ability, senna leaf is helpful in relieving constipation, often leading to bowel movements within six to 12 hours after ingestion. In traditional Chinese medicine, senna leaf removes heat from your colon, helping get rid of waste from old food that has built up there over time. In traditional medicine, senna leaf is not recommended for women who are menstruating, nursing or pregnant.