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Home >
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SENNA
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
The use of senna as a cathartic or powerful laxative, has been accepted by both the conventional and herbal healthcare community ...
Going back as far as the 9th century, individuals have been using senna as a tea or in a powdered form for its medicinal properties.
Senna is native to northern Africa, parts of the Middle East and southern India. Its name has Arabic origins and first record of senna and its medicinal use comes from the writings of two Arabic physicians. |
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SENNA |
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Senna is a natural and powerful laxitive. |
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Traditional Chinese medicine recommends Senna as a treatment for Atherosclerosis, constipation, as well as "clearing heat" in the liver and "brightening the eyes". In Indian Ayurvedic medicine it is known as a remedy for anemia, jaundice and bronchitis. Other indications include dysentry, ringworm, fever, hemorrhoids, wounds and dermatitis.
Today, senna is almost exclusively used for the treatment of constipation. Senna's active constituents, anthranoid glycosides, are initially inactive while they pass through the stomach and small intestine. Once these compounds reach the large intestine, however, they are activated and irritate the intestinal lining causing the muscles in the intestinal wall to contract vigorously and rhythmically in waves. Fluid uptake by the cells of the large intestine is also prohibited by these glycosides, allowing for soft and easily passed bowel movements.
Senna is such as powerful laxative that it can cause sharp stomach pains and cramping even at recommended dosages. It is often combined with ginger, mint or cinnamon to relax the muscles of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract and prevent cramping. These herbs also make senna more palatable, as it has a bitter taste which most individuals find unpleasant. If used chronically, senna can cause electrolyte imbalances, and dependency. It is not recommended for long term use and should always be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. The recommended daily intake of Senna is 600 mg – 2 grams/day. Senna should always be taken with water. As with any fibre supplement, Senna can alter the absorption of many supplements as well as prescription and OTC medications. Take away from these items. |
SENNA –
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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· Leaflet, pods. |
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APPLICATIONS |
· Constipation (acute).
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OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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6-2 g/day with water. |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Ginger, cinnamon, mint, psyllium, calcium/magnesium, aloe vera. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
· Senna can cause dependency, as well as electrolyte imbalance if used long term. Even small doses of senna can cause cramping. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake and always use under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition 2001 -
2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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