Senna Tea
Senna Tea: Good or Bad?
There has definitely been a lot of controversy surrounding senna tea and whether it is to be considered a benefit or a danger to one’s health. We are going to explore both sides of the argument and delve into what research has to say about senna. So sit back and get ready to learn the truth behind the benefits and dangers behind senna tea.
Tea made from the senna herb has been primarily used to help relieve constipation and digestive issues—and it does work! Sounds legit, right? Well…this really depends on the person using senna. As with any kind of laxative product, you run the risk that your digestive organs will become dependent upon the supplement in order to function properly. This usually occurs when a person has overused a laxative or has used it regularly for an extended period of time. It is important that people suffering from constipation realize that laxatives are a solution to a temporary problem. They are excellent for curing the one-off occurrence of constipation, but are by no means safe to be used by those who suffer from constipation on a regular basis. In this case, the problem likely lies in a poor diet that doesn’t contain enough fibers. Taking fiber supplements and adding fruits, green veggies, and whole wheat to the diet will help clear up the digestive issue.
In addition to digestive dependence upon senna tea, overuse of the tea can also cause the intestines to turn black. No joke! This could even be a potential cause behind colorectal cancer development. This tea causes a pretty noticeable drop in potassium levels, which also means that the heart rate of the user can physically slow down. Chronic liver disease and liver failure, chronic diarrhea, dehydration, as well as enlargement and clubbing of the fingers and toes are other possible dangers that could develop in a person who uses senna tea too often.
There is slight danger associated with senna even when it hasn’t been abused. Senna has chemical properties that have been known to react dangerously with over 123 drugs. Some of the more popular ones include Tylenol (acetaminophen), Prilosec, and aspirin. Senna can even cause adverse reactions when taken with vitamins C and D. Anyone considering taking senna for temporary constipation relief should talk with their doctor before consuming the herbal tea. The doctor will be able to tell the patient whether or not this tea will react with any medications or vitamin supplements they are taking as well as whether it might upset any medical conditions they may have.
One should be aware that senna really is a legitimate herb when it comes to its laxative properties because many over the counter laxative drugs contain senna! That being said, overuse of these products, too, can lead to the side effects mentioned above. Pregnant women should never consider drinking senna tea or taking a laxative unless their doctor specifically recommends that they do. People who suffer from bulimia may be a particular suspect for senna abuse, as laxative products and herbs are used on a continual basis by these individuals in order to shed extra weight (either solely by inducing diarrhea or in conjunction with vomiting).
When we get down to it, it seems pretty clear that senna does provide a useful aid to those suffering from constipation. That being said, the use of it should be minimal and approved by a doctor. Even a person who believes his/her self to be in overall good health should consult a doctor before partaking of senna tea just to be on the safe side.