What is senna?
Senna (Senna alexandrina), also known as Alexandrian senna or Indian senna, is a medicinal plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to North Africa and Asia, it has been used since Antiquity for its powerful laxative properties and its depurative effect on the digestive system.
Thanks to its high content of sennosides, active compounds that stimulate intestinal muscles, senna is one of the most effective natural remedies for relieving occasional constipation and promoting waste elimination.
What are the benefits of senna?
Senna is primarily recognized for its laxative and purgative effects, but it also has other beneficial properties:
How to use senna?
Senna is available in different forms, adapted to each need:
As an infusion or decoction of senna leaves
For constipation → Drink in case of sluggish transit, but only occasionally.
For a detox effect → Helps eliminate accumulated toxins.
Recipe:
Infuse 1 teaspoon dried senna leaves in 250 ml hot water for 10 minutes.
Drink in the evening before bedtime (effect felt in 6 to 12 hours).
In capsules or tablets
Convenient for precise dosage → Ideal for rapid, controlled intake.
As a short course of treatment (3 to 5 days maximum) → To avoid intestinal habituation.
In macerates or liquid extracts
Rapid, concentrated effect → Can be diluted in water or herbal tea.
Used in phytotherapy for targeted action.
Is senna effective against constipation?
Yes, senna is one of the most powerful natural laxatives. It acts by :
Stimulating intestinal peristalsis (intestinal contractions).
Facilitating stool evacuation by softening stool texture.
Speeds up digestive transit, reducing waste stagnation time.
Its effect is generally felt within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion.
Does senna help with weight loss?
Senna is sometimes used in slimming diets, but it doesn't help you lose weight directly:
It eliminates food residues, reducing the sensation of a bloated belly.
It helps evacuate excess water, resulting in temporary weight loss due to dehydration.
It does not burn fat, and should not be used as a weight-loss solution.
Overuse can lead to electrolyte imbalance and deficiencies.
What's the difference between senna and borage?
Senna (Senna alexandrina) → Powerful stimulant laxative, fast-acting but can irritate intestinal mucosa with prolonged use.
Borage (Frangula alnus) → Milder, more gradual laxative, better tolerated over the long term.
Senna is recommended for occasional constipation, while borage is better suited to chronic irregular transit.
Where can I buy quality senna?
Senna is available in :
Pharmacies and parapharmacies → In the form of capsules, herbal teas and liquid extracts.
Herbal shops and organic stores → In dried leaves for homemade infusions.
Boutiques specializing in phytotherapy → In concentrated macerates and powders.
Supermarkets and health food stores → In certain digestive or laxative herbal teas.
Prefer organic and controlled products, guaranteeing better quality and purity.
Does senna have any contraindications or side effects?
Yes, despite its effectiveness, senna should be used with caution:
Contraindications
