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Senna (Cassia angustifolia) is a small shrub that grows in the
regions of the upper Nile of North Africa and Arabia. The ancient
Egyptian doctors used senna over 3500 years ago for their royal
patients and the elite. It was also used by the Arabian physicians
as far back 9th century A.D. After being introduced to Europe during
the Crusades, its popularity as an herbal remedy exploded. While
available as single product, senna is often combined with a variety
of aromatic herbs.
Today senna is a commonly used laxative
and is found as an active ingredient in products such as Senokot,
Fletcher's Castoria, and Ex-Lax Gentle Nature. Senna can be found
growing naturally in most tropical regions of the world. Both its
leaves and its seeds are medicinal. Senna is able to relieve
constipation by stimulating the colon, whereby speeding along the
passage of the contents. Consequently, there is less time for fluid
to be absorbed from the stool and it remains
soft.
Dosage and Preparation
Senna is
taken orally using dosages that include 20 to 60 milligrams of pure
senna extract. The strength of commercial preparations may vary, so
follow the manufacturer's recommendations found on the
packaging.
Senna is available as a crushed herb, as a liquid,
or as a powdered extract. Senna tea can is prepared by pouring hot
(but not boiling) water over 1/2 to 2 grams (one-quarter teaspoon)
of crushed senna herb, steep for about 10 minutes and strain. Senna
tea can also be prepared by steeping crushed senna for 12 hours in
cold water and then straining. Many individuals claim that preparing
senna as a cold tea produces less resin in the tea, whereby
decreasing the likelihood of abdominal cramps.
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