Index
Learn about some of the side effects and contraindications of teas made from senna leaves and learn more about their benefits.
Contraindications
The plant, even though it is a natural medicine, has contraindications. Its consumption is contraindicated for patients suffering from abdominal pain of unknown origin, dehydration, intestinal obstruction and children under 12 years of age. In addition, it is prohibited for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease and acute inflammatory bowel disease.
The plant should also not be consumed by pregnant patients, especially in the first trimester, because, although there is no evidence, there are indications that it can cause abortion when consumed in excess.
Side effects
Excessive consumption of Sene can cause bowel addiction, in addition to damaging its natural movement. This can cause a greater need, more often, for medication, in addition to causing intestinal constipation. This is why tea should be used as a laxative only as an emergency medicine, and never daily, as other undesirable effects may appear.
If there is constant constipation, as well as excess gas, it is necessary to restructure the diet, increasing the intake of fluids and fiber. With the use of senna, however, it is normal for the patient to present abdominal cramps or mild discomfort in the region, however, when it is used constantly, it can cause a laxative dependence syndrome, whose main characteristic is the malfunction of the intestine , or even the loss of peristaltic movement when the bowel does not receive the laxative doses.
In some more severe cases, it is possible that there is dehydration and cachexia, which refers to excessive weight loss. The patient may also have reddish or brownish urine during treatment with this plant. The senna can also be responsible for aggravating some medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal cancer, ulcers, colitis, diverticular disease and chron disease, among others.