Index
This drink can be the salvation of those suffering from constipation. understand why
What is senna tea for
Senna tea is very famous for its laxative action, which fights constipation easily. But this is not the only benefit of this drink.
Thus, we made a list of all the main benefits of tea:
- Has laxative effect
- Eliminates worms and parasites
- It is anticonvulsant (combat seizures)
- helps you sleep better
- Fights anxiety
- It’s anti-inflammatory
- It prevents cancer and other diseases
Plenty of benefits, aren’t it? It is noteworthy that these that were listed are the benefits proven by science so far. Of course, there are other health advantages, but these are still being studied or undergoing testing.
Thus, we chose those that were mentioned because there is already a scientific basis that proves them. Thus, we certify that all of these are based on original and certified research and studies. Below, you’ll learn more about each.
See also: How to make senna tea; see recipes and benefits
Benefits of this tea
Now you will see a little more about each of the benefits listed above. This is also where you will confirm that all these benefits are true. Information is based on scientific sources and official research. Check out our scientific references at the end of the article!
Has laxative effect
First of all, senna tea is well known for its laxative action (1, 2), which is very potent but not so fast. In addition, senna enters the list of purgative foods, which facilitates the evacuation of feces.
It is a great remedy to fight constipation (constipation). However, it does not have an immediate effect (it starts between 4 and 6 hours after ingestion), although it is very potent. Once in the digestive tract, its effect comes after a few hours, following the flow of digestion.
When it gets to the gut, that’s where the magic happens. The properties of senna irritate the colon and intestine, preventing water absorption. Thus, the stools are wetter (or even softer) and are eliminated by the stimulated bowel.
Furthermore, studies prove that senna speeds up digestion (1). This stimulates the functioning of the stomach, which is good for the body and helps to perceive and monitor intestinal flora.
Eliminates worms and parasites
Another famous benefit of senna tea is its ability to kill worms and parasites present in the body (3). Thus, we can say that this natural drink is a true sanitizer for the body.
This action is called the anthelmintic effect, but it can be translated simply as the vermicide effect. Laboratory tests were carried out, and there was proof that the properties of senna are a natural poison for micro-organisms and small harmful agents.
However, it does not harm human beings. Thus, this drink is of great help in treating worms, especially those that remain in the intestinal tract.
It is anticonvulsant (combat seizures)
Another great scientific discovery about senna tea is that it has anticonvulsant substances (4). Those are properties that help fight seizures and aid in the treatment of this problem.
Seizures, unfortunately, are symptoms of some illnesses. It can be severe, and it must be a problem monitored by a specialist doctor. However, senna tea can greatly help this process, decreasing the chances of seizures and making them shorter.
According to the Cameroon study (Cameroon, Africa), regular consumption of senna tea significantly reduces the risk of death from seizure attacks. Thanks to this effect, this drink is classified as one of the great helpers in the treatment of epilepsy.
helps you sleep better
Research has also established an official relationship between senna tea and the fight against insomnia (4). That’s right, and it is possible to improve and increase the hours of sleep through the regular consumption of senna tea.
The properties of this drink act on the nervous system as a mild sedative, causing drowsiness and decreasing brain activity, which induces healthy sleep. So, bet on this tea if you are going through a period of insomnia.
Fights anxiety
Likewise, senna tea is a great natural option against anxiety (4). The sedative effect mentioned above results from the tranquilizing action of this drink on the nervous system. This effect also induces a decrease in anxiety.
Anyone who suffers from this problem knows how anxiety can be uncomfortable and affect many areas of life. So, talk to your doctor if you can use senna tea to treat this problem.
It’s anti-inflammatory
An African study conducted tests on various plants and seeds to discover anti-inflammatory properties. Guess which of the plants stood out in this regard? That’s right, the senna (5).
Thus, senna tea can help treat and recover inflammatory diseases and relieve the famous pain in the lower back, joints, and shoulders, often caused by minor inflammation.
But, it is noteworthy that it is useless to fight inflammation with senna if your diet is not healthy. That is, some foods increase inflammation, so they should be avoided. It’s no use drinking this tea and eating foods rich in fat, salt, and sugar.
It prevents cancer and other diseases.
Research has also found antioxidant properties within the nutritional composition of senna (5). That is, substances that inhibit the action of free radicals and protect the body from various diseases, such as cancer, for example.
Free radicals are substances that hinder the healthy cycle of cells. Senna fights these substances, thus preventing high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, degenerative diseases, and premature aging.
In addition, there is scientific evidence that consuming antioxidant foods also helps with beauty. They help to give more quality to the skin and hair, for example.
Where to buy senna?
First, senna leaves and nuts can be found in health food stores. Some supermarket chains also sell senna, but there it can be a little more expensive.
On the other hand, senna capsules, senna-based syrups, and granules are available in homeopathic and natural products pharmacies, added to the diet.
There are also suppliers on the internet that work with sending senna and natural products made from senna. Thus, it is a good alternative for those who need to buy it regularly, such as epilepsy patients who use this tea to decrease the chances of seizures.
However, it is still worth noting that it is safer to buy senna leaves and nuts. Since some products (such as capsules and syrups) can be manipulated, other ingredients and processes can alter the plant’s benefits.
How to prepare correctly?
The senna tea recipe is straightforward. The tea is tasty and, as you’ve seen, very beneficial to your health. See below how to prepare the best natural senna tea:
- Pour 150 ml of water, approximately one cup, into a pot.
- Heat and turn off after the water starts to boil.
- In a cup, place a tablespoon of dried senna leaves or dried fruit.
- Pour the water over the top and cover the cup so that the tea is sweltering for about five minutes.
- Drink it when it’s warm, and sweeten it with honey if you like.
The recommended consumption is a cup of tea before bed, and tea should not be taken for a period longer than seven days in a row.
Another important detail is that senna tea is much more beneficial when it is not sweetened. So, the idea is to consume it in its natural form. So, if you’re going to sweeten it, prefer honey (which is also natural) and avoid sugar and sweeteners.
See also: Discover the side effects of senna leaf tea
Contraindications
First, it is important to emphasize that there is an allergy to senna. It’s not very common, but it exists, and you have to be careful in this case. Studies show that allergic people can develop varied symptoms, especially in the eyes, such as rhino-conjunctivitis (6).
Likewise, it is considered a strong and complex drink, so it should be avoided by people with fragile bodies, such as pregnant women and young children. It is also not recommended for nursing mothers, as it contains properties that can pass into breast milk.
Reports indicate that excessive doses of senna tea can cause problems such as vomiting and severe abdominal cramps. So, no exaggeration! Consumption must be done with care and attention.
In case of adverse reactions, a physician should be consulted. It is important to stop using this drink after the first signs of harm.
