Senna (Cassia angustifolia)
Senna is also known as Indian senna, or Swarnapatri in Sanskrit.(HR/1)
It’s utilised for a variety of ailments, including constipation. Senna’s Rechana (laxative) property, according to Ayurveda, aids in the management of constipation.Due to its Deepan (appetiser) and Usna (hot) properties, taking Senna leaf powder with lukewarm water aids in weight management by boosting Agni (digestive fire) and hence digestion. Due to its antioxidant properties, senna aids in blood sugar management by increasing insulin synthesis. Due to its anthelmintic properties, it also aids in the removal of worms from the intestine. Due to its Ropan (healing) property, applying Senna leaf paste to the skin can help with a variety of skin ailments like as inflammation, blisters, redness, and so on. It’s important to remember that too much Senna might lead to severe diarrhoea and a loss of fluid in the body. As a result, it’s best to follow a doctor’s advice and take Senna as directed.
Senna is also known as :- Indian Senna , Sarnapatta, Nilapponnai, Avarai, Sena, Barg-e-Sana
Senna is obtained from :- Plant
Uses and benefits of Senna:-
As per several scientific studies, uses and benefits of Senna (Cassia angustifolia) are mentioned as per below(HR/2)
- Constipation : Senna’s laxative properties aid in the management of constipation. It contains ingredients that aid in the loosening of the stool and the speeding up of the bowel movement. It also encourages easy stool excretion.
The Vata and Pitta doshas are exacerbated, resulting in constipation. Constipation is caused by factors such as frequent eating of junk food, excessive coffee or tea consumption, sleeping late at night, stress and depression, and so on. Senna balances Vata and Pitta, which helps with constipation. Its Rechana (laxative) property also aids in the expulsion of waste materials from the big intestine. Tips for using Senna to relieve constipation: a. Take 0.5-2 mg of Senna powder (or as advised by a physician). b. Drink it with lukewarm water before going to bed at night to get constipation relief. - Intestine preparation before any surgery : Senna aids in the preparation of the intestine/bowel before to any diagnostic or surgical treatment that requires a faecal matter-free bowel, such as a colonoscopy. It has a laxative effect, which increases bowel movement and facilitates stool evacuation. Senna also enhances intestinal motility by stimulating the transport of water and electrolytes. This aids in the intestines’ cleaning process. Colonoscopy
- Diagnostic agent : Senna may aid certain diagnostic imaging procedures that necessitate feces-free intestines. Its laxative properties aid in the removal of faeces from the intestines by increasing bowel movement and the transit of stool from the body.
- Piles : Senna may aid in the management of haemorrhoids by alleviating constipation. It has a laxative effect, which enhances bowel movement and facilitates stool transit. This avoids constipation and, as a result, the formation of haemorrhoids.
An poor diet and sedentary lifestyle are the most common causes of haemorrhoids or piles, also known as Arsh in Ayurveda. It is characterised by the impairment of all three doshas, with Vata being the most prominent. Constipation is caused by a low digestive fire caused by an aggravated Vata. This causes the veins in the rectum to expand, resulting in the formation of piles. Senna’s Ushna (hot) property helps reduce constipation by stimulating the digestive fire. Its Rechana (laxative) property also aids in the reduction of pile mass. a. Take 0.5-2 gm of Senna powder (or as advised by a physician) to help avoid haemorrhoids. b. Drink it before going to bed at night with hot water to relieve constipation and prevent haemorrhoids. - Irritable bowel syndrome : Although sufficient scientific evidence is lacking, Senna may aid in the management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome by facilitating the passage of faeces due to its laxative properties.
- Weight loss : According to Ayurveda, poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle generate a weak digestive fire, which leads to a rise in Ama accumulation and constipation. This causes a meda dhatu imbalance, which contributes to obesity. Senna powder, with its Deepan (appetiser) characteristic, aids in the removal of Ama by lowering extra fat in the body. Due to its Rechana (laxative) characteristic, it also eliminates waste material from the intestines and relieves constipation, aiding to weight management. Senna powder can help you lose weight if you use it correctly. 1. Take 0.5-2 mg of Senna powder (or as prescribed by a physician). 2. Drink it with lukewarm water before bedtime to help you lose weight.
- Skin Disease : Senna (Senna) helps to relieve the symptoms of eczema, such as rough skin, blisters, irritation, itchiness, and bleeding. Because of its Ropan (healing) property, applying Senna leaf paste to the skin decreases inflammation and stops bleeding.
- Acne and Pimples : Acne and pimples are more common in those with the Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type, according to Ayurveda. Kapha aggravation causes an increase in sebum production, which clogs the skin’s pores. Both white and blackheads occur as a result of this. Red papules (bumps) and pus-filled inflammation are other signs of an aggravated Pitta dosha. Despite its Ushna (hot) nature, Senna (Senna) powder helps to balance Kapha and Pitta, preventing clogging of pores and irritation.
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Precautions to be taken while using Senna:-
As per several scientific studies, below precautions should to be taken while taking Senna (Cassia angustifolia)(HR/3)
- Senna is a natural laxative. It is advisable to avoid long term use of Senna for managing bowel functions as it might alter normal bowel functions and lead to the development of a dependence of using Senna to pass bowel.
Special precautions to be taken while taking Senna:-
As per several scientific studies, below special precautions should to be taken while taking Senna (Cassia angustifolia)(HR/4)
- Breastfeeding : Senna can be taken safely in recommended doses when breastfeeding. Before consuming Senna during pregnancy, it is best to prevent excessive consumption or visit a specialist.
- Moderate Medicine Interaction : 1. Senna may enhance the laxative action. As a result, if you’re taking Senna alongside laxatives, you should always visit a doctor. 2. When used with other diuretics, senna may lower potassium levels in the body. As a result, if you’re using Senna with diuretic medicines, you should talk to your doctor.
- Patients with heart disease : Senna has the potential to induce electrolyte imbalances and interfere with heart function. As a result, persons with heart disease should avoid Senna or visit a physician before using it.
- Allergy : People who are allergic to Senna or Senna preparations should avoid using it because it can cause allergic responses.
How to take Senna:-
As per several scientific studies, Senna (Cassia angustifolia) can be taken into the methods mentioned as per below(HR/5)
How much Senna should be taken:-
As per several scientific studies, Senna (Cassia angustifolia) should be taken into the amounts mentioned as per below(HR/6)
Side effects of Senna:-
As per several scientific studies, below side effects need to be taken into consideration while taking Senna (Cassia angustifolia)(HR/7)
- Nausea
- Excessive salivation
- Increased thirst
- Dehydration
- Laxative dependence
- Liver damage
Questions asked frequently Related to the Senna:-
Question. What is the best time to take Senna (Senna)?
Answer. Senna (Senna) is best taken in the evening before going to bed.
Question. Do I need a prescription to buy Senna?
Answer. Senna is a natural laxative that is available over-the-counter (OTC). So, while a prescription is not required to purchase Senna, it is recommended that you visit a physician before using it.
Question. What is the taste of Senna?
Answer. Senna has a strong and bitter flavour.
Question. Is Senna good for colon cleansing?
Answer. Senna’s laxative and purgative characteristics may make it useful for colon cleansing. It encourages bowel movements and facilitates stool evacuation.
Senna’s Rechana (laxative) effect makes it beneficial for colon cleansing. It aids in the elimination of waste items from the intestines as well as colon cleansing.
Question. Is Senna tea good for you?
Answer. Yes, Senna (Senna) can be used as a tea ingredient and is beneficial to one’s health. Senna tea has a wide range of health benefits, owing to its stimulating and laxative qualities. It aids in the reduction of hunger, weight management, gut cleansing, and constipation prevention.
Question. Can Senna cause dependence?
Answer. Yes, using Senna as a laxative excessively frequently or for a long period can lead to irregular bowel function and the development of a dependency on it.
Question. How to reduce the side effects of Senna?
Answer. Senna can cause nausea, excessive salivation, increased thirst, and other unpleasant side effects. By combining Senna with sugar, ginger powder, and rock salt, these negative effects can be reduced.
Question. Does Senna raise blood pressure?
Answer. Although there isn’t enough scientific data, Senna may induce a spike in blood pressure.
Question. Is Senna safe for children?
Answer. When eaten by mouth for a short period of time, senna is regarded safe for children over the age of two. Senna, on the other hand, is not safe in big amounts. As a result, it’s best to follow a doctor’s advice and take Senna as directed.
SUMMARY
It’s utilised for a variety of ailments, including constipation. Senna’s Rechana (laxative) property, according to Ayurveda, aids in the management of constipation.