Senna: useful properties and contraindications, instructions for use

Senna is a medicinal herb known for its laxative effect. It is found not only in Russia, but also in Europe, Asia and India. The plant is used as an alternative to medicines. The benefits and harms of senna are due to its rich composition. Thanks to him, a natural remedy removes toxins from the body and promotes weight loss.

Description and types of senna

Senna is a shrub with lanceolate leaves. A distinctive feature is the bright yellow flowers. The people called the plant the holly or Alexandrian cassia. Alternative medicine uses the dried leaves of the plant. The following varieties of senna are distinguished:

• narrow-leaved;
• Meccan;
• dull-leaved;
• holly.

The chemical composition of cassia

The benefits of senna herb are contained in a rich composition. Anthraglycosides are considered the main active ingredients. Their useful property is an irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the digestive system. This leads to the normalization of intestinal motility. The composition of the medicinal plant also includes the following components:

• alkaloids;
• sterols;
• flavonoids;
• linoleic and stearic acids;
• resins;
• aloe-emodin;
• sennosides B and A.

Useful properties of cassia

The benefits of Alexandrian cassia have been proven not only by the many years of experience of supporters of alternative medicine, but also by numerous studies of scientists. The herb has laxative and diuretic properties. Senna helps to cleanse the body of toxic substances without harming health. Unlike drugs, the plant rarely causes side effects.

A useful property of glycosides is to improve the functioning of the digestive system. As a result, the stool is restored, which is important for frequent constipation. The benefits of alkaloids are pain relieving. Flavonoids are considered beneficial substances that have a cleansing effect on the body. Due to the content of organic acids, pathogenic microorganisms are eliminated, which contributes to the normalization of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. The most pronounced useful properties of the plant include:

• acceleration of metabolism;
• restorative effect on the body;
• anti-inflammatory action;
• improving the appearance of the skin surface;
• diuretic and laxative effects;
• normalization of the work of the heart muscle;
• analgesic effect.

Senna based pharmacy products

Due to its beneficial properties, senna leaves are often used for the preparation of medicinal herbal preparations and tabletted dietary supplements.They are used to normalize the stool, treat hemorrhoids and cleanse the body of toxic substances. The benefits of cassia seeds are less pronounced. But sometimes they are added to the composition of pharmaceuticals.

Often, these drugs are prescribed in preparation for surgery and during the rehabilitation period. The most common preparations containing senna include:

1. "Senadexin".
2. "Antihemorrhoidal collection".
3. Sennagud.
4. Senade.

Senna-based traditional medicine recipes

The medicinal properties of senna leaves make it possible to use them for the preparation of medicinal products at home. In order for the result to meet expectations, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of raw materials and adherence to dosage. Otherwise, the treatment will be harmful.

Senna decoction to cleanse the body

The benefits of senna leaves for the gastrointestinal tract are due to their ability to stimulate peristatics. Due to this, the intestines are emptied without problems in the first hours after taking a useful broth. Forced cleansing of the body is necessary in the following cases:

• anal fissures;
• proctitis;
• constipation;
• poisoning with toxins;
• hemorrhoids.

The broth is prepared according to the following scheme:

1. 1 tbsp is poured into a deep container. l. dried and crushed plant.
2. Raw materials are poured into 200 ml of pure water.
3. The broth is brought to a boil over low heat, after which it is boiled for 5 minutes.
4. Senna is infused under the lid for half an hour.
5. After cooling, the broth is filtered.

Senna infusion for constipation

With severe constipation, doctors advise taking an infusion of senna. It produces a mild laxative effect without causing any harm to health. The principle of preparing a remedy is as follows:

1. 25 g of raw materials are poured into a glass of hot water.
2. For 2 hours, the remedy is set aside to reach readiness under the lid.
3. After the specified time, the infusion is filtered.

In order to get rid of constipation, senna infusion is taken every day for 1 tbsp. Children under 7 years old should not take more than half a glass. The result will be noticeable already on the first day of therapy. The duration of treatment depends on the magnitude of the problem. Usually the infusion is taken within 3-5 days.

Senna iced tea as a mild laxative

The benefits of senna tea are concentrated in the mild effect on the body. The drink acts more slowly than infusion and decoctions. Its distinctive feature is the cooking method. The recipe will require:

• 1 tbsp. cold water;
• 1 tbsp. l. shredded senna leaves;
• honey to taste.

Tea brewing algorithm:

1. The grass is poured with cold water and set aside for 3-4 hours.
2. Filter the drink before use. To avoid this, you can use portioned tea bags.
3. Honey is added to the drink for sweetness.

Tincture for chronic constipation

For chronic constipation, herbal decoction is not always effective enough. In these cases, an alcoholic tincture will be more useful. It is important to follow the rules for taking it so as not to harm your health.

Ingredients of the remedy:

• 50 g raisins;
• 150 g "Holosas";
• 30 g of Alexandrian cassia.

Cooking procedure:

1. The raisins are washed and cooked for 5 minutes.
2. After adding senna, the medicinal mixture is boiled for another 10 minutes.
3. After cooling, the "Holosas" syrup is added to the resulting broth.

The finished medicine is taken immediately after the last meal for ½ tbsp. l. Before use, it is advisable to consult a doctor for any contraindications. The duration of admission is set individually.

Collection of hemorrhoids

To prepare the collection for eliminating hemorrhoids, the following components are mixed in equal proportions:

• calamus root;
• buckthorn bark;
• chamomile;
• senna;
• Dill seeds.

Cooking algorithm:

1. 1 tbsp. l. herbal mixture is poured into a glass of hot water.
2. Within 10 minutes, the remedy is insisted.
3. The next step is to cool the drink and filter.

Reception of a useful remedy for hemorrhoids is carried out 2 times a day for a glass. Within 2-3 days after the start of treatment, the pain will become less intense. If necessary, the collection efficiency is increased with medication.

Collection for constipation

Constipation is a problem with the inability to empty the bowels naturally. To cope with it without harm to health, you should normalize digestion. In this case, a collection of the following components will be beneficial:

• anise fruit;
• licorice root;
• Alexandrian cassia;
• buckthorn bark;
• fruits of the joster.

Cooking principle:

1. Each component is taken in a volume of 50 g.
2. The components are thoroughly mixed and poured into 300 ml of boiling water.
3. Within 20 minutes, the remedy is prepared in a water bath.
4. After cooling and straining, the medicine is taken 150 g 2 times a day, on an empty stomach.

Senna slimming benefits

In the struggle for a beautiful figure, traditional medicine is often used. The use of senna herb for weight loss is expressed in the normalization of metabolism. As a result, fat is broken down faster than usual. Senna is used in the form of teas, broths and desserts with the addition of raisins and nuts. It must be remembered that it is forbidden to reduce weight with senna for a long time. Subject to this rule, the medicinal properties of Senna herb while losing weight will fully manifest themselves.

Senna Weight Loss Recipes

The benefits of narrow-leaved cassia can be used to speed up the weight loss process. There are many recipes that include a healthy plant. The most common of these involves the following ingredients:

• prunes;
• raisins;
• decoction of senna leaves;
• honey;
• dried apricots;
• figs.

Cooking process:

1. All components are crushed using a meat grinder.
2. Hay broth and honey are added to the mixture.
3. Dessert is put in the refrigerator overnight.
4. The next day it is eaten between meals for 1-2 tbsp. l.

Senna during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The health benefits and harms of cassia make you think about the possibility of using it when carrying a baby and breastfeeding. As the fetus grows, pressure is exerted on the digestive organs. On this basis, pregnant women often develop constipation. The beneficial properties of senna in these cases help to normalize the stool without harm to the child. This is due to the plant origin of cassia. The benefits of the plant are especially noticeable in the postpartum period. It helps to cope with anal fissures. When breastfeeding, drinking a decoction of senna is undesirable without consulting a specialist.

Can Senna be given to children

The benefits of senna herb for the body are quite high. But when treating children with it, you should be careful. It is prohibited to use the remedy under the age of 3 years. In other cases, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician on an individual basis.

Senna application in home cosmetology

Alexandrian cassia is used not only for medicinal purposes, but also to eliminate cosmetic imperfections. Washing with herbal decoction helps maintain the beauty of the skin at the proper level. The plant helps to soften the skin surface and provide protection from sun damage.

Senna harm and side effects

The harm of cassia is noted in cases where the principles of its use are violated. Due to its cleansing properties, long-term use of the herb helps to dehydrate the body and flush out potassium. Therefore, you should not abuse the treatment of hay.There is also a risk of developing the following side effects:

• dizziness;
• discomfort in the right hypochondrium;
• discoloration of urine;
• convulsions;
• prolonged diarrhea;
• deviations in heart rate.

Contraindications to the use of senna

To avoid unforeseen problems and preserve the benefits of the plant, before using senna, you need to make sure that there are no contraindications. Among them are:

• an allergic reaction;
• age up to 3 years;
• liver and kidney pathology;
• chronic diseases of the digestive system;
• inflammatory processes in the abdominal cavity;
• intestinal obstruction.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of senna indicate that the plant is not as harmless as it seems. When using it, it is necessary to take into account not only useful properties, but also possible harm. It is especially important to visit a doctor beforehand.

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