Senna: A Plant-based Natural Laxative
In the early 2000s, the FDA forbade the further use of cascara and aloe in supplements targeted at people with constipation. This FDA directive reduced the herbal laxative market to senna. The herb senna comes from a plant native to many regions around the world, but historically has been associated with the East African continent as well as what has come to be known as the Middle East. It’s a mediums-sized, unobtrusive shrub-like plant.
The word senna itself has an interesting history rooted in the Semitic languages, as befitting its origins. It’s also known by another equivalent name, cassia. Both are commonly used. It’s active ingredient is a chemical or a class of chemicals known as the anthraquinoids. Anthraquinones are found in other types of laxatives. They have the effect of stimulating movement in the intestinal tract.
As one might guess, the application of the senna herb as a constipation treatment goes back hundreds or even thousands of years. Senna was used in its raw, unprocessed form, without the benefit of modern methods in purification of the active compounds. Today it can be found in semi-processed form like tea leaves, or in more processed forms like capsules.
Even though it’s specified as an herbal supplement, consumers would be wise to know the background of manufacturing companies that sell this product. A company with poor quality control can produce a bad batch of senna. But supposing the company has the highest standards, a consumer should continue to be wary as there may be side effects of this natural laxative that is largely unregulated by stringent pharmaceutical laws. Herbal supplements can cause unintended and dangerous effects.
In line with the issue of safety, one should always know that there are warnings associated with senna usage. For example, it has been noted that people with a history of heart disease or hypertension should refrain from taking senna. In fact, it’s important to realize that a patient should consult the advice of his personal doctor before embarking on any laxative treatment, natural or not.
In times of antiquity, senna was likely to be ingested while in herbal or leaf form. Some people will find this to be the most pleasing way of taking senna. In response to such demand, manufacturers have made a tea form of the senna laxative. However, sophisticated formulations such as capsules and tablets can be more nutritious if they are fortified with minerals like calcium.
Niche detail resources on natural laxatives are free for your use. Readers wishing to know more can browse over to learn about senna laxative.
categories: herbal medicine,nutrition,supplements,weight loss,food,colon cancer,medical,womens issues,mens issues,general health
February 16 2010 01:11 pm | herbal remedies