Senna
Senna alexandrina
A widely used stimulant laxative (in many over-the-counter products) for short-term constipation.
Traditional use (african-diaspora, biblical-near-eastern): A widely used stimulant laxative (in many over-the-counter products) for short-term constipation.
A widely used stimulant laxative (in many over-the-counter products) for short-term constipation.
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- A widely used stimulant laxative (in many over-the-counter products) for short-term constipation.
Evidence strength: stronger human.
- See the evidence level above
- Cramping, dependence, electrolyte loss with overuse; not long-term, in pregnancy, or with bowel obstruction.
- Long-term use
- Bowel obstruction
- Children without advice
Cramping, dependence, electrolyte loss with overuse; not long-term, in pregnancy, or with bowel obstruction.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.