Organic Senna Powder 250 g

Organic Senna

Senna originates from the Arab world, specifically Egypt, as it was first mentioned in Arabic medical texts in the 9th century AD. It was first used in ancient Greek and Ayurvedic medicine. Today, senna is very widespread along the Nile and in India, China, Ceylon and Morocco.

Senna is the leaf or fruit (pod) of the plant Senna alexandrina and belongs to the legume family. It is a small shrub with long, branched stems and yellow flowers, from which rectangular, flat pods develop. The leaves are usually harvested before or during flowering, whilst the pods are typically harvested in autumn when they are ripe. Due to their medicinal properties, the leaves and pods of senna have been used in traditional medicine for a very long time. The leaves are said to be stronger than the pods and are occasionally used for their mild laxative properties.

In the USA, senna is approved by the FDA as a laxative for the short-term treatment of constipation. It should be taken as a single herb and only for as long as necessary to relieve acute constipation.

Active ingredients

Senna is known for its catartic and purgative properties, which promote the passage of stools. It contains anthraquinone derivatives and their glucosides, which are known to stimulate the nerves in the large intestine and promote strong bowel movements. These substances are also present in cascara, Cape aloe and rhubarb. Senna contains glucoside compounds known as sennosides. The main function of sennosides is to selectively stimulate the lining of the large intestine, which triggers peristaltic movements of the smooth muscles and causes the passage of stools through the bowel. It also helps to temporarily retain fluid in the large intestine, making bowel movements easier.

Senna leaves contain micronutrients, which include glycosides—among them sennosides A and B—and phytochemicals, anthraquinone derivatives (palmitic and stearic acids, the resinous substance rein, anthranol, chrysophanol, aloeemodin, kaempferol and myricyl alcohol).

Key benefits offered by senna

As well as treating constipation, Senna also helps to cleanse the bowel in preparation for procedures such as colonoscopy.

The doctor performing the colonoscopy prescribes a specific regimen for emptying the large bowel to the patient prior to the procedure, which the patient must follow. Taking senna orally is just as effective as castor oil and bisacodyl for cleansing the bowel and helps with emptying the large bowel before a colonoscopy.

However, senna is not only used for medicinal purposes; some people use it as a natural hair dye or simply as a hair conditioner, as senna gives the hair a silky feel, shine and volume.

Storage and warnings

Store in a cool, dry place at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C. Keep this food supplement out of the reach of children!

Do not forget the importance of a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle; this food supplement is therefore not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake or dose.

We advise against use by pregnant and breastfeeding women.

If you are experiencing pain or diarrhoea, we advise against using senna. You should also stop using senna immediately if you experience diarrhoea or loose stools.

It is advisable to consult your doctor for further information if you have any health concerns, particularly if you are taking any other medicines at the same time.

Packaging

An airtight zip-lock bag, which preserves the product’s freshness and aroma. The packaging protects against light and air, as it consists of several layers of protection that preserve the properties of the contents.

The packaging is very practical and can be recycled.

Origin

India