Sanna Makki (Senna Leaves)

Senna tea is a popular herbal remedy that’s often marketed as a laxative, weight loss aid, and detox method.

However, there’s little scientific evidence to support the efficacy of senna tea for most of these uses — aside from treating constipation.

Still, you may want to know about this drink’s benefits and safety.

This article explains everything you need to know about senna tea.

What is senna?

Senna is an herbal medicine made from the leaves, flowers, and fruit of a large group of flowering plants in the legume family

Extracts and teas made from senna plants have long been used as laxatives and stimulants in traditional herbal medicine

Originally from Egypt, senna is now grown worldwide, including countries like India and Somalia.

Most commercial products are derived from Cassia acutifolia or Cassia angustifolio, commonly known as Alexandrian and Indian senna, respectively

Today, senna is most often sold as a tea or over-the-counter constipation supplement, but it’s also occasionally used in weight loss pills and drinks.

How is senna tea used?

The most common application for senna tea is to stimulate bowel movements and alleviate constipation.

The primary active compounds in senna leaves are known as senna glycosides, or sennosides. Sennosides cannot be absorbed in your digestive tract, but they can be broken down by your gut bacteria

This breakdown of sennosides mildly irritates the cells in your colon, an effect that stimulates intestinal movement and produces a laxative effect.

Senna is an active ingredient in many popular over-the-counter laxative medications, such as Ex-Lax and Nature’s Remedy. For most people, it will stimulate a bowel movement within 6–12 hours .

Other potential uses

Because of its laxative effects, some people use senna tea to prepare for colonoscopies .

Some people may also use senna tea to relieve discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins and tissues in the lower rectum that can cause bleeding, pain, and itching. Chronic constipation is a major cause, and minor bouts of constipation can irritate preexisting hemorrhoids .

However, senna’s efficacy for relieving hemorrhoid symptoms has not been thoroughly studied.