Is it okay to drink senna leaves every few days?
Nov 01, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
It is not advisable to drink senna leaf tea frequently. Although senna leaf has a laxative effect that promotes bowel movements, long-term or excessive use may cause adverse effects on the body.
Senna leaf is cold in nature; prolonged or frequent consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomforts such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Generally speaking, it is not advisable to drink senna leaf tea every few days. Although senna leaf has the effect of promoting bowel movements and relieving constipation, long-term or excessive use may cause adverse effects on the body.
Senna leaf is cold in nature. Long-term or frequent consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomforts such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If these symptoms persist, they may further cause electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia (low potassium), manifesting as physical weakness, muscle fatigue, along with nausea, slowed reactions, and drowsiness.
Long-term use of senna leaf may also lead to circulatory system abnormalities, such as low blood pressure and cold extremities. Additionally, certain components in senna leaf may adversely affect the nervous system, causing poisoning reactions such as facial numbness and reduced pain sensation in areas innervated by the trigeminal nerve. In severe cases, prolonged use may lead to dependency, with symptoms like irritability, restlessness, insomnia, and generalized body pain occurring after discontinuation.
In daily life, constipation can be improved through adjusting dietary patterns, increasing dietary fiber intake, and maintaining regular physical activity.
