The Efficacy and Effects of Drinking Senna Leaf Tea
Jan 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Cassia leaf (Folium Sennae) has a bitter and cold nature with actions of descending and purging. It can induce purgation, relieve stagnation, promote intestinal peristalsis, increase intestinal fluid content, and soften stools, thereby exerting a laxative effect. It is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for treating constipation. Prepared as a tea, it can be used to treat constipation caused by internal heat accumulation or habitual constipation, providing rapid relief from constipation symptoms and assisting in the elimination of accumulated fecal matter. Cassia leaf also has certain diuretic and anti-edema effects, helping to reduce edema.
Drinking senna leaf-infused water generally has functions and benefits such as inducing bowel movements, relieving constipation, promoting diuresis to reduce bloating, clearing accumulated heat from the intestines, detoxifying to improve complexion, and assisting in weight loss.
1. Laxative and Relieves Constipation
Senna leaf is bitter and cold in nature and functions to descend and discharge, effectively promoting bowel movement by stimulating intestinal peristalsis, increasing intestinal moisture, and softening stools. It is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating constipation. Drinking senna leaf water can be used to treat heat-induced constipation or habitual constipation, quickly alleviating symptoms of constipation and aiding in the elimination of accumulated fecal matter.
2. Promotes Diuresis and Reduces Bloating
Senna leaf has a certain diuretic effect and can help expel excess water from the body through its laxative action, thereby reducing edema. For conditions such as abdominal distension due to fluid retention or ascites, drinking senna leaf water can serve as an adjunctive therapy, helping eliminate excess fluid and alleviate symptoms of edema.
3. Clears Accumulated Heat from the Intestines
Due to its cold nature, senna leaf can effectively clear excessive internal heat in the intestines. It provides good relief for symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and dry, hard stools caused by excessive heat accumulation in the intestines. Drinking senna leaf water helps eliminate internal heat pathogens, restore normal intestinal motility, and improve excessive heat conditions in the intestines.
4. Detoxifies and Improves Complexion
The laxative effect of senna leaf helps eliminate toxins and waste from the intestines, reducing toxin accumulation in the body and thus contributing to detoxification and improved skin appearance. Drinking senna leaf water may result in smoother, more refined skin and help improve skin conditions such as acne and pigmentation caused by toxin buildup, supporting overall skin health.
5. Assists in Weight Loss
The laxative effect of senna leaf helps reduce the accumulation of excess water and waste in the body and may assist in weight loss when used short-term. However, prolonged use may lead to electrolyte imbalance, so it is not recommended as a regular weight-loss method.
It is recommended to use senna leaf water under the guidance of a physician. Excessive intake should be avoided, and a light diet should be maintained in daily life. Adequate rest is also important, and overexertion should be avoided.
