What are the efficacy and benefits of drinking water infused with senna leaves?
Mar 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, "xieye" (泻叶) refers to Cassia leaf (Folium Sennae). Drinking Cassia leaf infusion has various effects and functions, including diuresis and reducing edema, clearing heat and fire, inducing bowel movements, anti-inflammation and antibacterial action, and assisting in weight loss. However, caution should be exercised when using it. Pregnant women, children, elderly individuals, and those with weak constitutions should avoid self-administration and should use it under the guidance of a physician. Long-term or excessive use of Cassia leaf may also lead to intestinal dysfunction.
In general, senna leaf refers to the leaf of senna plant. Drinking senna leaf infusion has functions and benefits including diuresis and edema reduction, clearing heat and fire, promoting bowel movement, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, and assisting weight loss. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Diuresis and Edema Reduction
Senna leaf also has a diuretic effect, which can remove excess water from the body, thereby achieving a de-swelling effect. It has certain therapeutic effects on edema and distension caused by spleen deficiency with excessive dampness.
2. Clearing Heat and Reducing Fire Toxicity
Senna leaf clears heat and dampness, and detoxifies fire. It can promote the excretion of waste from the body. It helps improve intestinal health and alleviate symptoms such as sore throat and mouth ulcers caused by heat toxicity.
3. Promoting Bowel Movement
Senna leaf is cold in nature, with a sweet and bitter taste, acting mainly on the large intestine meridian. It can promote intestinal peristalsis and improve intestinal patency, aiding defecation. It can be used to treat constipation caused by heat accumulation, habitual constipation, and senile constipation.
4. Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Effects
Senna leaf has certain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can be used as an adjunct in treating intestinal inflammation, such as enteritis and dysentery. This effect is related to components it contains, such as tannic acid, which can inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
5. Assisting Weight Loss
Senna leaf can promote intestinal peristalsis and excretion, and some people use it as an auxiliary method for weight loss. However, it should be noted that this method can only reduce weight in the short term and does not actually burn fat.
However, caution should be exercised when using senna leaf. Pregnant women, children, elderly individuals, and those with weak constitutions should avoid self-administration and should use it under the guidance of a physician. Long-term or excessive use of senna leaf may also lead to intestinal dysfunction, affect nutrient absorption, and even cause dependency-related constipation.
