Decoction, tincture, tea and infusion of senna: what helps, how to prepare and take

Description and types of senna

Senna is a shrub with lance-shaped leaves. A distinctive feature is the bright yellow flowers. The plant is popularly called holly or Alexandrian cassia. In alternative medicine, dried leaves of the plant are used. The following varieties of senna are distinguished:

• narrow-leaved;
• Meccan;
• obtuse-leaved;
• holly.

Comment! The woody species of senna is used in cooking. Its spicy taste is reminiscent of cinnamon.

Chemical composition of cassia

The benefits of senna herb lie in its rich composition. The main active ingredients are anthraglycosides. Their beneficial property is their irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the digestive system. This leads to normalization of intestinal perilstatics. The composition of the medicinal plant also includes the following components:

• alkaloids;
• sterols;
• flavonoids;
• linoleic and stearic acids;
• resins;
• aloe-emodin;
• sennosides B and A.

What is senna

photo of a flowering plant

Description

The shrub grows up to a meter, has an erect and branched stem with complex, alternate, ovoid leaves. The flowers are bright yellow in color and form racemose inflorescences. The root is slightly branched, taproot, going deep into the soil.

Habitat and harvesting of senna

The shrub is found in Africa, Asia, India, Somalia, Sudan, and the Arabian Peninsula. For the pharmaceutical industry, senna is cultivated in Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and the Krasnodar Territory.

For medical purposes, the leaves of the plant are collected and dried naturally in air. Properly prepared cassia has a pale green color, a rich herbal aroma, and a sweetish taste when brewed.

Chemical composition and pharmacological action of senna herb

The main active ingredients are anthraglycoside and anthraquinone - substances that irritate the gastrointestinal tract receptors and improve its peristalsis. The plant also includes:

• Flavonoids;
• Polysaccharides;
• Alkaloids;
• Glycosides;
• Resins;
• Myricyl alcohol.

Meccan senna is one of the medicinal plant species

The herb has medicinal properties:

• Laxatives;
• Secretory;
• Diuretics;
• Anti-inflammatory;
• Stimulating appetite.

Medicinal properties of senna and contraindications

Senna is a herb for constipation, it has a laxative and cleansing effect, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, increases intestinal motility and reduces secretion. It is used as a choleretic agent, which has a beneficial effect on the digestion and absorption of food.

Useful properties of cassia

The benefits of Alexandrian cassia have been proven not only by many years of experience of supporters of alternative medicine, but also by numerous studies by scientists. The herb has laxative and diuretic properties. Senna helps cleanse the body of toxic substances without causing harm to health. Unlike medications, the plant rarely causes side effects.

The beneficial property of glycosides is to improve the functioning of the digestive organs. As a result, stool is restored, which is important for frequent constipation. The benefit of alkaloids is their analgesic effect. Flavonoids are considered beneficial substances that have a cleansing effect on the body. Due to the content of organic acids, pathogenic microorganisms are eliminated, which helps to normalize the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. The most pronounced beneficial properties of the plant include:

• acceleration of metabolism;
• general strengthening effect on the body;
• anti-inflammatory effect;
• improving the appearance of the skin surface;
• diuretic and laxative effects;
• normalization of the heart muscle;
• analgesic effect.

Pharmaceutical products based on senna

Due to its beneficial properties, senna leaves are often used to prepare medicinal herbal infusions and tableted dietary supplements. They are used to normalize stool, treat hemorrhoids and cleanse the body of toxic substances. The benefits of cassia seeds are not so pronounced. But sometimes they are added to pharmaceutical products.

Often, such drugs are prescribed in preparation for surgery and during the rehabilitation period. The most common drugs containing senna include:

1. "Senadexin".
2. "Antihemorrhoidal collection."
3. "Sennagood."
4. "Senade".

Traditional medicine recipes based on senna

The medicinal properties of senna leaves allow them to be used to prepare medicinal remedies at home. In order for the result to meet expectations, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the raw materials and compliance with the dosage. Otherwise, the treatment will be harmful.

Senna decoction to cleanse the body

The benefits of senna leaves for the gastrointestinal tract are due to their ability to stimulate perilstatics. Due to this, the intestines are emptied without problems in the first hours after taking the healthy decoction. Forced cleansing of the body is necessary in the following cases:

• anal fissures;
• proctitis;
• constipation;
• poisoning by toxins;
• haemorrhoids.

The decoction is prepared according to the following scheme:

1. Pour 1 tbsp into a deep container. l. dried and crushed plant.
2. The raw materials are filled with 200 ml of clean water.
3. Bring the broth to a boil over low heat, then cook for 5 minutes.
4. Senna is infused under the lid for half an hour.
5. After cooling, the broth is filtered.

Advice! It is recommended to take the decoction before going to bed.

Senna infusion for constipation

For severe constipation, doctors advise taking senna infusion. It produces a mild laxative effect without causing harm to health. The principle of preparing a medicinal product is as follows:

1. 25 g of raw material is poured into a glass of hot water.
2. For 2 hours, the medicinal product is set aside until ready under the lid.
3. After the specified time, the infusion is filtered.

To relieve constipation, take 1 tbsp of senna infusion every day. Children under 7 years old should not take more than half a glass. The result will be noticeable already on the first day of therapy. The duration of treatment depends on the scale of the problem. Usually the infusion is taken for 3-5 days.

Iced senna tea as a mild laxative

The benefits of senna tea are concentrated in its mild effect on the body. The drink acts more slowly than infusions and decoctions. Its distinguishing feature is the method of preparation. For the recipe you will need:

• 1 tbsp. cold water;
• 1 tbsp. l. crushed senna leaves;
• honey to taste.

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Algorithm for brewing tea:

1. The grass is poured with cold water and put aside for 3-4 hours.
2. The drink is filtered before drinking. To avoid this, you can use portioned tea bags.
3. Honey is added to the drink for sweetness.

Tincture for chronic constipation

For chronic constipation, herbal decoction is not always effective enough. In these cases, an alcohol tincture will be more useful. It is important to follow the rules for taking it so as not to harm your health.

Ingredients of the remedy:

• 50 g raisins;
• 150 g “Holosas”;
• 30 g of Alexandrian cassia.

We recommend reading: What are the benefits of raisins: properties and contraindications

Preparation procedure:

1. The raisins are washed and boiled for 5 minutes.
2. After adding senna, the medicinal mixture is boiled for another 10 minutes.
3. After cooling, add Kholosas syrup to the resulting broth.

The finished medicine is taken immediately after the last meal, ½ tbsp. l. Before use, it is advisable to consult a doctor for any contraindications. The duration of treatment is determined individually.

Collection for hemorrhoids

To prepare a collection to eliminate hemorrhoids, mix the following components in equal proportions:

• calamus root;
• buckthorn bark;
• chamomile;
• senna;
• Dill seeds.

Cooking algorithm:

1. 1 tbsp. l. pour a glass of hot water into the herbal mixture.
2. The remedy is infused for 10 minutes.
3. The next step is to cool the drink and filter it.

Take a useful remedy for hemorrhoids 2 times a day, a glass. Within 2-3 days after the start of treatment, the pain will become less intense. If necessary, the efficiency of collection is increased with medications.

Collection for constipation

Constipation is a problem that involves the inability to have bowel movements naturally. To cope with it without harm to health, you should normalize digestion. In this case, a collection of the following components will be beneficial:

• anise fruit;
• licorice root;
• Alexandrian cassia;
• buckthorn bark;
• joster fruit.

Cooking principle:

1. Each component is taken in a volume of 50 g.
2. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed and 300 ml of boiling water is poured.
3. The remedy is prepared in a water bath for 20 minutes.
4. After cooling and filtering, the medicine is taken 150 g 2 times a day, on an empty stomach.

Attention! If constipation occurs again after taking hay decoction, you should consult a doctor.

Decoction of prunes and holosasa against parasites

In case of helminthic infestation, alternative medicine suggests using a rich remedy that can act on parasites that have infected the human body.

Treatment is carried out in courses - three days of treatment, a week off, 1-2 days of re-taking home medicine. Preparation:

1. Place prunes (3-4 fruits) and plant leaves (10 g) in a container.
2. Pour boiled, cooled water (250 ml).
3. Wait half an hour, put on fire, boil.
4. After cooling, strain and add holosas (20 ml).

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Use the product twice a day (preferably on an empty stomach, 2-3 hours after eating). Do not drink it, adding taste-enhancing components is also prohibited.

Benefits of senna for weight loss

In the struggle for a beautiful figure, traditional medicine is often used. The benefits of senna herb for weight loss are expressed in the normalization of metabolism. As a result, fat is broken down faster than usual. Senna is used in the form of teas, decoctions and desserts with the addition of raisins and nuts. It must be remembered that long-term weight loss with the help of senna is prohibited. If you follow this rule, the medicinal properties of senna herb when losing weight will manifest themselves to the fullest.

Recipes based on senna for weight loss

The benefits of cassia angustifolia can be used to speed up the weight loss process. There are many recipes that include the beneficial plant. The most common of them involves the presence of the following ingredients:

• prunes;
• raisins;
• decoction of senna leaves;
• honey;
• dried apricots;
• figs

We recommend reading: What are the benefits of prunes, properties and contraindications

Cooking process:

1. All components are ground using a meat grinder.
2. Hay decoction and honey are added to the resulting mixture.
3. The dessert is put in the refrigerator overnight.
4. The next day, eat it between meals, 1-2 tbsp. l.

Special Recommendations

Throughout the entire course of treatment with drugs containing senna, it is recommended to drink large amounts of liquid (3-3.5 liters per day) in order to replenish the volumes lost in feces. While using senna preparations, it is also necessary to consume a sufficient amount of fiber.

Indications for stopping the drug and seeking medical help are the absence of stool for 2 days while using senna in any form.

When treating with this drug, you must strictly follow the instructions of your doctor or the instructions for use.

Source

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Senna during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The health benefits and harms of cassia make you think about the possibility of using it when carrying a child and breastfeeding. As the fetus grows, pressure is exerted on the digestive organs. Because of this, pregnant women often develop constipation. The beneficial properties of senna in these cases help normalize stool without harm to the child. This is due to the plant origin of cassia. The benefits of the plant are especially noticeable in the postpartum period. It helps to cope with anal fissures. When breastfeeding, it is not advisable to drink a decoction of senna without consulting a specialist.

Treatment of helminthic infestation

Another remedy prepared according to folk recipes will help to quickly remove parasites from the body - a combination of senna and wormwood.

The herbal composition has a number of prohibitions, which are recommended to be studied in advance - this precaution will allow you to avoid unpleasant consequences and prevent harm to the body.

You should not use the product if you have diseases of the digestive system, hypersensitivity to internal irritants, or during pregnancy. It is also forbidden to give aggressive liquid to children - wormwood can cause an allergic reaction.

Mix 15 gr. plant materials (senna leaves, wormwood herb). Steam the herbal mixture with boiling water (350 ml). Simmer in a water bath for half an hour. Strain, pour into a clean bottle, and refrigerate.

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Drink 25 ml of liquid four times a day. The most active beneficial substances contained in the product work in an empty stomach, so take it shortly before breakfast, lunch or dinner.

The duration of treatment is two days. You won’t be able to completely get rid of parasites in one go—you’ll have to repeat the course. Continue treatment after a week - also drink the product for two days.

Taking plant liquid will bring considerable benefits - it will remove worms and prevent re-infection. It is also recommended to use the composition for prevention - the active components will effectively protect against parasites. Carry out a preventive course every month - drink a decoction of wormwood and senna throughout the day.

Harm of senna and side effects

Harm to cassia is noted in cases where the principles of its use are violated. Due to its cleansing properties, long-term use of the herb contributes to dehydration of the body and leaching of potassium. Therefore, you should not abuse the treatment with hay. There is also a risk of developing the following side effects:

• dizziness;
• discomfort in the right hypochondrium;
• change in urine color;
• convulsions;
• prolonged diarrhea;
• heart rate deviations.

Important! If allergy symptoms appear, you should stop taking senna. In this case, a visit to the doctor is mandatory.