About Senna
Senna is a flowering plant, that bears yellow, white and pink flowers and it belongs to the legume family Fabaceae. This shrub can be found in various parts of North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Senna is considered a powerful laxative due to the presence of compounds called anthraquinones. The Senna leaves have been used as an herbal laxative in traditional Chinese Medicine.
Senna Leaf Benefits
Treatment of Skin Infections
Senna plant can help in treating dermatological or skin ailments due to its anti-bacterial properties. For the treatment of skin infections like acne as well as inflammatory conditions like eczema use the paste made from Senna leaves as it is very effective. Senna can fight microorganisms that cause acne as it contains Acetone and ethanol.
Senna Leaves for Strong Hair
Senna leaves extracts can be applied topically to get smooth, shiny, and strong hair. You can add other ingredients like citrus juice, essential oils herbal teas, spices etc. After mixing it well apply it on your hair, taking small sections at a time. Allow the paste to penetrate into the scalp. Cover your head with a plastic bag and allow it to dry for few hours before taking a bath.
Great Conditioner
Senna leaves are very useful not only in providing shine to the hair but also in strengthening and thickening your hair. It minimizes the adverse impacts of chemical treatments. Initially, your hair might feel rough and dry but after a few days of applying, you’ll see the difference.
Combats Hair Loss
One of the main benefits of Senna is that it not only beautifies your hair but also improves scalp condition and treats dandruff. It is well known for combating hair loss, as it is an excellent conditioning herb. It cannot lighten naturally dark hair but will definitely provide deep conditioning.
Senna Tea for Weight Loss
Senna leaf tea helps relieve occasional constipation which often occurs in low fiber weight loss diets. It helps to boost your fluid intake as it is low on calorie and got a flavourful solution. Drinking more fluids causes you to eat less. Senna leaf tea helps in eliminating toxins and undigested food from the body. Thus, it supports proper nutrient absorption and optimal metabolism, resulting in weight loss.
Treatment of Indigestion
It has been found that Senna is effective in providing relief from heartburn, nausea, gas, and belching associated with dyspepsia. To diminish the buildup of gas in the stomach, you can use Senna with aromatic herbs like cardamom, fennel, ginger and peppermint as it has strong purgative actions.
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Uses of Senna Leaf
- Helps in eliminating Intestinal Worms
- Treats Skin Conditions
- Treats Hemorrhoids
- Cleanses the Colon
- Helps in burning fat
- Boosts Immunity
- Promotes Respiratory Health
- Prevents Bad Breath
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How to Consume Senna Leaf
Senna leaf can be consumed as a tea or in powdered form. Senna leaves are used widely in medicine to treat constipation and colonoscopy.
To make Senna tea, follow the steps given below:
- Boil water in a small pot
- Add the Senna leaves, cover the pot and allow them to steep for 8-10 minutes
- Strain the mixture into a teacup or a larger pitcher if you’re making a bigger batch
- Add honey or sugar if desired and enjoy
Side Effects of Senna Leaf
It is best to consult a qualified health-care provider before adding Senna tea into your diet, as it should only be consumed for a purpose. Excessive consumption of tea can cause the following side effects:
In Case of Pregnancy
It is advised to avoid consumption of Senna tea during the pregnancy period because it directly affects the gut.
Blood Thinner and Heart Health
If you are taking anticoagulant medication, drinking this Senna tea could cause complications as it has blood thinning qualities.
Can Cause Diarrhea
It is a lesser known fact that the Senna tea can cause diarrhea, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
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Buyer’s Guide for Senna Leaf:
Brands Available:
- Jioo Organics
- Frontier
- Khadi
- Naturmed
Where to Buy from:
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