Can a Senna Laxative Be a Colon Cleanser?

Because the colon is one of the primary organs used for internal detoxification and elimination, colon cleansing can be an integral part of maintaining your health. Poor diet, exposure to pollution and overuse of antibiotics are just a few things that can break down detoxification and elimination. Senna is a natural herb that has been used since ancient times as a laxative, and it is also a proven agent in colon cleansing.

Why Senna Cleansing?

• Both the pods and leaves of the senna plant contain anthraquinones, which are powerful colon stimulants. While senna is widely used to alleviate constipation, it is also rich in fibers, which are essential to clear excess waste from the lining of the colon. Normal bowel movements cannot remove this somewhat slimy residue from the colon wall, but senna can help with this removal.

Senna Cleansing Tea

• One way of cleansing your colon with senna is to use a herbal tea. Buy crushed senna herb or already made tea bags with senna in them. After you have boiled your water, allow it to cool slightly before you poor it onto the herb. Let it steep for 10 minutes, then strain it. You can also steep the herb itself in cold water for 10 to 12 hours and then strain. Strain adequately because the resin of the herb can lead to abdominal cramping. It is best to drink the cold-water method if you have a 10- to 12-hour window to wait for results.

Senna Tablets and Capsules

• You can find colon-cleansing pills or capsules that contain senna at stores or online. However, senna in its purest form is found in the herb teas. Cleansing capsules are often mixed with other stimulant herbs like psyllium.

What To Expect from the Senna Cleanse

• After taking a capsule or drinking tea, you can expect a bowel movement in three to twelve hours. Length of wait time depends on the individual. Along with the usual fecal matter, you should expect the slimy, toxin-filled mixture that coats the colon lining. This mixture can cause myriad problems, including joint aches to acne. After your initial cleanse, you should stop taking senna after seven days. After this period of time, continued usage can cause damage to the intestines and colon.

When Not to Use Senna

• Do not take senna if you suffer from appendicitis, intestinal blockage or inflammatory intestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or liver or kidney disorders. Do not give senna to children under the age of 12, and do not take senna if you are pregnant or nursing.

Side Effects of Senna Cleansing

• You can experience severe cramps, bloating, abdominal pain, rash, urination problems, imbalance of electrolytes after excretions, swelling of finger tips and bloody diarrhea. These symptoms mostly occur after extreme usage, and they are not often seen when senna is used in moderation.