Today, more and more people are turning towards nature to stay healthy. Herbs and other methods of treatment are again becoming commonplace. But the fact remains that most of these natural ingredients come with their own share of side effects.
The senna is a flowering plant, which is widely used as a useful herb. There are about 260 to 350 species of senna available in the world. The plant includes shrubs, trees and herbs. The senna leaves are opposite paired leaflets. The flower has five yellow petals and five sepals. The plant also has different sized stamens and the fruit has a pod containing many seeds.
Senna is used in landscaping as well as an ornamental plant. Senna is used as a natural hair coloring agent. It leaves the hair with a tinge of yellow, unlike the red of henna. It is also used as a laxative. Many drugs contain dried leaves of the plant. Senna is available in forms like granules, powders, syrups and tablets. It is commonly used to treat constipation, hemorrhoids and skin infections.
But as we said earlier, all herbs come with a set of side effects, so is the case with senna! Here are some of the senna leaves side effects:
There are about 200 drugs, which interact with senna. The herb should be avoided or taken in limited amounts along with the drugs, which are used to deplete potassium. Patients receiving warfarin should also avoid senna, since it results in diarrhea, which could reduce the absorption of Vitamin K in the body and can also result in bleeding. Senna herb side effects also include interaction with drugs, such as Indocin and Procardia.
Consumption of senna leaves can also result in discoloration of urine. Discoloration of acidic urine can result in yellow-brown urine. Discoloration of alkaline urine would result in pink-reddish colored urine. Though harmless, this side effect can definitely cause a scared feeeling.
Gastrointestinal discomfort has been a common problem experienced by many senna users. Senna leaves can cause griping pain and strong abdominal cramping. Some also experience bloating, diarrhea, and gas. Senna leaves must be consumed in limited amounts to minimize such problems.
Senna leaves are also known to cause electrolyte imbalance, which results in a loss of potassium in the body. It also causes nausea, loss of fluids, rash, swelling of finger tips and weight loss. It can also result in dark colored pigmentation in the colon, known as melanosis coli with persistent usage.
Senna leaves are directly linked to liver toxicity and other liver related problems. Many cases report kidney and liver damages with prolonged use of senna leaves.
Senna leaves should be avoided by people with problems, such as diarrhea, dehydration and loose tools. Consuming senna can worsen these problems.
Finger clubbing is a common side effect of senna leaves consumption. This problem is especially obvious with long term, high dosage use of this herb. Rather than relieving constipation, prolonged use of senna leads to drastic weight loss in the body, which in turn leads to finger clubbing. Fortunately, this is a reversible problem and can be cured once the person gains weight.
A study has shown that chronic use of senna leaves can result in anatomic alteration of the colon, which results in the loss of haustral folds.
Many people and diet companies suggest dieters to choose senna as a protein aid. But unfortunately, they provide only temporary benefits to the body. Especially weight watchers with heart related problems should avoid senna supplements.
Senna leaves taken regularly can bring many health risks. It can also reduce potassium levels in the body, which can make you physically weak and alter your heart rhythm. It can also weaken your bones.
Scare mongering about the side effects of herbs was common in the earlier days. Today, we are more aware about what goes inside our body. Senna has great benefits to offer, but only if you consume it with a caution! So be careful of the dosage and enjoy the benefits of senna!
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