Senna

• TeaLeafInternalEMA well-established

  Short-term occasional constipation

  Preparation & dosage

  Pour 150 ml of hot water over 0.5 to 2 g of cut, dried senna leaves, steep 10 minutes, then strain. Take once daily, preferably in the evening. The dose is standardised to 15 to 30 mg hydroxyanthracene derivatives (calculated as sennoside B) per day; always use the lowest dose that produces a soft formed stool. The effect appears only after 8 to 12 hours, hence the evening dose. Do not use for longer than one to two weeks without medical advice.

  Dry amount

  0.5–2 g

  Doses per day

  1×

  Max duration

  1 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Only for adults and adolescents over 12 years of age.

  Sources: [1] [2] [5]

• TeaFruitInternalEMA well-established

  Short-term occasional constipation

  Preparation & dosage

  An infusion of cut, dried senna pods is dosed to deliver 15 to 30 mg hydroxyanthracene derivatives (calculated as sennoside B) per day. Take once daily in the evening, always at the lowest effective dose. The effect sets in after 8 to 12 hours. Short term only, maximum one to two weeks. Standardised commercial products are more reliably dosed than home-made pod tea.

  Dry amount

  1–2 g

  Doses per day

  1×

  Max duration

  1 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Only for adults and adolescents over 12 years of age.

  Sources: [3] [4] [5]

• TeaFruitInternalEMA well-established

  Bowel cleansing before medical procedures

  Preparation & dosage

  For bowel cleansing before diagnostic procedures or surgery, senna pods are used as a single dose, dosed to 15 to 30 mg hydroxyanthracene derivatives (as sennoside B). Use only on medical advice and not for continuous use. Ensure adequate fluid intake.

  Doses per day

  1×

  Max duration

  1 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Only for adults and adolescents over 12 years of age.

  Sources: [3] [4]

Senna (senna leaf and senna pods) is an anthranoid-containing stimulant laxative and should be used only short term (at most one to two weeks) and not continuously without medical advice. During pregnancy use only on medical advice, avoid during breastfeeding; do not use in children under 12 years. Senna must not be used in cases of intestinal obstruction (ileus), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), appendicitis or abdominal pain of unknown cause. Prolonged or excessive use causes loss of potassium, which can dangerously enhance the action of cardiac glycosides, as well as habituation, a harmless dark pigmentation of the intestinal lining (melanosis coli) and, in the long term, a sluggish, atonic colon. Possible genotoxic effects are discussed for isolated anthranoids, so continuous use should be avoided. A harmless red to brown discolouration of the urine may occur. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.