The cassia plant (Tanacetum parthenium) is a flowering plant species and belongs to the daisy family. Its leaves and flowers are usually white in color. The senna plant has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Today, it is widely used in the treatment of types of headaches such as migraine. It can also be used to treat other ailments such as fever, menstrual pain, arthritis, asthma, fatigue, and digestive problems. The cassia plant contains high levels of a compound called parthenolide, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
What is senna?
Originally grown in the Middle East, senna is now widely grown and used around the world. The cassia plant grows as a bush 1-2 meters tall and its leaves are thin, long and green. The flowers of the plant are yellow and bloom in summer. Senna plant is an effective plant on the digestive system thanks to the antraglycosides it contains. Due to this feature, it is used as a natural remedy against constipation and other digestive problems.
How to make senna tea?
The cassia plant can be consumed as a healthy beverage, and cassia tea can be prepared by boiling or brewing the leaves of the plant. Senna tea is often used to treat migraines, headaches, menstrual pains, and other ailments.
To make senna tea, you can use one teaspoon of dried senna leaves or one fresh senna leaf and a glass of boiling water. First, wash the fresh senna leaves well and cut them into small pieces. Then boil a glass of water in a saucepan and remove it from the stove. Transfer the boiling water to a teapot or a bowl and add the senna leaves in it. Let it brew for about 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea using a strainer or tea strainer and enjoy it hot or cold.
Because senna tea has a strong flavor, you can sweeten it by adding some honey or lemon juice. However, if you have an allergy to the senna plant or think that it may interact with your medications, it is recommended to consult your doctor before consuming senna tea. In addition, the senna plant should not be used during pregnancy and lactation and is not suitable for children. The dosage of the senna herb is important, and overconsumption can cause various side effects, so it is recommended that you consume no more than a few cups of senna tea daily.
How is senna used?
The cassia plant is often used to treat migraines, headaches, menstrual pain, and other ailments. However, there are some important points regarding the use of senna plant. When the cassia plant is chewed and consumed or used in formulations such as cassia oil, it can have various side effects. For this reason, the cassia plant is usually consumed in tea or tablet form. Cassia plant tablets are prepared with the extract of the plant and usually one tablet is consumed in the morning.
Senna herb tea can be prepared by boiling or brewing. The brewing process is carried out by keeping the plant leaves in hot water. Boiling is done by boiling the herbs in water. Senna tea is usually prepared using one teaspoon of dried leaves or one cup of boiling water for one fresh leaf. It is left for 5-10 minutes for the brewing process and then filtered. Since the cassia plant has a strong flavor, honey or lemon juice can be added to sweeten it.
What are the benefits of senna?
Thanks to the antraglycosides it contains, senna is an effective plant on the digestive system and helps to eliminate constipation problems. The cassia plant is usually consumed in the form of tea or powder for constipation. However, excessive use can cause side effects.
- The senna plant is a plant that also has positive effects on digestive health.
- Senna tea helps to remove toxins and wastes from the body by stimulating digestive system movements.
- It can also be beneficial in the weight loss process. Thanks to the antraglycosides it contains, it has an effective effect on the digestive system by emptying the intestines.
- It helps to remove toxins from the body and accelerate metabolism.
- Some studies have shown that consuming senna leaves lowers LDL cholesterol levels and increases HDL cholesterol levels.
- The cassia plant can also help keep blood sugar under control.
- Thanks to the antioxidants it contains, it can help diabetics keep their blood sugar under control.
Who can not drink senna tea?
Senna plant can be effective in the treatment of many health problems when used correctly. However, some people may not be able to drink senna tea or they should be careful while consuming it. Senna plant should not be consumed by pregnant women as it may increase the risk of miscarriage. In addition, nursing mothers should consult their doctor before consuming the senna plant.
Not suitable for children. Since the digestive system is more sensitive in children, consumption of senna plant can cause serious side effects. The cassia plant is a very powerful stimulant for the digestive system. Therefore, people with digestive system problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome or ulcers should be careful when consuming senna.
The cassia plant has blood-thinning properties that people with bleeding disorders should not consume. For this reason, people with bleeding disorders should consult their doctor before consuming senna. It can interact with some medications, increasing side effects or reducing the effectiveness of the medication. For this reason, people who use prescription or non-prescription drugs should consult their doctor while consuming senna. Senna plant has some side effects and contraindications. Senna harms:
- Excessive use can cause side effects such as diarrhea.
- It is used to stimulate the intestines, but when used in overdose, it may cause diarrhea by over-stimulating the intestines.
- Excessive use can cause excessive dehydration. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water when using senna.
- May cause electrolyte imbalance.
- Overuse can upset the balance of potassium, sodium and other electrolytes in the body.
- It can cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, rash, swelling and difficulty breathing.
- Senna plant may increase the risk of premature birth by stimulating the uterine muscles and may harm the baby by passing into breast milk.