Does Senna Work?

Senna is a very popular component of herbal medicine. Used by both alternative medicine enthusiasts and proponents of conventional medicine, senna is sold widely as an over-the-counter laxative. But before you buy senna or use it as a form of medicine, you may ask, "Does senna work?"

The answer to this question will depend entirely on your reason for using senna. Here's a run-down of the information supporting (and refuting) senna's use as a medicine.

What Senna Probably Works For

Senna is an effective short-term treatment for constipation. It works my slightly irritating the lining of the bowels, thereby triggering the contractions that lead to bowel movements. Because of its laxative effects, senna also works to flush feces from the colon in preparation for a colonoscopy. Although highly effective for acute episodes of constipation, senna can cause physical dependence, so consult a health care provider before using senna for more than three days in a month.

What Senna Might Work For

Many of senna's most popular uses have not been effectively evaluated. Although these uses are plausible, there isn't enough scientific evidence to prove or disprove that they are beneficial. There is not enough evidence to prove senna's efficacy as a treatment for hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome. Senna is also used as a diuretic, or a product to increase urine output, but there is little evidence to prove that it works. If you want to use senna in these capacities, understand that it is expiremental.

What Senna Doesn't Work For

Senna is often included in "dieter's teas," which supposedly enable weight loss and flush fat out of the body. Senna does not work for weight loss. At best, it causes very temporary weight loss by pushing water and feces out of your colon. It does not make you skinnier or more muscular, but many people become physically or mentally addicted to senna because they believe it will cause weight loss. The abuse of laxatives, including senna, is a form of bulimia and warrants clinical intervention.