In the early 2000s, the FDA forbade the further use of cascara and aloe in supplements targeted at people with constipation. This FDA directive reduced the herbal laxative market to senna. The herb senna comes from a plant native to many regions around the world, but historically has been associated with the East African continent as well as what has come to be known as the Middle East. It’s a mediums-sized, unobtrusive shrub-like plant.
Of interest to readers may be the fact that the word senna comes from Arabic and Hebrew words, a fact that is consistent with what’s known about senna’s geophysical origins. Cassia is another common name. The ingredient that is responsible for its anti-constipation properties is the anthraquinone compound. More broadly speaking, anthraquinones have been established to be an active agent in other laxatives.
It’s quite plausible given what we know about senna’s etymological and geographical origins that its use actually goes back centuries. It was used in an unprocessed, essentially raw, form in times past. Nowadays, advanced manufacturing processes allow the herb to be bought in capsule or tablet form. Consumers can also opt for the tea formulation.
Though it’s thought of as an herbal treatment, a prospective consumer should be aware of the history and quality of the producing company. Natural laxatives can be dangerous even if they are natural. Prospective consumers should consult with organizations who monitor the quality of such companies to ensure that they have not had serious breaches of business ethics or been embroiled in disputes of quality. Allergic reactions are rare but should be kept in mind.
In line with the issue of safety, one should always know that there are warnings associated with senna usage. For example, it has been noted that people with a history of heart disease or hypertension should refrain from taking senna. In fact, it’s important to realize that a patient should consult the advice of his personal doctor before embarking on any laxative treatment, natural or not.
The original method of consumption was in herb form. In modern times, there are many ways of taking senna. A tea form is available from many producers. Application is as simple as dropping a tea bag in hot water and having some tea. More sophisticated forms also exist. The tea formulation may have been the exact way senna was used in pre-modern times.
The site talks about how to choose remedies for constipation. Read the most up-to-date information in relation to homemade laxatives.
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