The senna laxative is an herbal that is derived from the plantago genus of plants. Its use has been documented for centuries and perhaps even thousands of years. Historically the leaves were either chewed or seeped in hot water to make a tea beverage. Senna is high in anthraquinones which are known to induce bowel movements. However, the caveat is that because it is an herbal supplement the production of senna is not regulated.
Repeated constipation is a problem faced by some 15-30% of the general population in the U.S. More than half experience a particular form known as idiopathic constipation. Despite the technical sound of the name, it actually means “that without known cause”. Therefore, most people have constipation which cannot be traced to cause, due largely to our lack of understanding of complex physiology of the gastrointestinal tract.
In 2002, the Federal Drug Administration banned the further marketing of cascara and aloe-based natural laxatives for treating constipation. This action left senna as the sole herb-based treatment. Senna is derived from a plant that is found around the world, but with origins in the region now commonly known as the Middle East and East Africa. In temperate regions, one can find variations of the senna plant. Its shape is essentially a short to medium height shrub.
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