Senna leaf is a small leaf of Leguminosae with narrow leaf diarrhea or pointed leaf diarrhea. It is sweet, bitter, cold and slightly toxic, and belongs to the large intestine meridian, which can purge heat, benefit the intestine, dredge stool, treat constipation caused by heat and abdominal distension. Modern pharmaceutical chemistry research shows that Senna leaves are mainly composed of sennoside, chrysophanol, aloe-emodin and rhein, which have purgative and antibacterial effects. Senna leaves have a strong stimulating effect on intestinal tract, and it is more suitable for acute constipation than chronic constipation. It is most suitable for constipation due to heat accumulation, gastrointestinal heat accumulation, food stagnation, fullness in chest and abdomen, manifested as dry stool, dry mouth and bad breath, naked face, short and red urine, full abdomen and pain. It is forbidden for people with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold.

Senna leaves have obvious purgative effect, but they can't be taken as a common laxative for a long time, especially in large doses, which will have great side effects, mainly manifested as frequent vomiting, inability to eat, vomiting immediately after eating, or abdominal pain and diarrhea; Some patients have symptoms such as chills, chills, chest tightness, dyspnea, dry lips, elevated body temperature and rapid pulse after taking the medicine. A few elderly patients have headaches, frequent vomiting, restlessness, decreased blood pressure, cold limbs and even coma after taking the medicine.

Old people are prone to dry stools due to decreased body organ function, and many people like to treat constipation with senna leaves. So is senna suitable for senile constipation? We don't think it is suitable. It has obvious toxic and side effects. Constipation in the elderly is usually functional constipation. Senna leaves are a temporary solution, not a permanent cure. Although it can solve a temporary emergency, it must not be taken for a long time, otherwise constipation will rebound or even worsen, and laxative colon will appear.

here is a report about improving side effects

/nry.jsp? pagetype=TPP_CONTENT& wbnewsid=2691& tree=2