Senna Combination

Senna Combination is a laxative formula designed to relieve occasional bouts of more severe constipation. Senna Combination contains a blend of herbs designed to balance the strong laxative actions of its main ingredient, senna. Senna Combination increases the production of digestive fluids and bile, stimulates peristalsis and colon function, and reduces abdominal pain, cramping, and flatulence.

Senna Combination is recommended for occasional use with constipation and dry stools, as well as abdominal distension (bloating), fever, halitosis, jaundice, joint pain, nausea, obesity, and skin conditions, resulting from constipation and toxicity.

Catnip exhibits a soothing, sedative effect on the digestive system, relieving colic, diarrhea, flatulence, nervous indigestion, stomach upset, stress-induced dyspepsia, and headaches associated with digestive problems. Catnip has also been found to stimulate appetite prior to meals and improve digestion following meals.

Fennel has been used as a digestive aid since early times—Hippocrates used fennel to treat infant colic during the 3rd century B.C. Fennel has also been used throughout history as an appetite stimulant, digestive aid, and liver tonic. Fennel seeds contains a volatile oil which is responsible for the herb’s antispasmodic properties and its ability to help relieve gas. In fact, fennel’s is perhaps most commonly used to reduce abdominal distension (bloating) and ease stomach pain. Research shows fennel increases the production of digestive fluids, reduces inflammation, and acts as an antiseptic and diuretic. European research shows fennel not only relaxes the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract and helps alleviate gas, but also destroys certain bacteria. In Germany, fennel is commonly prescribed for gas pains, indigestion and infant colic. Other medicinal uses of fennel include anorexia, colds, constipation, coughs, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, flu, heart problems, teething in babies, and even for the relief of menopausal symptoms.

Ginger contains a volatile oil and other compounds which act as digestive stimulants to encourage the production of digestive fluids and saliva. Ginger neutralizes acids and toxins in the digestive tract which reduces gas and pain in the bowel. Ginger has been clinically proven to substantially reduce diarrhea, nausea and vomiting associated with the common 24-hour and three-day flus. Ginger also induces perspiration, making it useful in the treatment of fevers, including malaria. Ginger has been shown to reduce inflammation by acting as a prostaglandin inhibitor, in much the same way as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work. Studies show ginger relaxes muscle spasms and relieves pain and inflammation associated with rheumatic conditions.

Senna is a strong laxative herb which increases bile flow, causing peristalsis. Senna contains anthraquinone glycoside called sennosides, which have been shown to irritate the mucous membrane of the large intestine. This action stimulates the muscles of the large intestine to strongly contract, causing a bowel movement in approximately 10 hours after ingestion of the herb. Sennosides also inhibit fluids from being absorbed in the large intestine, thus enabling the stools to be soft. An effective natural laxative, senna has the disadvantage of causing great abdominal cramps and pain—often referred to as griping or colic—when used alone. Most herbalists combine senna with herbs which relieve gas pain, such as ginger, cloves or various types of mint.

Senna can be found in many over-the-counter and prescription laxatives, including Senokot and Perdiem. Senna increases peristaltic action in the large intestine, providing evacuation in about 6-8 hours. Senna contains high amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B3 (niacin), and C, and has been found helpful for constipation, gout, inflammatory skin conditions, jaundice, and obesity.

Senna should not be used during pregnancy, and only with extreme caution while nursing, as the effects can be conveyed to nursing infants. Senna is also not recommended for those suffering from colitis.

Senna is normally considered safe; however, it can become habit-forming if used often. Senna should only be used for the occasional bout of constipation. Those with chronic constipation should concentrate on improving digestion and liver/gallbladder function, carefully examine their diet, and increase their intake of water. If constipation persists, consult a healthcare practitioner.