Senna leaf is a key ingredient in many detox products.  It is an herb that is commonly used in medicine and herbal remedies because it has laxative qualities that can help clean out the bowels and urinary tract from any toxins that the body has processed for excretion.  Overuse of senna leaf extract is not recommended because it can over stimulate the colon muscles and lead to diarrhea.  Dehydration is a distinct possibility and also low potassium levels and stomach discomfort.  Depletion of your body’s electrolytes is another scenario with overuse of senna leaf extract and may cause damage to your body’s organs.

Senna leaf is most often used as a laxative prescribed before a patient is to undergo a colonoscopy or other diagnostic tests concerning the bowels.  Senna leaf also is very instrumental in ridding your intestines of parasites.  Generally it takes about six to twelve hours for senna leaf to start to cause a bowel movement. This is why it is an effective ingredient in many detox products.  Because it cleans the intestinal tract and expels waste from the body it carries out harmful toxins that ate trapped in the walls of the intestines.  Long term use is not recommended as it may cause stomach cramps and diarrhea and may also create dependency.  It is not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women or those with inflammatory bowel disease.  It may be used as an ingredient in tea to make ingestion a bit easier.