Overnight relief from constipation.
Senna is a tablet that speeds up bowel movements to help relieve constipation. It’s a natural laxative derived from the senna plant.
To order Senna, talk to us about your health, and we’ll recommend expert treatments tailored to you.
Senna is a laxative derived from the senna fruit, and it’s used to treat constipation. The senna leaf and fruit (also called pods) contain many organic chemicals like sennosides, which have laxative properties. It has been used as a natural laxative and as a traditional medicine for many years.
Constipation can be caused by a few things, such as a lack of fibre in your diet, excessive use of laxatives, or overconsumption of caffeine. These factors can lead to symptoms like infrequent bowel movements and stomach cramps.
Senna is a stimulant laxative, meaning it stimulates contractions in your intestine. This speeds up the movement of stool through your lower colon. It also inhibits water absorption in your intestine, which increases stool volume. Both of these mechanisms help to relieve your constipation.
Your Senna dosage will depend on your health needs and symptoms. Typically, for adults two tablets are taken every day. And children over 12 years old are generally advised to take one tablet a day.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
To take Senna, take one or two tablets once a day, near your bedtime. Whilst taking Senna, make sure to drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses) throughout the day for it to work effectively. You’ll usually only take Senna for a few days. If it’s been more than 3 days and you still have constipation, contact your clinician online. Don’t take Senna for more than 7 days.
It takes eight hours for Senna to have full effect, which is why it’s recommended to take it before bedtime. This way, by the time it’s morning you’ll be able to relieve yourself.
If you take too much Senna, you can develop ‘lazy bowel’, a condition when the muscle becomes too relaxed and you can’t empty your bowels frequently enough. This can then lead to long-term (chronic) constipation. To avoid this, always make sure to follow the directions given to you by your clinician and read the patient information leaflet.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Constipation. [Updated 2023 Jan 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan.
Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Metabolism of Sennoside A, A Medicinal Plant-Derived Natural Compound. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 714586.
Senna Versus Magnesium Oxide for the Treatment of Chronic Constipation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. The American Journal of Gastroenterology 116(1):p 152-161, January 2021
Habit forming properties of laxatives for chronic constipation: A review [version 2; peer review: 1 not approved] F1000Research 2023, 11:803
Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-. Senna. [Updated 2020 Apr 1].
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