Bowel movements are generally not a topic of conversation in polite company. Yet if you were to ask around you would find that a lot of people suffer from constipation, frequent diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). I’m not encouraging you to ask around, I guess you’ll just have to take my word for it.
One thing I find common amongst people dealing with constipation is the use of senna leaf (main ingredient in brands such as Senokot, Ex-Lax and Swiss Kriss). Many of these products market themselves as “natural” and “gentle”. What many people do not see on the label is that they are intended for occasional constipation, and is for short-term use. All to often I see patients who have chronic constipation and use senna based products for long periods of time. This can create a dependency on the laxative because the bowels lose their ability to function normally. Senna can also cause nausea, stomach cramps/discomfort, and in severe cases rectal bleeding.
More serious effects are possible as well. Senna contains chemicals called anthraquinone glycosides. Long-term use can cause damage to the large intenstine and liver and cause loss of electrolyte (specifically hypokalemia). It is also suspected to cause kidney damage.
A great alternative way to treat constipation is with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Acupuncture alone can regulate the bowels to help with constipation (as well as IBS and diarrhea). There are also various Chinese herbal formulas that help move the bowels without the use of stimulant laxatives (such as senna) making them safer for longer term use.
