Senna, this natural but worrying ingredient that you will not find in our Detox Teas

In many detox teas on the market, the presence of senna (Senna Alexandrina or Cassia Augustifolia) has earned a bad reputation. 

Due to this plant, detox teas have been labelled as harmful. Although this plant does allow the product to be labelled 100% natural, we agree it is best to be avoided. 

In this article, discover why our Detox teas do NOT contain any senna.

Teas with senna are simply laxative teas

Senna is classified by the NHS as a medication used to treat constipation.

Senna is a powerful laxative, from a dosage of between 30mg and 36mg per day. It stimulates peristalsis of the large intestine and accelerates the transit.

Senna has been used before certain endoscopic medical examinations (colonoscopies) or radiological, as intestinal purgative.

Senna stimulates the colon, forcing out essential water and electrolytes along with faecal matter. This loss of bulk can make you feel and look slimmer short term, but it has no impact on fat loss, because calories from food are absorbed in your small intestine long before it gets to the colon. Senna should be used for very specific situation and short term use, but some detox teas suggest long-term use, and this is worrying.

Senna can be violent for the body 

Senna irritates the stomach lining and can cause cramps and diarrhoea. Drinking teas which contain senna could also disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance and cause heart problems in the long run.

The following persons shouldn’t consume senna : 

  • young children under the age of 12,
  • people who suffer from inflammation of the colon
  • people who suffer from heart trouble
  • people who suffer from intestinal ailments of unknown origin
  • people suffering from dehydration
  • pregnant and lactating women

Senna is worrying 

The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has been studying for several years

the health effects of hydroxyanthracene derivatives, substances naturally occurring in certain plant species such as aloe or senna.

In 2013, the EFSA advised against long-term use of these derivatives at high doses “due to potential safety concerns”. The European Commission then asked them to investigate whether the intake of a moderate daily intake, to be defined, could be safe. 

The EFSA’s response announced on the 23th January 2018 is clear: “In animal testing, some of these substances have caused bowel cancer”.

On the basis of the available data, the EFSA therefore concluded that “certain hydroxyanthracene derivatives were genotoxic, capable of damaging the DNA of intestinal cells”. The Agency cannot therefore fix a daily dose of these derivatives without danger.

Even if the food products containing these substances improve the intestinal transit, it is strongly advised not to consume them anymore … Reading the labels is important to know these foods and to avoid them. There are many organic laxatives on the market without hydroxyanthracenes …

Conclusion

Because of the presence of senna in many detox teas, these have been called  “laxative” or even “misleading”. For the reasons stated above, The Potion Tree’s Detox teas are senna-free, and contain only gentle (but efficient) and helpful ingredients for the body well-being.

In our opinion, the purpose of a Detox tea is to help the excretory organs to work well and to purify themselves. 

This has been found difficult to achieve with the intake of industrial food, full of hidden sugars. 

Good working, healthy excretory organs do wonders. It boosts the metabolism, gives more energy, clears the skin, helps with weight loss and ensures better sleep. 

Visit our Facebook reviews page to see the testimonies of many men and women who have used our teas and not people paid to represent our company. 

Enjoy a cup of our gentle Detox teas, breathe and rest assured that The Potion Tree teas are safe.

>> Find here the ingredients of Detox Morning Tea and Detox Evening Tea, in complete transparency

Deal

4 thoughts on “Senna, this natural but worrying ingredient that you will not find in our Detox Teas

  1. Pingback: What is a "detox"? How does it really work ? - The Potion Tree

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