The Health Benefits and Precautions of Senna Seeds: A Traditional Chinese Medicine

Senna seeds are a highly effective traditional Chinese medicine with many health benefits. Drinking senna seed tea can not only clear the liver and improve eyesight, but also relieve constipation, lower cholesterol and blood pressure. However, while using senna seeds for health purposes, it is important to be aware of its medicinal contraindications and avoid long-term consumption.

【Benefits and Effects of Senna Seeds】

1. Liver Clearing and Eyesight Improvement

Senna seeds are suitable for eye disorders such as red and swollen eyes, excessive tearing, blurred vision caused by liver heat rising, as well as glaucoma, cataracts, conjunctivitis, etc. They protect the optic nerve and are beneficial for individuals who experience eye fatigue due to prolonged television or computer use.

2. Laxative Effect

Senna seeds are suitable for individuals with constipation. Chronic constipation can lead to the absorption of toxins in the intestines, aging of the body, and can also be a contributing factor for colon cancer and hemorrhoids, as well as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Senna seeds promote smooth bowel movements without causing diarrhea or abdominal discomfort. They are often used by chronic constipation patients without adverse effects.

3. Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Lowering

Senna seeds are suitable for patients with hyperlipidemia, obesity, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and atherosclerosis.

【Combination with Other Ingredients】

1. Senna Seeds + Goji Berries

Benefits: Goji berries have various health benefits, enhancing the body's immune function, improving disease resistance, and enhancing phagocytosis of cells, thus having an anti-aging effect.

Drinking water infused with senna seeds and goji berries can replenish the body's qi and blood, promote metabolism, and improve overall resistance and immunity.

Method: Take 20 grams each of goji berries and senna seeds, put them in a thermos, add hot water, cover and let it steep for 15 minutes. Drink when warm.

2. Senna Seeds + Hawthorn

Benefits: Hawthorn contains various organic acids that can regulate gastrointestinal motility and assist in the treatment of indigestion, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, hyperlipidemia, and other conditions.

Drinking water infused with senna seeds and hawthorn can help remove waste from blood vessels and improve blood circulation, promoting vascular health in the long run.

Method: Take 5 grams of senna seeds and 10 grams of hawthorn slices. Add an appropriate amount of sugar according to personal preference. Pour hot water into a thermos, let it steep for at least 20 minutes, then drink.

【Precautions for Senna Seeds】

1. Senna seeds have a cooling nature and have diuretic effects. Therefore, patients with weak spleen and stomach, spleen and stomach deficiency, or low blood pressure may worsen their condition and overall health after consumption.

2. Modern medical research has found that senna seeds contain a large amount of compounds such as sennosides and anthraquinones. Long-term consumption of senna seeds can easily lead to intestinal lesions.

3. When preparing senna seed tea, it is important to choose roasted senna seeds, as this is beneficial for overall health.

4. Pregnant women should avoid drinking water infused with senna seeds due to the medicinal properties. Consumption can easily lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

5. As senna seeds have a certain weight-loss effect, many women like to drink senna seed tea regularly. However, if this method is maintained for a long period, it can affect fertility and cause irregular menstrual cycles.