There are several detox teas available in the market that claim to flush out the toxins and make you lose weight. One of the compounds used in such detox teas is senna tea. Senna tea is also available individually and can make you lose weight. But, does senna tea really help in the weight loss process? Here, in this article, we will be discussing every aspect of senna tea. So, let’s get into it.
What is senna tea?
Senna tea is made from the leaves of the cassia senna plant. It has a sweet taste with strong bitter undertones. The taste is completely a personal choice. Some people may like it while some might not. Senna is an FDA-approved non-prescriptive laxative that aids in proper digestion and provides relief from occasional constipation. In addition, senna tea is marketed as a detox tea as it can also aid weight loss and eliminate toxins.
How does senna tea help in weight loss?
Senna tea and weight loss are not directly connected. In fact, senna tea helps in proper digestion which, in turn, helps in boosting the metabolism rate. The increase in metabolism rate helps in the burning of fat cells. Also, senna tea effectively flushes out the toxins from the body, preventing weight gain. Thus, senna tea can indirectly facilitate the weight loss process.
How to consume senna tea?
Senna tea is available as tea bags and loose leaves. One can steep it in either hot water or cold water. Senna tea must be consumed in the morning for best results. If you are suffering from abdominal cramps after consuming senna tea, then steep it in cold water for 10 to 12 hours. This trick minimizes the release of resin in the water and does not cause any abdominal pain. Senna tea can be consumed on its own if you can handle the strong bitter undertones. However, if you do not like your tea with a bitter taste, you can try one of the following senna tea recipes. The ingredients in the following recipes are also great for weight loss.
Senna tea with ginger and honey:
Take a quarter inch of ginger root and slice it down. Boil the slices of ginger in water for 3-4 minutes. Now, pour water over the tea bag or loose leaves and let it steep for 3-5 minutes. In the end, add a teaspoon of honey. Your tea is ready.
Senna tea with lemon and honey:
Brew a cup of senna tea and squeeze some lemon juice in it. Add a teaspoon of honey and your senna tea is ready.
Senna tea with peppermint and fennel powder:
Take a tea bag of senna tea and steep it in warm water for 3-5 minutes. Pour the tea over 3-4 peppermint leaves and let it steep for another 5 minutes. In the end, add a teaspoon of fennel powder and give it a good mix.
What to keep in mind while consuming senna tea?
Senna tea has a laxative effect that clears out the stomach. The short-term use of the senna tea can be beneficial for the health. However, the long-term use can have adverse effects on your body. Thus, once should not consume senna tea for more than seven consecutive days.
In addition, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, then steer clear of the senna tea. Not to mention, heart patients must consult their physician before consuming this tea. Consuming senna tea with heart medication can interfere with the medicines. People with colon and liver disorders must also not consume this tea.
What are the side-effects related to consumption of senna tea?
• Laxative dependency: Consuming a laxative drink on a regular basis for a long time can increase the dependency of your organs over it.
• Dehydration: Since senna tea is laxative in nature it may cause dehydration if used on a long-term basis. This, in turn, leads to severe diarrhea cases.
• Abdominal cramps: Some people may feel abdominal cramps after drinking senna tea. Thus, it is best advised to drink senna tea in cold state as it will leave the resin residue at the bottom of the cup.