Botanical

Senna

Also known as: Senna alexandrina, Sennosides, Cassia angustifolia

Evidence

Stimulant laxative for occasional constipation, works by stimulating intestinal contractions.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.

Add Nature's Way Senna Leaves to your stack — free

The highest-scored Senna product in our catalog (82/100). Track dose and overlaps in the app.

Add it →

Every Senna product we have scored

#	Product	Score	Per serving
1	Nature's Way Senna Leaves	82 A-	$0.38
2	Gaia Herbs Natural Laxative	76 B+	$0.46

Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.

Common questions

How much Senna should I take?

The typical range is 15-30mg sennosides or 1 cup tea at bedtime. Occasional use only (max 1-2 weeks)

When should I take Senna?

Bedtime for morning effect. Either way.

Which form of Senna is best?

Tea — Gentler. Other forms in the catalog: Tablets, Liquid.

Is Senna safe?

Commonly reported: Cramping, Diarrhea, Electrolyte loss. Serious warnings: Dependency with chronic use, Melanosis coli, Electrolyte imbalance. Can cause electrolyte issues

Which Senna supplement scores highest?

Nature's Way Senna Leaves, at 82/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.

Primary uses

Occasional constipation
Bowel prep
Short-term use

How it works

Stimulates intestinal contractions
Increases fluid secretion
Works in 6-12 hours
Not for regular use

Dosage

Typical range: 15-30mg sennosides or 1 cup tea at bedtime
Timing: Bedtime for morning effect
With food: Either way
Duration: Occasional use only (max 1-2 weeks)
Special populations: Occasional constipation

Forms

Tea
Tablets
Liquid

Safety

Common side effects

Cramping
Diarrhea
Electrolyte loss

Contraindications

Chronic constipation (address cause)
IBD
Bowel obstruction
Pregnancy

Products containing Senna

Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Senna on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.

Nature's Way

Gaia Herbs

Evidence notes

Well-established stimulant laxative

Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.

Related in Botanical

Check a full stack

Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.

Open the checker

Where does Senna fit in your stack?

Answer two questions and get a stack graded on research — every ingredient scored on the evidence behind it, not the marketing.

Build my stack

2 questions · free · no account needed to start

Also on iPhone — get the free app

📬 Get new guides in your inbox

Evidence-based supplement guides, no spam

We send a short digest when new guides drop — nothing else. No affiliate pushes, no sponsored content, unsubscribe anytime.

Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.