Senna is an herb that comes from several different flowering species of the Cassia plants. The leaves, flowers, and fruits of the senna plant have been used in tea as a laxative or stimulant for centuries.

The leaves of the Senna plant are also used in some teas to help relieve constipation or promote weight loss.

The most common Cassia senna plants used are the C. acutifolia, and C. angustifolia plants, which are grown in the Middle East and India.

The leaves of the senna plant are used in teas and may help relieve constipation.
Senna is most often used as a laxative, either to relieve constipation or in some cases, to help with weight loss. It is also an ingredient in some conventional over-the-counter laxatives.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved senna as a non-prescription drug to treat constipation. The most common doses are:

Children: 8.5 milligrams (mg) per day to cause a single bowel movement
Children over 12 and adults: 17.2 mg per day, with no more than 34.4 mg each day
Older adults: 17 mg per day
Postpartum pregnancy: 28 mg per day, divided into two doses
It is not recommended to use senna for longer than 2 weeks at a time.