Comparisons
Senna or Psyllium Husk?
Senna (Senna alexandrina) stimulates bowel movements, while psyllium husk (Plantago ovata) holds water and adds bulk to stools. This difference shapes how long they can be used and their warnings. The table is built from the sourced cards of both herbs.
| Aspect | SennaSenna alexandrina | Psyllium HuskPlantago ovata |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest evidence | B Limited clinical evidence | A Strong clinical evidence |
| Needs | Digestion | Digestion, Heart & Circulation |
| Form | Dried Herb & Tea | Dried Herb & Tea |
| How to use | As a ready-made product providing 10–30 mg hydroxyanthracene derivatives per dose, taken at bedtime. Use the lowest dose that gives a comfortable soft stool. | Take 7–11 g a day in 1–3 doses with about 30 ml of water per gram. Do not take it just before bed. It works in 12–24 hours. |
| Pregnancy | Avoid | Caution |
| Breastfeeding | Avoid | Caution |
| Recommended minimum age | From age 12 | From age 6 |
| Drug interactions | 1 serious interaction(s) | Interactions reported |
| Duration limit | 1 week | See a doctor if constipation lasts beyond 3 days |
Which one, when?
Senna
A stimulant laxative taken at bedtime for short-term relief of occasional constipation; not used for more than 1 week. Not used under 12, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Full card →Psyllium Husk
Used for habitual constipation and when soft stools are needed (haemorrhoids, anal fissures); strong evidence for lowering LDL cholesterol. Taken with plenty of water, from age 6.
Full card →Good to know
- If a laxative is needed every day, the cause of constipation should be checked by a doctor.
- Senna can cause potassium loss; people on heart medicines, diuretics or corticosteroids should ask a doctor first.
- Psyllium taken with too little fluid can block the gullet or bowel; take it half an hour to an hour apart from other medicines.
Sources
- Community herbal monograph on Plantago ovata Forssk., seminis tegumentum – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2013 · MonographSource accessed:
- European Union herbal monograph on Senna alexandrina Mill. (Cassia senna L.; Cassia angustifolia Vahl), folium – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2018 · MonographSource accessed:
- Effect of psyllium (Plantago ovata) fiber on LDL cholesterol and alternative lipid targets: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition · 2018 · Systematic reviewSource accessed:
- AGA-ACG Clinical Practice Guideline: Pharmacological Management of Chronic Idiopathic ConstipationGastroenterology (AGA and ACG) · 2023 · Clinical guidelineSource accessed:
- Senna versus magnesium oxide for the treatment of chronic constipation: a randomized, placebo-controlled trialAmerican Journal of Gastroenterology · 2021 · Randomized controlled trialSource accessed: