Facts About Chinese Teak Tea And Is It Really Dangerous

Bumisuka.com – Facts About Chinese Teak Tea And Is It Really Dangerous. Have you ever heard of Chinese teak tea? Yes, this one herbal remedy is often promoted as weight loss. However, lately, Chinese teak tea has actually gone viral on TikTok because it is said that it can cause organ failure and even death.

This was stated by the TikTok account, Yulia Baltschun (@yuliabaltschun), on November 13, 2022. In the video entitled “WHEN IS IT STILL NOT TOBAT ??”, Yulia reveals various testimonies from relatives or Chinese teak users who died, kidney failure to dialysis , to liver failure.

If that’s the case, is it true that Chinese teak tea is better not to use? First of all, let’s get acquainted with Chinese teak leaf tea.

What is Chinese teak tea or Senna tea?

Reported by Healthline, Chinese teak tea or Senna tea is an herbal medicine made from the leaves, flowers and fruit of the species Cassia acutifolia (Alexandrian senna) or Cassia angustifolio (Indian senna). Despite its name, Chinese teak tea actually originates from Egypt.

Senna plant extracts and teas have been used as a laxative and stimulant for generations. Therefore, Chinese teak tea is currently generally sold as an over-the-counter constipation tea or supplement. Not infrequently, we see it as a slimming drink or pill.

What are the benefits of drinking teak leaf tea?

1. Trigger a bowel movement

As previously explained, Chinese teak tea is used as a laxative and relieves constipation. According to Healthline, most people will feel the laxative effects of Chinese teak tea within 6–12 hours.

Chinese teak leaves contain an active component, namely senna glycoside or commonly called sennoside. Cannot be absorbed by the intestine, sennoside can be broken down by intestinal bacteria. When sennoside is broken down, cells in the large intestine experience mild irritation, triggering a bowel movement.

2. Relieve constipation

Apart from triggering bowel movements, Chinese teak tea can be relied upon to treat constipation. Not only does it work in the intestine, Chinese teak tea also prevents the reabsorption of water and electrolytes in the large intestine. As a result, the fluid level in the intestine increases and the stool becomes softer.

A study in the United States (US) in 2021 examined the efficacy of Chinese teak tea as a laxative. After reviewing 41 studies, researchers support the use of this tea as a first choice in treating constipation.

3. Preparing for a colonoscopy

Because of its laxative effect, it is not uncommon for people to consume Chinese teak tea before a colonoscopy. The aim is to cleanse the colon prior to screening for colorectal cancer.

Published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology in 2009, European researchers examined the efficacy of Chinese teak tea and other agents to cleanse the intestines. Although proven, the study notes that this tea is only one of the agents, so its effects when used alone are not yet known for colonoscopy preparation.

4. Other digestive conditions

Chinese teak tea is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), especially IBS accompanied by constipation. However, Verywell Health notes that there is still little research to support the use of Chinese teak leaf tea for IBS.

In addition, Chinese teak leaf tea is also commonly used to relieve uncomfortable sensations due to hemorrhoids. In addition to bleeding, itching, and pain, this tea can also treat constipation which exacerbates hemorrhoids. Even so, its efficacy in relieving hemorrhoid symptoms has not been thoroughly studied.

Standard dosage

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the go-ahead for teak leaf tea as an over-the-counter constipation remedy. Even so, the intake is limited to only two weeks, no more. The FDA regulated dosage is:

• Children: 8.5 mg per day to induce frequent bowel movements.
• Children over 12 years and adults: 17.2 mg per day limited to 34.4 mg per day.
• Postpartum women: 28 mg daily in two divided doses.
• Elderly: 17 mg per day

There are no specific recommendations for Chinese teak leaf tea. This is because the concentration of sennocide differs depending on the manufacture, and the tea sold does not state how many tea leaves are used. So, always see the consumption guide on the packaging label.

For pregnant women, consult a doctor first before drinking Chinese teak tea or other laxatives. Medical News Today noted that Chinese teak leaf tea is safe for nursing mothers if used in moderation. Even though a few tea compounds are passed to the baby through breast milk, in fact it doesn’t have a significant effect on the baby’s stool.

Not recommended for diets

Chinese teak leaf tea is often used for quick weight loss. In fact, there is no scientific evidence supporting Chinese teak tea as a method of losing weight or detoxification. In fact, if used with that purpose, even potentially dangerous.

Besides being able to change the function of intestinal tissue and drug dependence, a crash diet with Chinese teak tea has the potential to fail. A 2020 US study of more than 10,000 women noted that using laxatives for dieting was six times more likely to have eating disorders.

Side effects range from mild to severe

Like other medicines, consumption of Chinese teak leaf tea does cause side effects which are generally mild. However, if consumed in the long term, excessively, or not according to recommendations, dangerous side effects can occur. Mild side effects include:

• Discomfort in the stomach.
• stomach cramps
• Diarrhea.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Bloating sensation in the stomach.

FDA guidelines note that Chinese teak tea should only be consumed for no more than two weeks. More than that (in terms of duration and dosage), serious side effects can occur, such as:

• Liver damage.
• Electrolyte disturbances.
• Heart rhythm disturbances.

If you experience severe side effects, stop using it and seek medical attention immediately.

Some people are not recommended to consume Chinese teak leaf tea

Verywell Health warns that Chinese teak leaf tea is not intended for patients:

• Crohn’s disease/ileitis.
• Ulcerative colitis.
• Appendicitis.
• Diarrhea.
• Dehydration.
• Stomach ache.
• Conditions that cause digestive obstruction.
• Chinese teak tea allergy and its contents.

If you have liver, heart or kidney conditions, it is better to consult a doctor first before consuming Chinese teak tea. In addition, people who are undergoing certain medications are better off avoiding Chinese teak leaf tea. This is because the tea can interact with medications such as:

• Blood thinner.
• diuretic.
• Steroids.
• Licorice root.
• Heart rhythm medication.

Those are the facts about Chinese teak tea or Senna tea. Although there are benefits, this tea must be used according to recommendations or with the permission of a doctor so that it does not cause dangerous complications.