Re: Over-dependence on senna?

Senna is one of the harshest stimulant laxatives on the market. High anthraquinone stimulant laxatives weaken intestinal function leading to a laxative dependence in a s little as two weeks. The high anthraquinone laxatives include senna, cascara sagrada, rhubarb root and cape aloe (Aloe ferox). All of these herbs are best avoided altogether. 

Constipation can occur for a number of reasons including hypothyroidism, lack of fiber intake, dehydration, lack of intestinal flora, intestinal blockages, etc. In your case I would guess that a lack of intestinal flora would be the problem since the lack of flora also leads to Candida overgrowth. The flora serve many functions in the body. Among these are the production of serotonin, which regulate intestinal peristalsis. The flora also ferment fibers to generate beneficial acids. These acids help control Candida and bad bacteria, as well as help with nutrient absorption.

A simple way to build up the intestinal flora is with kefir and cultured foods. Make sure to ferment them long enough to destroy all the sugars though before ingesting them.

You will also need to feed the flora, but I do not recommend psyllium for this. Psyllium is hard on the intestinal wall and tends to cause bloating in many people. Better choices are the soft fibers rice bran or oat bran. These are also both rich in B vitamins that support the nervous system and help the liver to detoxify  substances.

You should not have to depend on dangerous stimulant laxatives like senna. Focus on correcting the imbalance that is causing the problem rather than making the underlying problem worse.