Bekunis tea is sold as a natural laxative. The active ingredient in it is senna, which is a member of the pea family that is cultivated in the Middle East and Europe. It has substances in it called anthranoids, sometimes referred to as vegetable laxatives, because these substances stimulate contractions of the colon. It’s best to consult a doctor before using any laxative products.

Atonic colon

Long-term use of Bekunis tea can lead to an atonic colon, meaning your colon will lack strength and muscle tone, and thus will develop impaired function according to the European Medicines Agency. This can lead to aggravation of your constipation and dependence on the tea, with need for increasing quantities to produce an effect. Stimulant laxatives like senna should not be used for more than one to two weeks. If you want to use them for a longer time frame, you must have medical supervision advises the EMA.

Allergic Reactions

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You may suffer an allergic reaction to senna according to Drugs.com. Get medical aid immediately if you have severe reactions, which can include itching, a rash, hives, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, or facial, mouth tongue or lip swelling.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Worsening of Conditions

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EMA advises that Bekunis tea can worsen your condition or be dangerous to use if you have intestinal obstructions, appendicitis, inflammatory colon disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, lack of muscle strength in your colon, abdominal pain of unknown origin, are dehydrated or have electrolyte depletion. Using senna with other products that can induce hypokalaemia, meaning potassium depletion, can also lead to or worsen an electrolyte imbalance. Such products include:

• diuretics
  
• licorice root
  
• adrenocorticosteroids
  
• horsetail
  
• cascara sagrada
  
• castor oil
  
• black root
  
• insulin

You should consult a doctor before taking the herb if you take medicines that can cause dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. This is especially important for people who are either young or elderly.

Irregular Heartbeat

You may experience an irregular heartbeat when using Bekunis tea according to Grossberg and Fox. It can worsen heart ailments by leading to an electrolyte imbalance.

Estrogen Rise

Your blood levels of estrogen may increase if you drink Bekunis tea and take birth control pills simultaneously according to Grossberg and Fox.

Possible Cancer and Melanosis Coli Link

; 2007'). Thus, definite conclusions cannot be drawn about the relationship between laxative use in and of itself as a possible colon cancer cause according to Nascimbeni. He notes anthranoids do show mutagenic and carcinogenic effects in lab and animal studies.

There’s also a possible link between senna and melanosis coli. According to the Medterms website, melanosis coli is usually a reversible condition that does not cause symptoms in which pigment in the mucous lining of the large intestine becomes discolored to brown or black.