Senna is a commonly used laxative whose main components are sennosides and contains anthraquinone derivatives such as rhubarb acid, aloe-emodin, rhubarb phenol and other glycosides. It can soften the stool, while stimulating the large intestine to increase peristaltic function and promote defecation, generally fast-acting, may be effective for short-term constipation. However, if used for a long time, it will lead to a decrease in the stress of the nerve receptor cells in the intestinal wall or even degeneration, so that even if there is enough feces in the intestine, it will not be able to stimulate the intestine to cause a defecation response, and as a result, it will aggravate constipation. Functional constipation does not require medication Constipation is a clinical condition caused by a variety of factors, including dietary structure, mental, psychological and social factors, and it is associated with certain diseases, with a duration of at least one year. The internationally accepted diagnostic criteria for constipation require the presence of two or more of the following symptoms, either continuously or intermittently, for at least 12 weeks in the past 12 months: 1. straining to defecate for more than 1/4 of the time; 2. lumpy or hard stools for more than 1/4 of the time; 3. incomplete defecation for more than 1/4 of the time; 4. anal obstruction or rectal obstruction during defecation for more than 1/4 of the time; 5. Rectal obstruction; 5. More than 1/4 of the time, there is a need for manual assistance to defecate; 6. More than 1/4 of the time, there are less than 3 bowel movements per week, and there is no loose stool. There are many causes of constipation, which can be broadly divided into organic constipation and functional constipation. Intestinal obstruction, intestinal nerve injury, pelvic nerve injury, muscle disease, use of certain medications (e.g., antispasmodics), vertebral compression, pelvic tumor compression, and post-cesarean delivery maternal constipation are organic constipation. Functional constipation, on the other hand, is mostly seen in the elderly, women and the frail. Different causes of constipation need to use different treatment methods, organic constipation first need to solve the organic problems, to treat the symptoms to cure the root cause. Functional constipation is the most common type of constipation, generally no medication is needed, drink more water, change the diet can be, taking stimulant laxatives such as rhubarb, senna and other side effects are very large, can be used to treat acute constipation and intestinal cleansing, but chronic constipation patients are not recommended. Drinking more water can relieve constipation The principle of treatment of chronic constipation in the elderly is to restore the physiology of defecation, first of all, we should strengthen the physiological education of defecation, change the lifestyle, establish reasonable dietary habits (such as increasing the dietary fiber content, increase water intake) and adhere to good bowel habits. First of all, you should drink more water, 3 to 4 times as much as usual. Normally, you can eat porridge, noodles and other easily digestible food as the main food, and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those that clear heat, such as horse feet, corn, lettuce, vegetable heart, etc. Next, you should develop good bowel habits. After three meals, before going to bed or after waking up, regardless of whether there is no bowel movement, should go to the toilet squatting for ten minutes. Again, you should do proper sports to strengthen your abdominal muscles and enhance your physical fitness. Some laxatives can also be applied under the guidance of a doctor to relieve constipation by increasing the water in the intestine. Senna is used to relieve the pain of constipation for some patients with acute constipation. Senna is only suitable for acute constipation, not for chronic, habitual constipation, and senna should not be taken in large quantities for a long time, should be taken in an effective dose of 3-6 grams for a short period of time, and constipation this problem or to consult a doctor, do not use drugs blindly.