292
people found this helpful, as of 2023
ranked #88,754 most helpful
out of 571,544,897 reviews
★☆☆☆☆
speak to your doctor before you use on a regular basis
Background: I have been purchasing Smooth Move tea for many years. A family member used it regularly (two times a week) and the rest of my family only occasionally (once every two months or so). The product does what it is supposed to do and I don't mind the taste. This review is not about that though. The family member who was a regular user is over 50 and had their first colonoscopy. There were no issues-at their age it is a good preventive step to have one. After the procedure the doctor asks if they were using Senna based laxatives. They said they were drinking this tea. The doctor said he could tell and he has seen this many times. Apparently Senna products irritate and darken the lining of the colon and the intestine. He said the inflamation was not a concern yet (but could be eventually) but the darkening makes it more difficult to detect polyps during the exam. He strongly recommended to immediately stop using this. I am not a doctor-I am just passing on what a very highly regarded doctor told a family member. I still have some boxes left and I will still be using for occasional constipation (once every two-three months). My concern is that certain people use this product very regularly to "cleanse" or because they have become dependent on laxatives. All I am asking people to do is to count how many tea bags they use every month and to have an honest discussion with their doctor about it.
April 2014 · Grocery and Gourmet Food · verified purchase