Manna is made from the dried sap (juice) of the Fraxinus ornus tree. It is sometimes used as a laxative.
Manna contains a chemical called mannitol that can act as a laxative to help move the stool through the intestine.
People use manna for constipation and other purposes, but there isn't any good scientific research to support its use.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using manna for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Manna is possibly safe when used appropriately for a few days. In some people, manna might cause nausea or gas.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if manna is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Intestinal disorders, including intestinal blockage, appendicitis, Crohn disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or ulcerative colitis: Don't take manna if you have any of these conditions.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Manna is a laxative. Stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects from digoxin.
Stimulant laxatives
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Manna is a laxative. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Taking manna with other stimulant laxatives might cause more diarrhea and very low potassium levels.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Manna can work as a laxative. In some people manna can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. If you take warfarin do not to take excessive amounts of manna.
Water pills (Diuretic drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Manna is a laxative. Some laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking manna along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low.
Herbs that contain cardiac glycosides: Manna is a laxative. Laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Using it along with supplements that contain cardiac glycosides can increase the risk of heart damage. Examples of supplements that contain cardiac glycosides include black hellebore, foxglove, lily-of-the-valley, oleander, and pleurisy root.
Horsetail: Manna is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Using manna along with horsetail might increase the risk of lowering potassium levels too much.
Licorice: Manna is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Using manna along with licorice might increase the risk of lowering potassium levels too much.
Stimulant laxative herbs: Manna is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Taking manna with other supplements with similar effects might cause more diarrhea and very low potassium levels. Examples of supplements with this effect include buckthorn, gossypol, rhubarb, and senna.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of manna might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Flake Manna, Flowering Ash, Fraxinus ornus, Frêne à Fleurs, Frêne à Manne, Frêne Orne, Maná, Manna Ash, Manne.
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