Manna

• Overview
• Uses
• Side Effects
• Precautions
• Interactions
• Dosing

Manna is a plant. Its dried sap is used to make medicine.

People use the dried sap of manna as a laxative for constipation. They also use it as a stool softener to relieve pain during bowel movements caused by cracks around the anus (anal fissures), hemorrhoids, and rectal surgery.

How does it work?

Manna contains the chemical mannitol, which might work as a laxative to help stool move through the intestine.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• Constipation.
• Hemorrhoids and other rectal conditions.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of manna for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Manna appears safe for most people, when used short-term. In some people, manna might cause nausea or gas.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of manna during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bowel obstruction (ileus): Don't use manna if you have this condition.

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Digoxin (Lanoxin)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

Manna is a laxative. Some laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin).

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Warfarin (Coumadin)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

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.

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Water pills (Diuretic drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

Manna is a laxative. Some laxatives can decrease potassium in the body. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium in the body. Taking manna along with "water pills" might decrease potassium in the body too much.

Some "water pills" that can decrease potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide), and others.

The appropriate dose of manna depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for manna. 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 your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.