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Senna (Cassia senna syn. Senna alexandrina)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Common Names: Senna, Alexandrian Senna, Tinnevelly Senna
  • Parts Used: Dried leaves, pods

Description

Senna is a small shrub native to North Africa and India, with yellow flowers and compound leaves. It is primarily known for its use as a powerful herbal laxative. Both the leaves and pods contain active compounds that stimulate bowel movements.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in traditional Egyptian and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years as a natural laxative and purgative.
  • Employed for constipation relief and to clear the digestive system before surgical procedures.
  • Often combined with aromatic herbs like ginger to reduce cramping.

Constituents

  • Anthraquinone glycosides (sennosides A and B)
  • Flavonoids
  • Mucilage
  • Essential oils
  • Tannins

Actions

  • Laxative
  • Purgative
  • Carminative (when combined with other herbs)
  • Antimicrobial

Medicinal Uses

1. Constipation Relief:
Senna is most commonly used to relieve occasional constipation by stimulating bowel movements and promoting peristalsis.

2. Colon Cleansing:
Often used in herbal formulas for colon cleansing, particularly before medical procedures or detox programs.

3. Detoxification:
By clearing the digestive tract, senna assists in removing waste and toxins, promoting overall digestive health.

4. Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures:
Used to soften stools and prevent straining, which can exacerbate hemorrhoids and fissures.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea):

  • 1-2 tsp of dried senna leaves or pods per cup of boiling water. Steep for 5-10 minutes and consume as needed for constipation. Do not exceed 7 consecutive days of use.

Tincture:

  • 1-2 ml of senna tincture, taken as needed.

Capsules:

  • 300-600 mg of senna leaf powder per dose, taken before bed for overnight relief.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Consult a healthcare professional before use.
  • Prolonged Use: Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days to avoid dependence and potential electrolyte imbalance.
  • Dehydration and Cramping: Senna can cause abdominal cramping and loss of fluids. Ensure proper hydration.
  • Medication Interactions: May interact with diuretics, heart medications, and blood thinners.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Ayurvedic: Considered bitter and cooling, senna helps balance pitta and kapha but can aggravate vata if overused.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine: Used to clear heat and purge excess stagnation from the intestines.

Combinations

  • For Constipation Relief: Combine with licorice or peppermint to reduce cramping.
  • For Digestive Cleansing: Combine with fennel and ginger.
  • For Detoxification: Combine with dandelion and burdock root.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Leaves and pods are harvested when mature and dried in the sun.
  • Drying: Spread the leaves and pods in a warm, well-ventilated area until completely dry.
  • Storage: Store dried senna in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Modern Research

Studies have confirmed the efficacy of sennosides as natural laxatives. Ongoing research focuses on refining senna’s therapeutic applications while minimizing side effects, particularly in chronic constipation.

Senna remains a highly effective herbal remedy for short-term constipation relief and digestive cleansing, with a long history of safe, traditional use when properly administered.