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CASSIA ANGUSTIFOLIA

SENNA

The Chinese name for this herb is Fan-Hsieh-Yeh, or “foreign-country laxative herb.” Senna has a very strong laxative effect on the body. Indian senna (C. angustifolia) is a close relative of North African and American senna, but its properties are much milder.

PROPERTIES

Bitter, pungent, cooling, and purging. It is cathartic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, and cleansing. Senna acts mostly on the lower half of the body.

Part of Plant Used The leaves and whole seed pods.

Conditions Treated Senna is the most powerful herbal treatment for constipation, especially when it is chronic. Do not use if you suffer from hemorrhoids. Senna has sometimes been used to reduce fevers, and is an ingredient in sore throat remedies.

Form Taken Used as a powder, tea, or supplement.

Used with Other Herbs? Anise, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, fennel, ginger, nutmeg, orange.

HOW TO USE

 Senna reduces kapha and vátha, and increases pitta.

 A senna infusion will give you the benefits of senna’s laxative power.

 For children or the elderly, senna pods have a more gentle laxative effect.