Senna ~ Cassia angustifolia

Senna

Latin name: Cassia angustifolia

Family: Fabaceae

Part used: leaves

Habitat: India

Main constituents: anthraquinone glycosides (emodin, sennosides), naphthalene glycosides

Energetics: bitter, sweet, cooling

Main herbal actions: stimulant laxative, cholagogue, peristaltic

Minor herbal actions: vasorelaxant

Main medicinal uses: constipation

Minor medicinal uses: hemorrhoids, anal fissures

Preparations: decoction: 1 heaping tsp/cup water; 1:5 tincture: 20-60 gtt qd-qid; powder: 0.5-2 g qd

Contraindications: extended periods of time: will deplete electrolytes, and thereby increasing constipation and disturb cardiac rhythm; concurrent use of cardiac glycosides; pregnancy; lactation; damaged kidneys or kidney inflammation; children under 12

Toxicity: vomiting, intestinal spasms, bloody diarrhea

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Encyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations