Senna Herb

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Common Name: Wild Senna, Locust plant.

Features: Cassia is a genus of leguminous plants inhabiting the

tropical parts of the world consisting of trees, shrubs, or herbs.

American Senna is to be found from New England to Carolina, growing

in rich soil.

The leaves have long petioles, ovate at base; each petiole has 8 or

10 leaflets, which are oblong, smooth, 1-2 in. ling and quite narrow.

The flowers are bright yellow and the leaves are gathered while in

bloom from June to Sept. The fruit is a legume, 2-4 in. long, and

contains a quantity of thick pulp which is mildly a laxative and

cathartic and is used in the composition of the confection of Cassia

and of Senna. It belongs to the sugar class of laxatives, its

properties being due, for the most part, to the water attracting

properties of the sugar while in the intestinal canal.

Medicinal Part: Leaves

Body Influences: Laxative, Vermifuge, Cathartic

Uses: Senna sometimes causes griping effects. To modify this, combine

senna leaves with one of the aromatic herbs like Ginger, Anise,

Caraway, Fennel or Coriander. Can also be used in combination with

Pink Root Should not be used in cases of inflammation of the stomach.

Doses: Of the tincture 1-2 tablespoons of the powder, 10-20 grains.

Of the infusion 1/2- 1 cup steeped for 30 minutes.

Homoeopathic Clinical: Colic(flatulent) of infants, Exhaustion,

Nitrogenous waste, sleeplessness, sneezing, with heat.

Russian Experience: In Russia senna leaves are known as andre

leaves, or Cassia. The species Cassia acutifolia grows in Russia,

having the same properties as the American variety.

Externally: For skin diseases and pimples use a paste of the dried

leaves made with vinegar.

This above post is from the book I have called " Indian Herbalogy Of

North America " by Alma R. Hutchens..This book is my bible, it has

helped me throughout my life since I was 19 yrs old, for more than 25

yrs.

Here is more information on senna from this site, link below:

http://groups.msn.com/healingherbs/herbssz.msnw

Senna: (Cassia senna, Cassia angustifolia) The senna shrub grows in

India, Pakistan, and China. The leaves and pods are used

medicinally. Traditional use of seen is as a laxative. It's

considered a cleansing herb because of its cathartic effect. In

addition, the leaves are sometimes made into a paste and applied to

ringworm and acne.

Senna contains anthraquinone glycosides known as sennosides. These

molecules are converted by the normal bacteria in the colon into

rhein-anthrone, which in turn has two effects. It stimulates colon

activity to speed bowel movements and increases fluid secretion by

the colon.1 Together, these actions work to get a sluggish colon

functional again. Several controlled studies have confirmed the

benefit of senna in treating constipation.

Herbalists generally suggest an herbal extract in capsules or tablets

providing 20–60 mg of sennosides per day. Senna can cause the colon

to become dependent on it to move properly. Therefore, senna must

not be used for more than ten consecutive days. If constipation is

not alleviated within ten days, individuals should seek the help of a

healthcare professional. Combination with herbal mint teas can help

decrease cramping.

Chronic senna use can also cause loss of fluids, low potassium

levels, and diarrhea, all of which can lead to dehydration and

negative effects on the heart and muscles. Certain medications

interact in a positive and/or negative way with senna. Ask your

doctor if you are currently taking prescription medications