Senna
Natural Healing Herbs
 Photo by Forrest and Kim Star
Other Names
Cassia, Cathartocarpus (partim), Chamaefistula, Diallobus, Earleocassia, Herpetica, Isandrina, Palmerocassia, Pseudocassia
Appearance
It's a shrub with small leaves arranged in a feather-like pattern. It has small yellow flowers and long dark colored pods.
Origins
This herb was used in ancient Egypt for over 3000 years. It was also used by Arabian doctors as early as the 9th century AD. Later the herb was introduced to Europe.
Part Used
The leaves and pods of this plant are used in herbal remedies. The leaves have less active chemical compounds than the pods, but they're considered much safer to use.
Medicinal Uses
It's used to treat constipation.
Side Effects and Warnings
- rash
- abdominal cramping
- dehydration
- diarrhea
You should not take this herb if you are pregnant or nursing. You also shouldn't take it if you are taking any prescription drugs. Don't give it to children. Don't use it if you have irratiable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease or other digestive disorders.
If you found this information useful, check out my complete listing of herbs at my Herb Index. You can find a listing of ailments and their natural treatments on my Free Home Remedies page.
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