Botanical
Name
Cassia angustifolia
Common
Name
Senna
The Senna Plant is a small shrub, about
3 to 4 feet in height and has light green
stalks. The stems are erect, smooth and
pale green. The leaves are thicker and
stiffer greyish-green coloured. The leaves
of the plant have therapeutic use.
For ages, senna has been used for medication,
and was also known as the ‘cleansing’
herb. Today senna is a commonly used laxative,
contains different amount of sennoside
B in leaves. Senna has a particular quality,
perhaps possessed by no other herb. Senna
is a potent cathartic or purgative that
is mainly used to cure constipation. Hence,
it is highly advisable to always take
senna combined with herbs that are aromatic,
as Senna is a very strong purgative that
may lead to stomach and abdominal pains.
It has also been used to treat provocative
skin conditions cure acne, ringworms as
well as other skin problems, hypertension
and also to controls weight.
