SENNA
Cassia marilandica
COMMON NAMES: 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
soils.
The leaves have long petioles, ovate at the base; each petiole has eight or ten leaflets that are oblong,
smooth, 1–2 inches long, and quite narrow. The flowers are a bright yellow, and the leaves are gathered
while in bloom from June to September. The fruit is a legume, 2–4 inches long, and contains a quantity of
thick pulp that is mildly 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.
SOLVENTS: Water, alcohol.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Laxative, vermifuge, cathartic.
USES: Senna sometimes causes griping effects. To modify this, combine senna leaves with one of the
aromatic herbs: ginger, anise, caraway, fennel, or coriander. Can also be used in combination with pink
root (Spigelia marilandica). Should not be used in cases of inflammation of the stomach.
DOSE: Of the tincture, 1–2 tablespoons; of the powder, 10–20 grains; of the infusion, ½–1 cupful steeped
30 minutes.
HOMEOPATHIC CLINICAL: Colic (flatulent) of infants, exhaustion, nitrogenous waste, sleeplessness,
sneezing, with heat.
RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE: In Russia senna leaves are known as Alexandre leaves, or cassia. The species
Cassia acutifolia grows in Russia, having the same properties as the American variety. Use: For treating
conditions of constipation they prefer the buds with oils; this can be used repeatedly without side effect.
The leaves alone are rather harsh, so a compound of Cassia with similar herbs is recommended.
INDIAN AND PAKISTANI EXPERIENCE: Many varieties of senna grow in India and Pakistan, one being
Cassia angustifolia (Indian senna). Uses: Their traditional use is not only as a laxative but also for
biliousness, gout, and rheumatism, in the form of decoctions, infusions, powder, and confections.
WARNING: it should not be administered for inflammatory conditions of the alimentary canal, fever, piles,
menorrhagia, prolapse of the rectum and uterus, or pregnancy. Externally: For skin diseases and pimples
use a paste of the dried leaves made with vinegar.