Senna Leaves Powder

Botanical Name: Senna species

 Common Name:

• English:  Senna, Sonamukhi
• Ayurvedic: Svarna-pattri, Maarkandikaa, Maarkandi.
• Unani: Sannaa, Sanaa-makki, Senaai, Sonaamukhi, Sanaa-Hindi.
• Siddha: Nilaavaarai
• Also, known as:  Alexandrian Senna, Nubian Senna, Cassia Senna, Cassia Lenitive, Cassia Lanceolate, Cassia Officinalis, Cassia Aethiopica, Senna Acutifolia, Egyptian Senna, Sene De La Palthe, Tinnevelly Senna, Cassia Angustifolia, Eást Indian Senna, Wild Senna, Locust Plant, M¡Danc, Sonamukhi, Svamamukhi, Sonapata, Indian Senna. Tinnevelly Senna, Mindhiaval, Sonamukhi, Sanaya, Hindisana, Nelavarika, Sonamukhi, Nelaavare, Nelavarike, Nel Aanriake Sna, Sunnamukhi, Nilavaka, Chinnukki, Adapatiyan, Sonamukhi, Sunamukhi, Sannamakhi, Sanapati, Sarnapatta, Nilapponnai, Avarai, Sunamukhi, Sena, Barg-E-Sana, Falajin, Fan Xie Ye, Fi Laskon Maka, Hindisana, Illesko, Indian Senna, Ma Khaam Khaek, Makhaam Khaek, Mecca Senna, Msahala, Nelaponna, Nelatangedu, Nilavaka, Nilavirai, Nubia Senna, Rinji, Sanai, Sand Hijazi, Sanjerehi, Sen De Alejandria, Sen De La India, Senna Makki, Senna, Snamikki, Sennae Folium, Sonamukhi, Tinnevelly Senna, True Senna

Habitat:  Southern India

Origin: India

Harvested: Wild

Parts Used: Leaves                                                            

General Information:

Senna consists of dried leaves of Cassia angustifolia, a small shrub, 60-75 cm high, found throughout the year, cultivated largely in Southern India, especially in districts of Tinnevelly, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli and has also, been introduced in Mysore, fully grown, thick bluish color leaves stripped off by hand, collected and dried in shade for 7-10 days, till assume a yellowish-green color, graded and then packed into large bales.

The leaves have long petioles, ovate at base; each petiole has eight or ten leaflets, which are oblong, smooth, 1–2 in. 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 in. long, and contains a quantity of thick pulp which 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.

How to use:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herbs to any super food, herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also, for children, you can mix powdered herbs with honey or glycerin to make a paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help the medicine go down. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, give you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot. 

Precautions: 

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

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This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.