Senna (balatong-aso in tagalog)

(Cassia acutifolia) Part used: Leaves, pods. Properties: Laxative, vermifuge, diuretic. What it affects: Intestines.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 30 min. Take 2 oz. 3 times daily. Tincture: Take 30-40 drops 2-3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 tsp. 2-3 times daily. Powder: Take 2-10 #0 capsules (10-60 grains) 3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, senna is one of the most reliable laxatives and increases the intestinal peristaltic movements.

• It should be combined with a carminative herb (such as ginger, anise, fennel, or coriander), to avoid griping (bowel cramps). Use 6-12 pods for adults and 3-6 pods for children. (The pods are preferred, since they are milder than the leaves.) Make an infusion of an ounce of senna to 1 pint water. To this add 10% of an aromatic herb. Steep for 20 minutes and drink it cold. (There is less cramping if one drinks it cold.) Do not make more than will be immediately used (about 1/2 – 1 cup at a time.) Senna is also combined with other anthelmintics, to get rid of intestinal worms.

Externally, senna is useful as a mouthwash for halitosis and a bad taste in your mouth.

Note: There are four primary senna herbs: Alexandrian senna (Cassia acutifolia), from northern Africa, and the lesser-used American senna (Cassia marilandica). Both have the same properties, work in the same manner, and have the same cautions. There are also two other senna herbs: tinnevelly senna (Cassia angustifolia) which is weaker in its properties, and not sold very often, and purging cassia (Cassia fistula) which is grown in India. It is stronger and the herb generally included in most commercial cassia pods and many packaged preparations.

 
Warning: Senna should not be used if there is inflammation anywhere in the intestinal tract, if there are prolapsed intestines, retum, or piles. It should not be used during pregnancy. It is addictive if used too long.