Sen or cassia angustifolia: properties and infusions

What is senna and how is it taken?

Different species are known as “sen” of Cassiaas the Cassia angustifolia osen from indiathe cassia senna, lanceolate either sen of Alexandria (Senna Alexandrina)and the Cassia obovata either Sen of Spain. The latter was cultivated for medicinal use in the Mediterranean basin until the beginning of the 20th century, but today has almost completely disappeared.

It is a legume with compound leaves and yellow flowers. The fruits, hanging vegetableshouse half a dozen senna seeds inside.

For medicinal purposes, the leaflets and fruit pods, softer than the first. They contain glycosides (sennosides), anthraquinones, flavonoids, mucilages, malic and tartaric acids, and resins.

The Sen It is found in the form of dried plant, powder, syrup, extract fluid and dry extract in capsules or tablets. Also used is infusion of warm senna leaves (15 g per liter) in enemas, with more immediate effects.

Medicinal properties of senna

Its effect is laxative at low doses and purgative at high doses., in addition to diuretic and cholagogue (stimulates the gallbladder). Increases mucus in the intestinal walls and the secretion of water, which favors peristalsis or intestinal motility. Although it depends a lot on each person, It works between 6 and 12 hours after taking it.

This indicated in occasional constipation -not chronic- and to facilitate the bowel emptying before or after x-rays and operations. But a prolonged use of the leaves could cause the colon to become somewhat dependent.

How to prepare senna laxative infusion

Herbalists often recommend senna associated with other plants, such as fennel, mint or corianderto improve its bitter taste, along with demulcent plants like mallow or marshmallow, which counteract its irritating impact on the nerve endings of the Intestinal mucosa.

A powerful laxative remedy is the one that combines Senna leaflets and fruits with fennel seeds, mallow leaves and flowers, and marshmallow rootin equal parts.

How to prepare it:
A level spoonful of the mixture is allowed to macerate per glass of water overnight and is taken in small doses throughout the day. It works after 6-7 hours. To increase the effect, the same formula can be taken as an infusion.

Precautions and contraindications

The sen can have irritant effects on the intestinal mucosa.TO high doses or in treatments prolonged can cause colic diarrhoea, vomiting and dizziness. should be taken always with medical advice and its use should never be extended beyond seven or eight days. contraindicated in case of intestinal obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, gastroenteritis and intestinal pain. It is also not recommended in case of sore stomach or liver and kidney problems.they must not take it pregnant –can be abortifacient–, mothers infants – sennosides can pass into milk and cause diarrhea in babies – nor children under 12 years of age. It is also discouraged during menstruation and in case of hemorrhoids or urinary infection. For chronic or recurrent constipation, it is recommended milder laxativesas the psylliumhe marshmallow or the linenalong with the proper corrections in diet and lifestyle.

Advisor: J. Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”