Herbs & Herbal Remedies @ Green Papaya

Senna does not treat fever, nor does it “purge melancholy and procure mirth.” Quite the contrary. If you’re not careful with this herb, you’ll live to regret using it.

Laxative - Like aloe, buckthorn, and cascara sagrada, senna contains chemicals that stimulate the colon (anthraquinones). The herb is an ingredient in many over-thecounter laxatives: Fletcher’s Castoria, Gentlax, Sennexon, Senokap, Senolax, Black Draught, Innerclean Herbal Laxative, and Dr. Caldwell’s Senna Laxative.

Senna and the other anthraquinone laxatives, however, should be considered a last resort for constipation. First, increase the fiber in your diet, drink more fluids, and exercise more. If that doesn’t work, try the bulk-forming laxative, psyllium. If that doesn’t help, try a gentler anthraquinone, cascara sagrada. And if you still need relief, try senna in consulation with your physician.

Rx for Senna

Because of senna’s disgusting taste, herbalists generally discourage using the plant Material and instead recommend over-the-counter products containing it.

Those game enough to try the unprocessed herb can brew an infusion from 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 1 cup a day in the morning or before bed for no more than a few days. The taste of senna is nauseating; add sugar, honey, and lemon, and mix it with such taste-masking herbs as anise, fennel, peppermint, chamomile, ginger, coriander, cardamon, and licorice.

Some sources say the pods have milder action. Steep four pods in a cup of warm water for 6 to 12 hours. Drink up to 1 cup a day in the morning or before bed for no more than a few days.

In a tincture, use ½ to 1 teaspoon in the morning or before bed for no more than a few days.

Senna should not be given to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with a low-strength preparation and increase strength if necessary.