East Indian Senna

East Indian Senna

Scientific name of East Indian Senna: Cassia alaxandina, Cassia angustifolia

Name of East Indian Senna in different languages:-

English: Egyptian Senna,  Senna.

Sanskrit: Sonamukhi, Bhoomichari, Markandika

Hindi: Buhikhakhasa

Tamil: Thirunalvelicenna

Malayalam: Chennamukki-ചെന്നാമുക്കി, Nilavaka-നിലവാക

Plant description:

Senna / East Indian Senna or Alexandrian Senna (Cassia angustifolia) is a shrub, that grows up to the height of 1 m. in height, well-branched, pale-green, and erect. Leaves are simple, alternately arranged, ovate, leaflets vary up to 6 pairs. The flowers are yellow, in clusters, and big in size, fruits are tapered at the end, flat, oblong, and contain six seeds.

Leaf Arrangement

Shape-Odd-pinnate Margin-Entire Venation-pinnate
 Margin_Entire  Venation-pinnate

 

Useful plant parts:

Leaf

Medicinal uses:

Constipation, hemorrhoids, weight loss, cancer, skin disorders, leprosy, Vata, intestinal worm, bronchitis, etc.

Ayurveda uses of Senna

In Ayurveda, Senna, known as “Swarnapatri” or “Sonamukhi,” is a valued herb primarily known for its laxative properties. Here are its common Ayurvedic uses:

  1. Laxative and Purgative: Senna leaves and pods are used to alleviate constipation and promote bowel movements.
  2. Digestive Aid: It aids in the digestion process by cleansing the intestines and regulating bowel movements.
  3. Detoxification: Senna is used in detoxification therapies (Panchakarma) to eliminate waste and toxins from the body.
  4. Liver Health: It’s believed to support liver function by helping to clear toxins from the liver and gallbladder.
  5. Weight Management: Senna may be used in formulations aimed at managing weight by promoting regular bowel movements.
  6. Skin Disorders: It’s applied externally in some formulations to address skin conditions like acne and eczema.
  7. Menstrual Disorders: Senna is used in specific formulations to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate related discomfort.
  8. Fever Reducer: It may be used in formulations to help reduce fever.
  9. Hemorrhoids: Senna is used to alleviate symptoms of hemorrhoids due to its mild laxative action.
  10. Anti-parasitic: It’s believed to have properties that help expel intestinal parasites.

Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional before using Senna or any other herbal remedy for therapeutic purposes. They can provide guidance on appropriate dosage, preparation, and potential interactions with other medications or treatments. Additionally, note that excessive or prolonged use of Senna can lead to dependency and may have adverse effects, so it should be used under proper guidance.

Medicinal properties:

Laxative, Stimulant, cathartic

Chemical contents:

Sennosides, Senna glycosides, mannitol, Chrysophanic acid and Salicylic acid, sitosterol

It is one of the ingredients in the Ayurveda medicines like-

Herbal Treatments

മലബന്ധം മാറാൻ – ചെന്നാമുക്കി (നിലവാക) (Cassia Angustifolia) യുടെ ഇല ഉണക്കിപ്പൊടിച്ച് ഇളം ചൂടുവെള്ളത്തിൽ കഴിക്കാം. (not exeede 38 grams for men and 25 gm woman)

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