Cassia Angustifolia, also known as Alexandrian Senna, is a plant of the Leguminose or Fabaceae family. The senna has laxative properties, which are useful in case of constipation and hemorrhoids. This effect has been proven by scientific studies and the senna is reported among the remedies against constipation in the page dedicated to the herbal medicines of the University of Maryland, Medical Center. The properties of the senna do not end here, the plant in fact helps in case of worm infestations and to counteract abdominal swelling. Do not use senna for more than one week, in fact this plant acts by slightly irritating the intestinal walls causing the contraction of the muscles and hence the laxative effect. It is therefore clear that prolonged use may cause irritation of the intestinal tract, diarrhea or vomiting. Do not take senna during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children, avoid even if you suffer from Crohn's disease, liver, kidney or heart disease. Finally, potential side effects that may occur within 24 hours from taking the remedy can be abdominal pain or diarrhea. You can use the remedy in tablets or herbal teas.
Tablets
One or two tablets to take once a day.
Herbal tea
Bring to boil a little more than a cup of water, then remove it from heat and infuse one teaspoon of senna. Let it steep for ten minutes, then filter and drink. Do not drink more than two cups a day. It is better to drink herbal tea in the evening before going to sleep, the remedy will take about 6 to 12 hours to have effect.
