Botanical atlas
Senna
Cassia angustifolia
Senna has been a trusted household remedy for sluggish digestion for well over a thousand years, carried along Arab trade routes from the Red Sea coast into the medicine chests of Persia, India, and eventually Europe. Arab physicians of the ninth and tenth centuries, including the great al-Razi, wrote of its reliable effect on the bowels, and the name itself comes from the Arabic sana. In traditional practice, the dried leaflets and pods were steeped into a mild tea and reserved for occasional, short-term use rather than everyday drinking, a distinction herbalists still honor today. It remains one of the most widely recognized plant-based laxatives in both folk and modern medicine cabinets.
In tradition.
Senna has been a trusted household remedy for sluggish digestion for well over a thousand years, carried along Arab trade routes from the Red Sea coast into the medicine chests of Persia, India, and eventually Europe. Arab physicians of the ninth and tenth centuries, including the great al-Razi, wrote of its reliable effect on the bowels, and the name itself comes from the Arabic sana. In traditional practice, the dried leaflets and pods were steeped into a mild tea and reserved for occasional, short-term use rather than everyday drinking, a distinction herbalists still honor today. It remains one of the most widely recognized plant-based laxatives in both folk and modern medicine cabinets.
Traditional preparations.
Traditionally used as a gentle, short-term nudge for occasional constipation, taken in the evening so the effect arrives the next morning.
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried senna leaf in 250 ml of just-boiled water for 10 minutes, then strain well. Traditionally taken once, in the evening, and not repeated for more than a few days in a row.
Safety.
Senna is a stimulant laxative meant for occasional, short-term use only, no more than one to two weeks, since prolonged use can cause cramping, dependency, and electrolyte loss. Avoid it with intestinal obstruction, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis, in children under 12, and with heart medications like digoxin or with diuretics, since electrolyte shifts can amplify their effects.
Our sister app HerbLens identifies senna from a photo and keeps its full botanical portrait: growing guide, harvest notes, and look-alike warnings.
View on HerbLensAsk HerbSense how senna is traditionally used and what to know before trying anything at home.
Ask about SennaHerbSense shares traditional herbal knowledge for education, not diagnosis or treatment. Herbs can interact with medicines and conditions. Speak with your doctor before acting on anything here, and seek care promptly for anything severe, sudden, or worsening.