Description
Senna Leaf is classified as a Drastic Purgative (峻下药, Jùn Xià Yào). Its action is strong and direct.
From the TCM perspective, Senna Leaf (番泻叶,Fān Xiè Yè) is a powerful “firefighter” herb. It is reserved for specific, acute situations of Excess Heat blockage in the intestines. It is not a general wellness herb or a tonic. Its use is a short-term, last-resort measure under guidance, never a daily supplement. Misuse can severely damage the digestive system and the body’s fundamental energy (Qi).
The name itself indicates its origin and function: it is a “foreign” herb (originally introduced from abroad) used for drastic purgation.
Cold in nature. Sweet and bitter in taste. It enters the large intestine meridians.
· The Cold nature powerfully clears Heat and Fire.
· The Bitter flavour “purges downward,” draining excess and clearing stagnation.
· The Sweet flavour is a minor note but may moderate its harshness slightly.
Acute, short-term relief of severe constipation with abdominal distension and pain from Excess Heat.
Health Benefits
Drains Heat and Promotes Defecation, Reduces Water Retention, Drastic Purgation to clear Heat-Excess constipation.
Drains Heat and Promotes Defecation
· This is its sole, most important function. It is used for acute, severe constipation caused by Excess Heat (实热, Shí Rè) in the intestines. It does not tonify or moisturize; it forcefully evacuates the bowels.
· Symptoms it treats : Acute constipation with abdominal distension and pain, and in more severe cases, high fever, delirium, and mania caused by Intestinal Heat obstructing the bowels and disturbing the Mind.
Reduces Water Retention – A Secondary Effect
· By causing drastic purgation, it can also expel excess water from the body, reducing edema (swelling). However, this is a secondary effect of its primary purgative action and is not its primary use.
Ideal for Individual Experiencing :
· Acute constipation due to Excess Heat pattern. This is not for chronic, deficiency-type constipation.
· Preparation for diagnostic procedures (like colonoscopies) where bowel clearance is needed.
· Abdominal distension and pain from food stagnation or heat obstruction.
· Edema and ascites (with caution).
Common Usage and Preparation
1. Tea / Decoction : Steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Can be re-steeped several times. or Simmer on the stove for a richer flavour. Boiling it for too long can break down the active constituents (sennosides) and reduce its effectiveness. It is usually taken as a single dose, not as a long-term formula.
2. Powder : Ground into a powder and taken with warm water.
· Dosage is CRITICAL : It is used in very small doses, typically 1.5 – 6 grams. The effect is dose-dependent :
· Lower doses may soften stool.
· Medium doses cause laxation.
· Higher doses cause drastic purgation with watery diarrhoea.
Precautions
NOT for long-term use.
· An acute condition : Such as common cold or flu with fever and chills.
· Cold-Deficiency Patterns : Must NEVER be used for constipation from Qi deficiency, Blood deficiency, or Yang deficiency with cold. Symptoms would include no abdominal pain, infrequent but soft stools, fatigue, cold limbs, and a pale complexion.
· Pregnancy, menstruation, nursing, young children : Strictly Not recommended for use. All herbs are not for infants.
· Chronic Constipation: It is not suitable for long-term use. It causes dependency and can damage the colon’s natural peristaltic function, leading to “lazy bowel syndrome” where the colon cannot function without stimulation.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication, consultation with a doctor is essential.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
