Sennae Folium
Aliases：Zhān Nà Yè (Senna Leaf); Xiè Yè (Purgative Leaf); Pào Zhú Yè (Bamboo-steeped Leaf).
Fān Xiè Yè (Senna Leaf) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried leaflet of Cassia angustifolia Vahl or Cassia acutifolia Delile, plants of the Fabaceae family.
Efficacy & Actions
Purges heat, relieves stagnation, promotes defecation, and promotes diuresis.
Indications
Heat accumulation with stagnation, constipation, and abdominal pain: Used for constipation due to excess heat and accumulation. Edema and distension: Used for edema caused by internal retention of fluid retention (water-dampness).
Modern Pharmacology
Laxative Effect: Sennosides are decomposed by intestinal flora in the gut, which then stimulates colonic peristalsis and inhibits water absorption, thereby producing a laxative effect. Other Effects: It also exhibits antibacterial, hemostatic, muscle-relaxing, and antispasmodic effects, among others.
Ingredients
Contains dianthrone glycosides such as Sennoside A, B, C, D, among others, as well as free anthraquinones including rhein and aloe-emodin.
Usage & Dosage
Standard Dosage: Decoction, 2–6g, should be added at the end of decoction; or steeped in boiling water; or ground into powder, 1.5–3g.
Contraindications
Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and women during menstruation: Contraindicated or use with caution, as it may affect the fetus, cause diarrhea in infants, or lead to excessive menstrual bleeding. Debilitated patients, the elderly, and those with chronic illness: As this herb has a strong purgative effect and may easily consume the body‘s vital qi (zheng qi), it should be used with caution. Patients with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold: As this herb is cold in nature, it should not be used alone. Patients with ulcers, chronic gastritis, or gastrointestinal bleeding: This herb may strongly irritate the large intestine and should be contraindicated.
Selected Formulas
For Constipation Due to Heat Accumulation (Empirical Formula) Take 3–6g of Senna Leaf, steep in boiling water, and drink as tea. Discontinue use once bowel movement is achieved. For Habitual Constipation (Empirical Formula) Take 3g of Senna Leaf and an appropriate amount of honey. Steep in boiling water and take before bedtime. For Abdominal Distension Due to Food Stagnation (Empirical Formula) Take 5g of Senna Leaf, 9g of Immature Bitter Orange (Zhǐ Shí), and 9g of Magnolia Bark (Hòu Pò). Decoct in water and take orally. For Edema and Fullness (Empirical Formula) Take 3g of Senna Leaf and 6g of Pharbitis Seed (Qiān Niú Zǐ). Decoct in water and take orally. For Intestinal Obstruction (Empirical Formula) Take 15g of Senna Leaf and steep in 300ml of boiling water for 30 minutes. Take the entire amount in one dose, and discontinue once bowel movement is achieved.
Daily Consumption
For constipation due to heat accumulation (empirical formula) Take 3–6g of Fanxieye (Senna leaf), steep in boiling water, and drink as tea. Stop once bowel movement is achieved. For habitual constipation (empirical formula) Take 3g of Fanxieye and an appropriate amount of honey. Steep in boiling water and take before bedtime. For abdominal distension due to food stagnation (empirical formula) Take 5g of Fanxieye, 9g of Zhishi (Bitter orange), and 9g of Houpo (Magnolia bark). Decoct in water and drink. For edema and distension (empirical formula) Take 3g of Fanxieye and 6g of Qianniuzi (Morning glory seed). Decoct in water and drink. For intestinal obstruction (empirical formula) Take 15g of Fanxieye, soak in 300ml of boiling water for 30 minutes, and take in one dose. Stop once bowel movement is achieved.
Medicinal Parts
Dried leaflet.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.
