The Cassia angustifolia Is an Arabian herb famous for its laxative and natural diuretic properties. Also known as senna, it is sometimes indicated to help with atonic and spastic constipation of the large intestine, as well as in some cases of constipation and other health conditions.
It contains a range of chemical compounds such as anthraquinones, resins, tannins, flavonoids, mucins, malic acid, mucilage (galactose, arabinose, rhamnose and galacturonic acid) and tartaric acid, which are biologically very active and increase the medicinal value of cassia Angustifolia.
This plant possesses purifying, laxative, antipyretic, cathartic, laxative, vermifuge, diuretic, detoxifying, detoxifying properties which are useful in the treatment of several common diseases.
Belong to the family Caesalpinaceae , Cassia angustifolia or senna, blooms in tropical climate and is found predominantly in India and the subcontinents of India itself. It is also very common in Egypt, Nubia and Sudan.
Its shrub is approximately 60 to 120 centimeters high, and has leaves composed of 4 to 7 pairs of opposing leaflets and oval pods. Medicinal properties are given by leaves and fruits which are classified as irritant or contact laxatives.
Properties and medicinal uses
Cassia angustifolia, from ancient times, has been traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments. Some of its medicinal uses are:
- It is effective in the treatment of constipation.
- It is used for the treatment of diseases, such as: anemia , Bronchitis, dysentery, fevers and hemorrhoids.
- It is also useful in cases of jaundice, dermatitis, and skin wounds.
- It is used as a laxative and as a blood purifier.
- Along with vinegar, it is effective for treating skin disorders such as acne, eczema and pimples.
- Due to its diuretic properties it also helps to lose weight.
When is it taken?
Although the leaves or pods can be infused, the most common way is to take a preparation that is sold commercially.
It is a plant with a very bitter taste and when taken alone usually produces cramps or abdominal discomfort, so it often becomes part of preparations along with other herbs such as peppermint leaves, fennel, ginger , Bits of orange peel, coriander And other natural products. This gives it a better taste and relaxes the intestines, thus decreasing the likelihood of adverse effects.
The most common is to take the preparation before going to sleep, according to the instructions of the prospect, in order to get the results the next morning.
However, the effect of this plant depends on each person, so it can appear between 4 and 12 hours after ingestion.
The Anthraquinones Are eliminated in the urine, so it may have a yellow or reddish-brown dye.
Preparation
The recommended dose of cassia (usually taken at bedtime) ranges from 0.6-2.0 grams per day. Tablets, syrups, oral solutions and other medications that list their presence as an ingredient usually contain standardized amounts of this herb and its active agents.
People who choose to prepare it using unprocessed leaves or pods may have difficulty in determining the exact doses. No matter which form or preparation is chosen, the lowest effective dose should be used to help prevent side effects.
Consumers who wish to make unprocessed medicinal tea should use 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried leaves of the herb for each cup of boiling water and let it rise for about 10 minutes.
You can add sugar, honey , Anise, ginger, chamomile , Cilantro, fennel, mint , As well as improving their taste, reduce gas and colic. Up to one cup of tea a day is advisable to relieve constipation.
Contraindications
Treatments with cassia angustifolia may have some contraindications, toxicity and side effects, so it is recommended to use them under medical supervision.
Usually, when taken in the short term, cassia angustifolia is safe for most adults and children over two years of age. However, it can cause some side effects including upset stomach, cramps and diarrhea.
However, when taken in the long term and / or in high doses, it can be harmful to health, so do not use cassia angustifolia for more than two weeks. Prolonged use may cause the intestines to stop working normally and cause dependence on laxatives.
Long-term use of cassia angustifolia may also change the amount or balance of some chemicals in the blood (electrolytes), which can cause disturbances of heart function, muscle weakness, liver damage and other harmful effects.
It is possibly safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when taken orally and in the short term. Frequent long-term use or use of high doses has been associated with serious side effects.
Although small amounts of cassia angustifolia cross into breast milk, they do not appear to cause changes in the frequency or consistency of the baby's stools, if a small dose has been recommended by the doctor.
Overuse can worsen conditions such as electrolyte disturbances (which could worsen heart disease) or potassium deficiency. It can also cause dehydration and / or diarrhea.
It should not be used by people with abdominal pain (diagnosed or undiagnosed), intestinal block, Crohn's disease , Ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, inflammation of the stomach, anal prolapse or hemorrhoids.
In principle, all stimulant laxatives should only be taken when no other remedy has proven effective.
Regular use of cassia angustifolia can produce a"lazy colon,"which works only when this type of medication is given. People who have developed this type of dependency on this laxative, subsequently have many constipation problems on a regular basis, which forces them to continue taking it.
To avoid this problem, it is advisable to accustom the body to a type of diet and living conditions that prevent the onset of constipation. A diet rich in fiber-containing vegetables, increasing water intake, and regular exercise can Prevent constipation In most cases.
When this type of diet is not enough, you can use mild laxatives such as psyllium seeds ( Plantago psyllium ).
Normally, cassia angustifolia is used in special circumstances, for example in patients with hemorrhoids who are faced with serious problems such as rectal procedures.
Anyway, it is recommended to use this plant in a treatment for not more than a week or ten days, being advisable to consult a doctor before using it.
Interactions with other medicines
Because stimulant laxatives can lower potassium levels in the body, they may increase the risk of side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin).
In some people it can cause diarrhea, which can increase the effects of Warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. If you take Warfarin do not take excessive amounts of cassia.
The"Water Pills"can also lower the level of potassium in the body. Taking cassia along with"water pills"may decrease potassium too much and cause serious damage to the body. These pills are chlortalidone (talitone), furosemide (Lasix), chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), among others.
Some scientific studies
- A study in the medical journal Diseases of the Colon and Rectum Showed that he was able to prevent or treat postoperative constipation after proctologic surgery.
- He South African Medical Journal Shows that treatment was successful in 93% -96% in women suffering from postpartum constipation.
- It is considered as one of the most effective agents to relieve constipation caused by narcotic analgesics like morphine. In a study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management , The researchers recommended its use in patients with terminal cancer with opiate-induced constipation, citing the efficacy of the herb and its relatively low cost.
- A study published in the medical journal Pharmacology Suggests that a combination of cassia and bulk laxatives, may alleviate chronic constipation in geriatric patients.
Facts and curiosities
- It is also known by the name of Egyptian Sena.
- Is a member of the family Leguminosae .
- It has been used for centuries as a purgative.
- Its purgative property was first described in the 9th century BC. By Arab doctors at the service of the Caliph of Baghdad.
- It is also considered an important herb in traditional Chinese medicine, Indian medicine and unani.
- Its effectiveness as purgative has been supported by centuries of anecdotal reports, as well as modern human and animal studies.
- It is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for short-term use in occasional constipation.
References
- Iner Staff (2015). Properties of Cassia senna angustifolia. Iner. Retrieved from: iner-en.curing.in.ua.
- Rohini (2015). Medicinal value of Cassia angustifolia. Mahaaushadhi. Recovered from: mahaaushadhi.com
- Pere Barnola (1999-2017). Properties of Cassia angustifolia. Botanical-Online SL. Retrieved from: botanical-online.com
- Greg Annussek (2016). Senna. Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Retrieved from: encyclopedia.com