Senna Leaf (fan xie ye)  

Folium Cassiae

Properties: Sweet and bitter in flavour, cold in nature, it acts on large intestine channel. The herb has effects of clearing heat, lowering adverse flow of Qi, and loosening bowels. It is used in cases of accumulation of heat in large intestine, food stagnation, abdominal fullness due to dry stools and constipation. Small dosage of the herb has effects of laxative and elimination of stagnation, while large dosage has effects of drastics and hydragogues. It is a strong purgative, must be used cautiously.

Effects: Purging heat and removing stagnation.

Indications:

It is effective on constipation caused by accumulation of heat or habitual constipation. The herb is soaked in water for oral use. For cases of severe constipation and gastric or abdominal distention, unripen bitter orange and magnolia bark (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis) are used in combination with senna leaves for reinforcing the effects of purgation and relief of stagnation.

Dosage and Administration: 1.5-3g for laxation, 5-10g for purgation. The herb is soaked in boiling water for 5 minutes for oral administration.

Precautions: It should used cautiously for pregnant women.

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