🦒East African Traditional Medicine

Senna (Cassia Senna)

Cassia senna

About Senna (Cassia Senna)

Senna (Cassia Senna) (Cassia senna) is a herb used in the East African Traditional Medicine tradition to help with Constipation, Liver Support, Digestive Issues, and Skin Health, among 1 other condition it addresses. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, used both internally and topically.

Botanical background

Senna alexandrina (Alexandrian senna, in Arabic عشرج or عشرق and see below) is an ornamental plant in the genus Senna. It is used in herbalism. It grows natively in lower Egypt, especially in the Nubian region, and near Khartoum (Sudan), where it is cultivated commercially. It is also grown elsewhere, notably in India and Somalia.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · bothLeaves · both
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Senna (Cassia Senna) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Senna (Cassia Senna) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Senna (Cassia Senna) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
🖐️

Topical / Poultice

1–2× daily as needed
  • Mash fresh Senna (Cassia Senna) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
  • Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
🫙

Infused Oil

Massage into affected area 1–2× daily
  • Fill a jar with dried Senna (Cassia Senna).
  • Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
  • Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
  • Use topically or as a salve base.
🛁

Herbal Bath

2–3× per week as needed
  • Brew 4–6 tbsp of Senna (Cassia Senna) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

Pregnancy

Use Caution

Generally considered one of the safer short-term stimulant laxatives if constipation relief is medically needed in pregnancy, but should only be used occasionally and not long-term, and only under guidance.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Small amounts are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding for occasional constipation relief, though some infants may experience loose stools.

Children

Avoid

Stimulant laxatives are generally avoided in young children in favor of gentler dietary approaches; only used under pediatric guidance if needed.

Contraindications

  • Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use

Warnings

⚠️ Liver Health

Some herbs used for liver conditions can be hepatotoxic at high doses. Have liver function monitored if using long-term.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

Digoxin, diuretics

Stimulant-laxative potassium loss increases digoxin toxicity risk — not for regular/long-term use.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Various global regions

Climate

Varied

Habitat

Cultivated in traditional medicinal gardens, botanical gardens, and herb farms worldwide

🌿 To see Senna (Cassia Senna) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Senna (Cassia Senna), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.