SENNA
(Classia marilandica)
American senna, wild senna, locust plant
Description:
A perennial, 3-6 ft. tall. Stems are erect, smooth and round,
slightly hairy, with even, pinnate leaves on long petioles. Each
leaf consists of 8-10 narrow, oblong, pointed leaflets. Small
yellow flowers are in loose clusters at leaf axils. Seed pod is
a legume with joints twice as wide as long. Eastern U.S. in rich
soils.
Medicinal:
Cathartic, diuretic, vermifuge. Leaves are gathered while plant
is in bloom. Since senna is somewhat griping, it is often combined
with other herbs. Powdered leaves or tea, used for fevers, a strong
laxative. Steep 1 tsp. senna leaves, 1 tsp. ground coriander with
1 cup boiling water for 1/2 hour. Take hot or cold, slowly, 3
times a day or 1/2 cup before going to bed. No more than 2 cups
a day. A tea of the pods is milder, slower-acting. Combined with
other anthelmintics to get rid of intestinal worms. A good mouthwash
for bad breath.
