Senna Leaf (Fan Xie Ye, Folium Sennae)
Overview:Senna Leaf, known as Fan Xie Ye in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is the dried leaf of Cassia angustifolia or Cassia acutifolia, commonly referred to as senna. It is a well-known herbal laxative used to promote bowel movements, clear heat, and relieve constipation. In TCM, it is considered a purgative that acts on the large intestine to eliminate heat and stagnation.
Botanical Characteristics:Senna is a small shrub native to regions of Africa and South Asia. The leaves are harvested in summer and autumn, then dried and used either whole or crushed. They contain distinctive compounds called anthraquinone glycosides (notably sennosides), which are responsible for its laxative action.
Traditional Uses in TCM:
Relieves constipation and promotes bowel movement:Especially effective in cases of heat-induced constipation or dry stool.
Clears heat and drains fire:Used in some formulas to help reduce internal excess heat, although its pri…