INDIVIDUAL HERBS

Pharmaceutical Latin: Folium Sennae
Common English: Senna Leaf
Downward Draining Herbs: Purgatives
Taste Temperature Entering Meridians Dosage
Sweet
Bitter
Cold
(Extremely Cold)
(Warm)
Large Intestine
3-10g
When used alone as a tea: 1.5-3g
Tincture: 10-40 drops or 0.5-2ml
Actions Indications/Syndromes
Drains downward and guides out Stagnation

Heat in the Stomach and Intestines with constipation and abdominal fullness

Eliminates Excess Heat and drains Summerheat

Summerheat

CONTRAINDICATIONS
  • Contraindicated during pregnancy.
  • Contraindicated during menstruation.
  • Contraindicated for those who have a history of heavy bleeding.
  • Contraindicated nursing mothers.
  • Contraindicated for weak patients.
  • Contraindicated those who are suffering from chronic constipation.
  • Overdose may result in abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
INCOMPATIBILITIES
HERB/DRUG INTERACTIONS
  • Overuse of Fan Xie Ye aggravates the loss of potassium associated with the use of diuretics such as chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, furosimide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex) and torsemide (Demadex).
  • Excessive loss of potassium increases the toxicity of cardiac glycosides such as digoxin (Lanoxin).

Fr. Immaturus Citri Aurantii
Zhi Shi
Cx. Magnoliae Officinalis
Hou Po

Hb. Agastaches seu Pogostemonis
Huo Xiang
Rx. Aucklandiae
Mu Xiang

Per. Citri Reticulatae
Chen Pi

 

Strengthens the actions of draining downward and guiding out Stagnation

Constipation due to Heat accumulation in the Large Intestine channel

Strengthens the actions of restoring normal bowel movements and ameliorates its cold, colicky properties

  • In parts of southern China, this herb is taken as a tea to prevent Summerheat disorders.
  • It is generally used alone as a tea for constipation.
  • This herb is sticky and slippery which is why it can enter the Colon and remove deeply congested Heat and constipation.
  • It is especially useful for habitual constipation.
  • It is best to steep 3g in boiling water and drink. This will produce a light purgative effect. If more is used, it can cause pain and rumbling with watery diarrhea.
  • This herb functions similarly to Rx. et Rz. Rhei Da Huang and is effective in the treatment of edema.