Habitats of Senna
Most often, senna can be found in the wild in semi-desert and desert regions of Africa, on the banks of the Nile River, in Arabia, Sudan, along the coast of the Red Sea. Since 1941. cultivated in Central Asia, as well as in Sudan, India, Pakistan and Egypt. On the territory of Russia, the Alexandrian leaf does not grow in the wild.
Reproduction of a medicinal plant
Reproduction of the plant occurs with the help of seeds. To do this, they are soaked in warm water for a day, then they land in the ground. Seed senna in late April - early May.
Collection and storage of the Alexandrian leaf
Collection of leaves of plants produce only when they fully develop. They are cut off from the stem and dried in airy rooms or specially equipped dryers. Collection of raw materials is produced even from wild senna species. The fruits of the Alexandrian herb are harvested after they have fully ripened. Due to the fact that they are very similar to leaves and used in the old days by women in labor, the fruits have the second name "mother leaf". In general, the Alexandrian leaf (leaves of parsnipery leaves) is used for treatment, but sometimes Alexandria pods (senna fruits). The leaves have a weak odor, and 10% of the infusion has a bitter taste. Within one season, the leaves can be harvested up to three times. The very first harvest is carried out in August, then 1-1, 5 months and the last time before frosts, but on condition that the leaves manage to grow. Do not store harvested raw materials for more than 2 years.
Chemical composition of Senna
The following substances are found in the leaves of Senna: chryphonic acid, phytosterols, flavonoids, organic acids, resins, anthraglycosides, traces of alkaloids, anthra derivatives, emodin (aloe, reine, emodin). The main substance of the Alexandrian leaf, which has a laxative effect, is anthraglycoside.
Useful properties of Senna
One of the strongest laxatives is the senna leaves, which are part of a variety of laxatives. The fruits of the medicinal plant have the same effect on the human body, but it is milder. Tea, brewed from the fruits and leaves of the Alexandrian leaf, and these days are often taken with constipation. But it should be remembered that prolonged use of laxatives, including herbal products, is dangerous for your health, as there is irritation of the intestines, which in turn entails the loss of salts necessary for the body. The Alexandrian leaf is used as a laxative for the following diseases: with constipation during pregnancy, with chronic constipation, with anus fractures, with hemorrhoids, with chronic colitis, to restore intestinal functions, with gallbladder and liver diseases.
Doctors of China use the Alexandrian leaf for edema, glaucoma, oligomenorrhea and constipation. In diseases of the skin, pyoderma and conjunctivitis, senna is used externally.
Application of the Alexandrian leaf
Preparations from this plant are used as a laxative. It is the senna, in contrast to other means, provides a regular chair. Positively, this plant also affects liver functions such as antitoxic and biliary excretion. In surgery, the Alexandrian leaf is used before and after operations associated with the colon, since the plant does not cause irritation. In pharmacies senna can be found in the form of tablets (dry senna extract) and in the form of water infusion from the leaves. Also this plant is a part of Viennese drinking (senna infusion complex), laxative tea, licorice powder, antihemorrhoidal collection.
ethnoscience
In homeopathy, the medicinal properties of senna are used as a laxative, which improves the work of the large intestine and has a diuretic effect.
- Infusion of the Alexandrian leaf.
The first way: to prepare the herb senna (1 tablespoon) pour boiling water (1 cup), soak for 3-4 hours. Strain infusion take small sips before bed.
The second way: crushed leaves of Senna (1 tablespoon) pour water (1 glass) and leave overnight. In the morning, filter and take as a laxative.
- Hot infusion
Shredded leaves of the plant pour water at room temperature in a ratio of 1: 10, boil for 15 minutes. Let stand 45-60 minutes, filter and drink 1 tablespoon 1-3 times a day.
- Hemorrhoids
For the treatment of hemorrhoids, tea is prepared as follows: mix senna leaves (1 tablespoon), licorice root (1 tablespoon), yarrow (1 tablespoon), coriander (1 tablespoon) and buckthorn bark (1 tablespoon). 1 tablespoon of the resulting mixture pour a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 20 minutes. The filtered tea is taken for ½-1 glass at night.
- Chronic constipation
With persistent constipation in homeopathy, this mixture is prepared: dried apricots (250 g), figs (250 g), prunes without pits (250 g) thoroughly washed with boiled cold water, hot-boiled and passed through a meat grinder. To this mixture, finely ground senna is added, everything is thoroughly mixed. Use inside 1 tablespoon, with half a glass of water.
Contraindications
Do not take drugs from Senna during pregnancy, with lactation, with inflammation of the intestine. It should be alternated with other laxatives, so that there is no addiction.
Now you know everything about the healing properties of Senna - the Alexandrian herb will help you shape health.