Vol 5 Thunderbolt Botanicals
Native to Africa and India, and introduced to many other regions, Senna (Senna alexandrina; syn. Cassia acutifolia, C. angustifolia, C. senna, C. lanceolata; Senna spp.) is a plant from the pea (Fabaceae) family that grows about 1 meter tall with yellow pea-like flowers in racemes, followed by flat leguminous seed pods. At K. Patel, we are focused on Cassia angustifolia.
Interestingly, Senna is one of the rare botanicals that have been officially approved by the US FDA as an over-the-counter drug (OTC). It is approved for short-term use for adults and children 2 years and older as a digestive aid, intended for short-term relief of constipation.