Alexandrian leaf (senna, cassia holly). Alexandrian leaf - description, healing properties, application

Botanical characteristics of the Alexandrian leaf

Senna(cassia angustifolia, senna) belongs to the legume family. The semi-shrub has an upright, branched stem. Leaves are compound, alternate. Their peculiarity lies in the presence of several pairs of lanceolate leaflets (maximum - up to five pairs).

The Alexandrian leaf is characterized by bright yellow flowers. The flowers are collected in axillary, racemose inflorescence. The fruits of the plant are flat beans with parchment flaps, which house 6 to 8 seeds. The medicinal plant blooms from June to September. The beans ripen in October.

In height, the Alexandrian leaf reaches no more than 1 meter.

motherland wild plant are the driest places in the world East Africa and deserts of Asia. It should be noted that in the countries South China, Central Asia, Pakistan and India, Cassia angustifolia is considered a valuable medicinal plant.

In the territory Russian Federation The Alexandrian leaf does not grow wild. It is grown artificially, on specially equipped plantations.

Useful properties of the Alexandrian leaf

Alexandria leaf is a medicinal plant. Its leaves are considered especially valuable, they are most often used as medicinal raw materials. Some recipes call for the use of fruits.

The leaves are collected twice in one season: in August, as soon as the lower (basal) leaves turn yellow, then after 1–1.5 months. They are posted thin layer and dry thoroughly in the open air in the shade. Special attention devoted to the storage of leaves. A box made of cardboard or thick paper is considered ideal.

The fruits and leaves of the Alexandrian leaf are interesting for the content of anthraglycosides (sennidin, -emodin), as well as flavonoids, anthra derivatives, alkaloids, resins, organic acids and phytosterols.

Alexandria leaf renders positive impact on the motor function of the large intestine, for this reason it is used as a laxative and cholagogue. It is used in the form of infusions and decoctions for cracks anus, with some diseases of the liver and gallbladder. Beneficial features medicinal plant effective at acute conjunctivitis, pyoderma and various skin diseases.

The laxative effect after taking a decoction with alexandrine leaf, as a rule, is observed on the second or third day of administration, however, the first results will be noticeable after no more than 6-8 hours.

Official medicine offers water infusion plants, extracts, solid dosage forms and powders.

You can make an infusion at home, it is being prepared in the following way: 1 tablespoon of plant raw material is poured into 1 glass hot water, insist eight hours, filter and take 0.5 cups before bedtime.

The decoction recipe is simple and effective: 2 tablespoons of raw Alexandrian leaves must be poured into 1/4 liter of hot boiled water, stand for 30 minutes in a water bath, cool, strain; adding boiled water, bring the volume of liquid to entry level. Take 0.5 cup medicinal decoction in the morning and in the evening.

Contraindications to the use of alexandria leaf

The range of application of the plant is quite wide, but before proceeding to self-treatment, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a qualified professional.

Alexandria leaf for weight loss

Cassia alexandria is effectively used to combat overweight(including those with obesity), with toxins, fecal deposits. Laxative teas prepared on its basis have been popular since ancient times. The grass of the Alexandrian leaf is known for the content of biologically valuable active substances(the main anthraglycoside), due to laxatives and antiseptic properties which increases intestinal motility, stimulates its motility and, most importantly, significantly reduces the likelihood of fat absorption. Remains of food are easily and gently released from the intestines. The use of the Alexandrian leaf is effective and safe. Weight loss occurs due to the normalization of the intestines.

When taking a decoction, you must remember that everything needs a measure. IN large doses this medicine may cause backfire: due to the contained resins, irritation of the stomach and intestines, spastic pain, intestinal dystrophy may occur.

Expert editor: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna| Phytotherapeutist

Education: A diploma in the specialty "Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the University named after N. I. Pirogov (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Moscow University of Peoples' Friendship (2008).

Narrow-leaved (holly), hay leaf, is a subshrub belonging to the legume family. In height, the plant in question can reach two meters. Its stem, containing many leaves, is erect, pointing upwards. The tap root, which branches a little, goes deep into the ground.

The leaves of cassia are alternate, complex paired, have a bluish-green tint. The flowers are usually large, yellow, irregular shape collected in a racemose inflorescence. The fruits are dark brown, broadly oval, leathery, flat, multi-seeded beans. Their length reaches 5.5 cm, width - 2.6 cm. The seeds have a size of 0.5-0.8 cm. The wild Alexandrian leaf grows in Africa and India. The plant in question is cultivated in Central Asia, Russia, South Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan.

Collection and storage of the Alexandrian sheet

For medicinal purposes, the leaves and pods of this medicinal plant are used. The collection of leaves is carried out 2-3 times a year (in August, September-October, before frost). The raw materials should be dried in a special dryer or in a well-ventilated room, spreading the leaves and pods in a thin layer (up to 5 cm). You can store the plant in a cardboard box, a cloth bag in for three years.

Medicinal properties of the Alexandrian leaf

Cassia leaves, fruits and stems contain anthraglycosides, organic acids (stearic, palmitic), alkaloids, myricyl alcohol.
IN official medicine infusion of this plant is used in the following cases:

to normalize bowel function;
at chronic constipation, including those that occur in pregnant women;
with amoebic dysentery;
with hemorrhoids;
in diseases of the liver and gallbladder.

Experts also recommend using cassia in small doses for people with poor appetite. In large volume, the remedy is used to get rid of edema, oligomenorrhea, in the treatment of glaucoma, conjunctivitis, pyoderma and other skin diseases.
In addition to all of the above, preparations prepared on the basis of the Alexandrian leaf have an antitoxic, laxative effect. This action is due to the fact that anthraglycosides are present in the composition of the plant in question, which enhance the motility of the large intestine. It appears approximately 6-8 hours after consumption. healing composition. Compared to other laxatives (rhubarb, etc.), it does not cause abdominal pain. Sena acts gently, slowly, without disturbing the absorption process in small intestine. The chair is, as a rule, in 5-10 hours after reception of this medicine. The plant in question acts even if there is no bile in the intestines, respectively, it is prescribed to persons with relevant diseases.

The use of the Alexandrian leaf in folk medicine

Alexandrian leaf tincture, used for gout, joint pain, mild lichen, eczema, constipation, epilepsy, headaches

Pour the fresh leaves of the plant in question with red wine of the Cahors type (1 l), let it brew for 21 days, periodically shaking the contents. It is recommended to use the tincture three times a day, half an hour before meals, 50 ml each.

Infusion 1 used for chronic constipation

Pour the crushed dry leaves with a glass of water, strain in the morning. Drink the composition should be several times a day.

Infusion 2 used in chronic constipation

There is a second option for preparing a product that has a similar kind of action: chop the leaves of this plant, pour water at room temperature in a ratio of 1:10, boil, cook for 15 minutes, let it brew for about an hour. After straining, the remedy is taken one tablespoon per day 1-3 times.

Tea with anti-hemorrhoidal effect

Mix senna leaves, yarrow, buckthorn bark, coriander fruit, licorice root in equal proportions. Pour a tablespoon of the resulting mixture with boiling water (250 ml), leave for 20 minutes. After straining, drink half a glass before going to bed.

Tea with a laxative effect based on the leaf of Alexandria

To prepare the specified healing agent, mix 3 parts senna leaves, a few parts buckthorn (roots), two parts joster berry, one part licorice root and one part anise fruit. Drinking tea is recommended 2-3 times a day.

Remedy for constipation based on the leaf of Alexandria

Prepare a mixture consisting of 250 g of prunes (pitted), a similar amount of figs, dried apricots, pour boiling water over it, chop using a meat grinder, add a finely chopped Alexandrian leaf. Take the resulting remedy should be a tablespoon, diluted in 120 ml of cold boiled water.

Collection for the treatment of atherosclerosis (reduces the absorption of cholesterol, limits its penetration into the vascular endothelium)

To prepare this collection, you will need:

15 g of brown rose hips;
10 g marsh cudweed;
10 g of drooping birch leaves;
10 g peppermint (herb);
10 g of seed carrots (fruits);
15 g of Eleutherococcus senticosus;
10 g of an Alexandrian leaf;
10 g kidney tea(herbs);
10 g of burdock roots.

Pour the resulting composition with boiling water (1 l), let it brew for an hour. It is necessary to use the remedy three times a day after meals.

The collection used in spastic colitis

Mix alexandria leaf with fruits common fennel, cumin fruits, gray alder seedlings, grass peppermint, roots marshmallow, herbs of perforated St. John's wort, leaves greater plantain, flowers sand immortelle, chamomile in equal parts. Pour the resulting collection with water and let it brew for an hour. Drink the composition should be 120 ml a day three times before meals.

Contraindications

The Alexandrian leaf is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
It is also prohibited for acute inflammation intestines.
Do not give it to children or persons with individual intolerance the plant in question.

It has long been used to treat many human diseases. He also has another famous name- holly cassia.

Dry extracts of senna are used as an effective laxative for habitual constipation, Alexandria leaf, unlike many others medicines, acts on the patient's body very gently, therefore, when using it, a person, as a rule, does not experience discomfort. It does not cause too much and strong Alexandrian leaf excites the appetite well. It is also used as a component of hemorrhagic tea. Among the positive effects of this drug on the body, the effect of senna on the antitoxic and biliary functions of the liver should be noted.

Alexandrian leaf, whose properties are determined by its chemical composition, contains a large number of anthraglycosides, sterols, flavonoids, organic acids and alkaloids. Senna contains magnesium, zinc, copper, calcium, potassium, selenium and other micro and macro elements. Cassia holly is a perennial tropical plant (shrub, shrub) of the legume family. Its height reaches 1 m.

Cassia has entire, lanceolate, pointed leaves. They are leathery and short-leaved. Leaves this plant compound, alternate, paired, have up to 8 pairs of leaves. It is they who are medicinal raw materials popular in many countries around the world. The Alexandrian leaf blooms collected in brushes (axillary inflorescences). Flowering occurs from June to August. The fruits (small beans with many seeds) ripen at the end of September. The homeland of this plant is considered to be the Red Sea coast, the Nile Valley and

Alexandria leaf should not be taken without consulting your doctor, because, like most folk medicines, it can cause a number of side effects. So, when using a dry extract of senna, there may be sharp pains in the abdomen, flatulence, strong rumbling. Although such phenomena are extremely rare and disappear after stopping the use of this remedy, it is impossible to take the Alexandrian leaf uncontrollably. With prolonged use, the body often becomes addicted to cassia preparations, which reduces its effectiveness.

This popular folk laxative is available in tablets or in the form of crushed dried leaves in packs and briquettes. Tablets are consumed in 1-2 pcs. daily before meals or at night.

The leaf infusion is prepared from 2 tablespoons of dry raw materials, which are placed in a small enamel bowl and steamed with a glass of boiling water. The container is closed with a tight lid and heated for another half hour. Ready infusion is cooled. After that, it is filtered, the leaf is squeezed out and the volume of the infusion is again adjusted to 250 ml of warm water. boiled water. Finished product keep refrigerated for up to 2 days. Usually such an infusion is taken in the morning and before bedtime, 1/3 or 1/2 cup.

The Alexandrian leaf is also known under the names of African cassia, holly cassia, Egyptian senna. The plant is used both in folk and traditional medicine, therefore, some countries are specially engaged in its cultivation as a medicinal raw material.

Botanical description

Before us is a shrub belonging to the legume family. Represents a small spreading plant, which in nature grows no more than 1 m in height, and when cultivated can reach 2 meters.

Senna has a tap root, on which a small number of side roots are formed. root system has a rather large length, which allows the plant to receive moisture at a considerable depth.

Did you know? Name“Senna” is of Arabic origin, it is the most ancient, and the plant received “Egyptian” names in Russia, since it was imported from this African state.

As for the stem, it is erect, has a large number of shoots, which is why it forms a dense bush. The branches are arranged alternately, small pointed ovoid leaves are formed on them.

Since the plant belongs to legumes, the fruit is a multi-seeded bean, which has a length of about 5.5 cm. It is colored brown.

Collection and storage

In nature, the shrub can be found exclusively in the African and Asian deserts. It is cultivated in India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

If a valuable raw material cannot be collected, then it must be grown by ourselves. The semi-shrub propagates by seeds, which are pre-soaked and then planted in late spring.

IN medicinal purposes both leaves and fruits are used. In this case, preference should be given to sheet plates, since the range of their application is wider. The collection of leaves begins at the moment when they are fully formed.

It makes no sense to collect young leaves, since they contain less of the substances we need. The fruits should also be harvested when fully ripe, when they turn a dark brown color.

Raw materials are dried exclusively under canopies that are well ventilated. During drying, you need to regularly turn the sheet plates over so that they dry faster and also do not start to rot.

It is better to store dried leaves and fruits in paper or fabric bags, however, it should be remembered that moisture should not get on the product, therefore this storage option is acceptable only if low humidity is maintained in the room. If this is not possible, then use glass jars with silicone lids.

Important! The shelf life of the dry product is 2 years.

Beneficial features

If you think that cucumber with milk is a strong laxative, then you have not used senna leaves, which are part of many laxative preparations. The fruits are also not devoid of this property, but it is not as strong as that of leaf plates.

The point is that when it enters the intestines, the substances contained in the foliage and fruits irritate the mucous membrane, which causes such an effect.

In a small amount, the product improves digestion, and also causes an appetite. IN oriental medicine senna is used to treat conjunctivitis, glaucoma, skin diseases. In official medicine, it is also prescribed in pure form at anal fissures or hemorrhoids.

The plant is part of the majority of fees for weight loss. This is due to the fact that the product removes everything from the body. stool and also cleanses of toxins. This action helps digestive system to improve their work, after which the metabolism is accelerated, and excess weight gradually disappears.

Application in traditional medicine

Treatment of gout, joint pain, epilepsy, headaches

For this recipe you need to take fresh leaves (200 g), then grind them and pour 1 liter of Cahors, or use a similar red wine. The mixture is poured into a suitable vessel, after which it is placed in a dark place for 20 days. Shake the container once a week.

After 3 weeks, the mixture is filtered and poured into a convenient container. Should be taken 50 g three times a day half an hour before meals. If you have stomach problems, then be sure to consult your doctor first.

Important! It is necessary to use wine, not a wine drink. This difference is indicated on the label.

For chronic constipation

Consider the simplest option, which does not require additional time. We take 1 tbsp. l. without a slide of well-ground dry or fresh leaves, pour 200 ml of boiled water at room temperature, then leave to infuse for 8-10 hours.

After that, we filter and we drink the whole volume. If the problem with constipation is not resolved, then the reception is repeated again.

Tea with a laxative effect

To make tea, you will need a lot of ingredients, so if you need a laxative, then it is better to use the previous recipe.

For infusion, 15 mg of wild rose, 10 mg of cudweed, birch, peppermint and carrots are taken. 15 mg of Eleutherococcus is added, as well as 10 mg of senna, kidney tea and burdock. All this composition is poured with a liter of water and infused for a day. Strained and taken in 1/3 cup (200 ml) three times a day after meals.

Treatment of spastic colitis

For the infusion you will need the following:

leaves or fruits of senna.

We take 10 mg of each ingredient. Fill everything with a liter of water, after which we insist for a day. Should be taken cold 100 ml three times a day after meals.

For weight loss

Preparing an infusion for weight loss is very simple. It is enough to take a tablespoon of chopped herbs, pour 200 ml of boiling water, and then leave for about 4 hours. Next, you need to strain and cool the drink.

Take in small sips before bed. If a laxative effect is clearly manifested, then the dose should be reduced.

Important! This tool has a choleretic effect.

Contraindications

It is forbidden to use any preparations based on this plant for pregnant women, as well as nursing mothers. The same goes for people who have frequent diarrhea or are diagnosed with acute diseases intestines. Also, in the presence of allergies, it is forbidden to use senna in any form.

Now you know what Senna of Alexandria is. Remember that the abuse of laxatives based on senna is addictive, which results in atrophy of the intestinal muscles. As a result, without such funds, you will not be able to empty the intestines.

The Alexandrian leaf (cassia angustifolia, senna) belongs to the leguminous plant family. The semi-shrub has an upright, branched stem. Leaves are compound, alternate. Their peculiarity lies in the presence of several pairs of lanceolate leaflets (maximum - up to five pairs).

In height, the Alexandrian leaf reaches no more than 1 meter.

The homeland of a wild plant is the driest places in the world - East Africa and the deserts of Asia. It should be noted that in the countries of South China, Central Asia, Pakistan and India, cassia angustifolia is considered a valuable medicinal plant.

On the territory of the Russian Federation, the Alexandrian leaf does not grow wild. It is grown artificially, on specially equipped plantations.

Useful properties of the Alexandrian leaf

Alexandria leaf is a medicinal plant. Its leaves are considered especially valuable, they are most often used as medicinal raw materials. Some recipes call for the use of fruits.

The leaves are collected twice in one season: in August, as soon as the lower (basal) leaves turn yellow, then after 1–1.5 months. They are laid out in a thin layer and dried thoroughly in the open air in the shade. Particular attention is paid to the storage of leaves. A box made of cardboard or thick paper is considered ideal.

The fruits and leaves of the Alexandrian leaf are interesting for the content of anthraglycosides (sennidin, aloe-emodin), as well as flavonoids, anthra derivatives, alkaloids, resins, organic acids and phytosterols.

Alexandria leaf has a positive effect on the motor function of the large intestine, for this reason it is used as a laxative and choleretic agent. It is used in the form of infusions and decoctions for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and for certain diseases of the liver and gallbladder. The beneficial properties of the medicinal plant are effective in acute conjunctivitis, pyoderma and various skin diseases.

Official medicine offers an aqueous infusion of the plant, extracts, solid dosage forms and powders.

You can prepare an infusion at home, it is prepared as follows: 1 tablespoon of plant raw material is poured with 1 glass of hot water, insisted for eight hours, filtered and taken 0.5 cups before bedtime.

The recipe for a decoction is simple and effective: 2 tablespoons of raw Alexandrian leaves must be poured into 1/4 liter of hot boiled water, kept for 30 minutes in a water bath, cooled, strained; adding boiled water, bring the volume of liquid to the initial level. Take 0.5 cups of medicinal decoction in the morning and evening.

Contraindications to the use of alexandria leaf

The range of application of the plant is quite wide, but before proceeding with self-treatment, it is strongly recommended to consult a qualified specialist.

It is not recommended to take decoctions and infusions of the Alexandrian leaf during exacerbations inflammatory processes in the intestines, liver diseases, cystitis, imbalance of water and electrolyte metabolism, during pregnancy.

Alexandria leaf for weight loss

Cassia alexandria is effectively used to combat excess weight (including obesity), toxins, fecal deposits and slags. Laxative teas prepared on its basis have been popular since ancient times. The herb of Alexandria leaf is known for the content of valuable biologically active substances (the main anthraglycoside), due to the laxative and antiseptic properties of which intestinal motility is enhanced, its motility is stimulated and, most importantly, the likelihood of fat absorption is significantly reduced. Remains of food and toxins are easily and gently released from the intestines. The use of the Alexandrian leaf is effective and safe. Weight loss occurs due to the normalization of the intestines.

When taking a decoction, you must remember that everything needs a measure. In large doses, such a medicine can lead to unpleasant consequences: due to the contained resins, irritation of the stomach and intestines, spastic pain, and intestinal dystrophy may occur.