Senna Pods

Senna or cassia pods, usually refers to seed pods obtained from the Senna Alexandria plant, act as laxatives. Senna is similar to aloe and rhubarb in having as its active ingredients anthraquinone derivatives and their glucosides. Senna pods act to stimulate peristaltic contractions in the colon, and are therefore especially useful in alleviating constipation when taken as a tea. Senna italica is also used like henna to impart a yellow hair colouring.