Senna
(Classia marilandica)
American senna, wild senna, locust plant

Description: A 3-6 foot tall perennial. The stems are erect, smooth, round, slightly hairy, with even, pinnate leaves on long petioles. Each leaf consists of 8-10 narrow, oblong, pointed leaflets. Small yellow flowers are in loose clusters at the leaf axils. The seed pod is a legume with joints twice as wide as long. Found in eastern U.S. in rich soils.

Medicinal, Toxic: It is a cathartic, diuretic, and vermifuge. The leaves should be gathered while the plant is still in bloom. Since senna is somewhat griping, it is often
combined with other herbs. The powdered leaves or tea, are used for fevers, and a strong
laxative. Steep 1 teaspoon senna leaves and 1 teaspoon ground coriander with 1 cup boiling water for 1/2 hour. Take hot or cold, slowly, 3 times a day or 1/2 cup before going to bed. No more than 2 cups a day. A tea of the pods is milder and slower-acting. It can be combined with other anthelmintics to get rid of intestinal worms. It is a good mouthwash for bad breath.