Folium Sennae
Source
The leaflet of Cassia angustifolia Vahl mi C acutifolia Delile, family
Leguminoscie.
Characteristics
Leaflet ovat-lanceolate to lanceolate, apex acute, bases slightly 
asymmetrical;
margin entire; yellow-green in colour with dorsal side lighter; both surfaces
covered by sparse down; coriaceous or slightly coriaceous. Sweet and bitter
in taste, cold in nature, and attributive to large intestine channel.
Indication
1. Clear away heat and relax the bowels: For heat-syndrome with constipation,
habitual constipation. Recently, single use for simple intestinal obstruction
and acute pancreatitis, also used for intestinal cleaning before operation
and GI fluoroscopy, and for bacillary dysentery.
2. Stop bleeding: For peptic ulcer with bleeding.
Pharmacological
Action
1. The component sennoside A is a purgative.
2. Bacteriostatic.
Administration
Decoction:
3-6g (just boiled for a while or soaked in boiling water).