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Useful properties and application of the Alexandrian leaf
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.
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.
The laxative effect after taking a decoction with alexandria leaf, as a rule, is observed on the second or third day of admission, however, the first results will be noticeable after no more than 6-8 hours.
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 the raw material of the Alexandrian leaf must be poured into 1/4 liter of hot boiled water, kept for 30 minutes in a water bath, cooled, filtered; 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 of inflammatory processes in the intestines, liver diseases, cystitis, imbalance of water and electrolyte metabolism, during pregnancy.
The drug is recommended to alternate with other laxatives in order to prevent addiction.
Alexandria leaf for weight loss
Cassia Alexandria is effectively used to combat excess weight (including obesity), toxins, and fecal deposits. 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 (anthraglycosides), 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 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 bowel function.
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.