M. oleifera is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach a height of 10 -12 m (32- 40 ft) and trunk diameter of 45 cm (1.5 ft). The bark has a whitish-grey colour and is surrounded by thick cork. Young shoots have purplish or greenish-white, hairy bark. The tree has an open crown of drooping, fragile branches and the leaves build up a feathery foliage of tripinnate leaves. The flowers are fragrant and hermaphroditic, surrounded by five unequal, thinly veined, yellowish-white petals. The flowers are about 1.0 - 1.5 cm (1/2) long and 2.0 cm (3/4) broad. They grow on slender, hairy stalks in spreading or drooping flower clusters which have a length of 10 -25 cm. Flowering begins within the first six months after planting. In seasonally cool regions, flowering only occurs once a year between April and June. In more constant seasonal temperatures and with constant rainfall, flowering can happen twice or even all year-round. The fruit is a hanging, three-sided brown capsule of 20 - 45 cm size which holds dark brown, globular seeds with a diameter around 1 cm. The seeds have three whitish papery wings and are dispersed by wind and water. In cultivation, it is often cut back annually to 1 - 2 m (3 - 6 ft) and allowed to regrow so the pods and leaves remain within arm' s reach.
Senna Plant Benefits For Health: As stated above, senna possesses medicinal value which can provide various health benefits given below. 1. Senna For Constipation: Being a laxative, senna is effective in relieving constipation. It has been approved by the US FDA as a non prescription drug to treat constipation. Senna stimulates the muscles of the colon to push fecal matter through more quickly. Senna leaf acts on the intestinal walls to cause contractions that lead to bowel movements. It softens stool by enabling the colon to absorb water. It can effectively cure even the most severe cases of constipation. The glycosides in it help transport electrolytes, causing bowel movements within 6 to 12 hours of its intake. Senna can be bought as an over the counter (OTC) medication for adults and children above 2 years of age.  2. Great Colon Cleanser: Senna has been regarded as a â??cleansing herbâ?? due to its laxative effects. Senna leaf is used in traditional Chinese medicine to clear away the heat accumulated in the large intestine, helping the body get rid of the stagnant food accumulated in the stomach. Today, it is widely used in cleansing the colon before colonoscopy and other types of colon surgery. 3. Treatment of Hemorrhoids: Senna has been found to be effective in the treatment of anal lacerations and hemorrhoids as it helps reduce swelling and facilitates quick healing. Moreover, since it promotes soft stools, it helps cause easy defecation in pathological conditions like anal fissure. This is due to the fact that after oral ingestion, the compounds in senna get absorbed into the intestinal tract, resulting in the separation of non-sugar parts in the colon. These non-sugar components increase the peristaltic movements by irritating and stimulating the intestinal tract. In this way, it speeds up the passage of stools through the intestinal tract. 4. Treatment of Intestinal Worms: The laxative properties of senna have been found to be useful in the treatment of worms in the stomach and colon.  Senna Medicinal Plant: Nutritional Value: The nutritional value of this herb has been explained in the table below. As evident from the table, it is devoid of calories and fat but a rich source of vitamin B
M. oleifera is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach a height of 10 - 12 m (32 - 40 ft) and trunk diameter of 45 cm (1.5 ft). The bark has a whitish-grey colour and is surrounded by thick cork. Young shoots have purplish or greenish-white, hairy bark. The tree has an open crown of drooping, fragile branches and the leaves build up a feathery foliage of tripinnate leaves. The flowers are fragrant and hermaphroditic, surrounded by five unequal, thinly veined, yellowish-white petals. The flowers are about 1.0 - .5 cm (1/2) long and 2.0 cm (3/4 ) broad. They grow on slender, hairy stalks in spreading or drooping flower clusters which have a length of 10 - 25 cm. Flowering begins within the first six months after planting. In seasonally cool regions, flowering only occurs once a year between April and June. In more constant seasonal temperatures and with constant rainfall, flowering can happen twice or even all year-round. The fruit is a hanging, three-sided brown capsule of 20â??45 cm size which holds dark brown, globular seeds with a diameter around 1 cm. The seeds have three whitish papery wings and are dispersed by wind and water. In cultivation, it is often cut back annually to 1 - 2 m (3 - 6 ft) and allowed to regrow so the pods and leaves remain within arm's reach.