#Senna

Senna Alexandrina, known in Thailand as มะขามแขก, is one of the most storied herbal remedies in both Eastern and Western pharmacopoeias—a symbol of the rich fusion between ancient Thai wisdom and global medical science. Heralded for centuries as a gentle but effective laxative, มะขามแขก (Cassia acutifolia Del., Cassia angustifolia Vahl., also called Alexandrian or Indian senna) holds a unique place in household medicine cabinets, herbal shops, and increasingly, the laboratories of clinical researchers. What began as ritual healing imported along ancient trade routes is now at the heart of conversations about safe, effective, and natural approaches to digestive health, especially as Thailand and the world reconsider the role of traditional medicines in modern lifestyles.

Senna Alexandrina, known in Thailand as มะขามแขก, sits at the crossroads of tradition and science. For centuries it has been used as a gentle laxative, weaving together Thai wisdom with global medical practice. Today, it remains a focal point in discussions about natural digestive health, safety, and the integration of traditional remedies into contemporary care in Thailand and beyond.

Thai traditional medicine has long welcomed senna through a fusion of Indian Ayurvedic, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian knowledge. In Thai practice, มะขามแขก has been used as a purgative to address sluggish digestion and constipation, and it features prominently in temple detox rituals and village health traditions. Dried senna leaves and pods are commonly prepared as decoctions or teas, with dosage guidance passed down through generations of herbalists and practitioners.