Fan Xie Ye - Senna

TCM Materia Medica

Fan Xie Ye TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "fan xie ye" which in english is "senna", is categorized within the "herbs that drain downward" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the large intestine channels and exhibits bitter (ku), cold (han) and sweet (gan) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 3-9g (Cook less than 5 minutes)

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Drains downward, guides out stagnation - constipation due to heat.
  • Can also be used as a diet tea (1.5-3g).

Fan Xie Ye has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).

  • Avoid During Pregnancy, During Nursing, and During Menstruation

As noted above, fan xie ye is within the herbs that drain downward functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... purgatives - constipation from interior-heat or interior-cold (both are interior excesses). moist laxatives - often nuts or seeds, lubricates the intestines; mild in nature - elderly or weakness from febrile disease or from child birth. h…)".

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