The source is from the leaflet of Cassia angustifolia Vahl and C. acutifolia Delile, family Leguminosae. The former is mainly produced in India, Egypt and Sudan, and the latter in Egypt, and also cultivated in Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan of China. Mter September, the medicinal material is collected, dried in the sun and the crude form is used. Medicinal Properties Sweet and bitter in flavor, cold in nature and attributive to the large intestine meridian. Actions Purge and relax the bowels. Application For constipation due to stagnation of heat, or chronic habitual constipation, it is usually soaked alone in boiling warter for oral use or combined with Zhishi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus ) , Houpo ( Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis), etc., it is now used as intestine clearing agent before GI fluoroscopy. Usage and Dosage 1.5 - 3 g is soaked in warm boiled water for oral use; 5 - 9 g is used in decoction and added to later. Notes Contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation and menstruation. Overdosage should be avoided because it can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
