Coffee senna

Cassia occidentalis

Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, fever-reducing, diuretic, antipyretic; root as an antidote and for fever and nerve pain, cramps in hysteria, flatulence; seeds for cough and whooping cough.

Safety notes

Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Ayurvedic materia medica: Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.

Preparation

Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.

Use in traditions

The plant grows as a weed throughout the tropics. The roasted seeds were drunk as a coffee substitute in Africa, Brazil and during the American Civil War. In Ayurveda (kasmard) and African folk medicine the leaf and root are used for fever and skin diseases. The seeds are poisonous and have caused serious poisonings in children. Sanskrit name: Kasmard.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Ayurvedic materia medica

Attributed effects

Laxative, fever-reducing, diuretic, antipyretic; root as an antidote and for fever and nerve pain, cramps in hysteria, flatulence; seeds for cough and whooping cough.

Preparation and amount

Traditionally used forms: decoction, powder, juice.

Caution: Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Central America and the Caribbean →