Herb comparison
Aloe (Aloe vera) vs Senna (Cassia senna)
Both plants are listed as traditional remedies for 1 of the same condition, which is why they are easy to confuse. Their descriptions and full safety notes are below, free.
- About
- Aloe vera (syn. A. barbadensis) is a succulent commonly grown as a potted plant, notable for its thick, fleshy leaves that contain two distinct medicinal components. The inner clear gel is renowned for its soothing and wound-healing properties, while the bitter yellow sap from the leaf base (often called “bitter aloes”) has a strong laxative effect. Historically, aloe vera has been prized for treating skin irritations, burns, and ulcers. It can also be taken internally (as juice) to support digestion and immune function. Whole leaf aloe juice has been used to help fight arthritis, AIDS, cancer, and other chronic conditions, though the outer leaf portion containing anthraquinones is typically filtered out to avoid harsh laxative effects.Senna (Senna alexandrina, syn. Cassia senna) is a small shrub about 3 ft (1 m) tall, with yellow, pea-like flowers and pods containing seeds. One of the most renowned herbal laxatives, senna’s anthraquinone glycosides (sennosides) cause strong bowel stimulation.
- Safety & precautions
- The outer leaf sap contains anthraquinone glycosides (like aloin) that act as a strong stimulant laxative, suitable only for short-term use under supervision. Some herbalists caution that children, pregnant women, and the elderly avoid drinking aloe juice that contains any of the strong cathartic compounds. Do not use the bitter outer leaf extract during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Avoid internal use if suffering from kidney disease or hemorrhoids. Freshly extracted gel from the inner leaf is considered gentle, but concentrated or unfiltered products (containing the outer rind) can be irritating.Children Under 12: Not advisable. Short-Term Use: Prolonged use (beyond 10 days) can weaken the bowels and cause dependency. Pregnancy: Consult a professional. Gastrointestinal Sensitivity: May cause cramping and discomfort.
Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.