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Using Senna as a medicine

Question

What is senna (leaves, tree or root)? Is there any text in Islam regarding senna? Can it be used for treatment? If yes then what is the method for using it?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

Senna was mentioned in an authentic Hadeeth reported by Ibn Maajah  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  him that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said, “You should use Senna and Sanoot as there is a cure in them from all kinds of diseases except death.” Senna is a laxative plant and Sanoot is honey. However, some scholars said that it is a plant called dill.

This Hadeeth is evidence that both Senna and Sanoot are medicines, and so, one may use them in medical treatment.

Indeed, the experienced people in this field may inform you about the qualities of Senna and the dosage that might be used for treatment.

Allaah Knows best.

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