"Mecca senna" is a compound word that refers to a type of herbal laxative. The spelling of "Mecca" is based on the proper noun referring to the holy city for Muslims, which is spelled /ˈmɛkə/ in IPA phonetic transcription. "Senna," on the other hand, is derived from the plant species Senna alexandrina, which is used to make the laxative. It is spelled /ˈsɛnə/ in IPA. When the two words are combined, "Mecca senna" is pronounced /ˈmɛkə ˈsɛnə/.
Mecca senna refers to a shrubby plant known scientifically as Senna reticulata. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is mainly found in the arid regions of the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where the city of Mecca is located. The plant is also commonly known as Arabian senna, Mecca senna bush, or in Arabic as "Khenna."
Mecca senna is known for its distinctive features, including slender branches, yellow flowers, and compound leaves. It is a thorny plant with a height that can range from 1 to 2 meters. The leaves of Mecca senna are traditionally used for their medicinal properties, particularly in the form of herbal infusions.
The main active compound found in Mecca senna is called sennoside, which is a stimulant laxative. These compounds act on the colon, promoting peristalsis and helping to ease constipation. Mecca senna has long been utilised as a natural remedy for various digestive issues, including constipation and irregular bowel movements.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Mecca senna is also employed for cosmetic and cultural purposes. Its leaves contain a natural dye that locals use to color their hair or create temporary body art. The dye produced from Mecca senna is known for its reddish-brown hue.
Overall, Mecca senna is a plant native to the arid regions of the Middle East, known for its medicinal properties as a laxative, cultural use as a natural hair dye, and the role it plays in traditional practices.
An inferior grade of Indian s.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Mecca senna" is a combination of two separate terms, "Mecca" and "senna", each with its own etymology:
1. "Mecca": "Mecca" refers to the holy city of Islam located in Saudi Arabia. The name "Mecca" has its roots in the Arabic word "Makkah" (مكة), which is derived from the Semitic root "m-k-k" meaning "to be crowded" or "to be engrossed".
2. "senna": "Senna" is a shrub that belongs to the legume family and is known for its medicinal properties as a laxative.