What Is Candle Bush?

Candle bush (Senna alata), native to South America, is a shrub of the legume family about 3 m tall with bright yellow flowers. It is related to senna, which is used as a medicine.

Its leaves, stems and flowers have been reported to contain sennosides, which are also used in laxative medicines. In a test of 15 health teas by the National Consumer Affairs Center, all contained sennosides.

Under MHLW’s classification, the whole candle bush plant is not regarded as a drug unless drug-like claims are made, whereas the fruit and leaflets of medicinal senna are classified for drug use only.

The National Consumer Affairs Center advises that products containing candle bush:

• may cause severe diarrhea or abdominal pain in some people
• should be taken in moderation for short periods, and stopped if diarrhea occurs
• should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women and children, as with laxative medicines