Cassia leaves, are those it?

[Nightshade]

Right. Same staining chemical present. I haven't done the direct comparisons (and I'm sure it varies with crop like henna), but I'm pretty sure Nightshade did compare Cassia obovata with the S. alexandrina that Herbco sells, and the S. alexandrina stained a bit stronger. I have been using it to dilute down my henna for the last year or so. (This stuff.)

I did! Here you go



That's Senna italica (cassia obovata) on the left and Senna alexandrea on the right, tested on white mohair for 2 hours
I was a little skeptical when I investigated this, but I was happily surprised to find that not only did the Senna alexandrea produce great stain, but the mud also had a gel-like consistency, much like one finds with henna.

[lapushka]

Looks like true light blonds would have to be more careful with the "laxative". I know I keep saying laxative, but that's how I remember the difference. Sorry. I'm surprised though that the cassia didn't leave more of a stain as I've seen it color more yellow IRL (on gray and very light blonde).

[Anje]

My guess is that these things depend a lot in the crop.

[lapushka]

Yep, that's probably it!

[Priska]

This thread is a treasure, thanks! Can I still ask from Nightshade, if you used this laxative-strong-cassia in powder- or leave -form?
If it's very lemon-toned, I think it's good to mix with a bit of henna and maybe also with even smaller amount of indigo... And then I just don't let it sit too long on my hair, if I want my hair to be golden blonde.

Cassia obovata is doing nothing with my stubborn greys, Cassia auriculata even less I think.

[Priska]

Looks like true light blonds would have to be more careful with the "laxative". I know I keep saying laxative, but that's how I remember the difference. Sorry. I'm surprised though that the cassia didn't leave more of a stain as I've seen it color more yellow IRL (on gray and very light blonde).

I just decided to order me this laxative Cassia with this name "laxative" to make sure that I get the right one

[tuanyiji]

I’ve used the senna alexandrina (the laxative) in powder form in combination with fenugreek, honey, aloe powder and my diy infused henna oil with some water, the muddy texture is pretty pleasant. The smell, not so much. No evident stain in my naturally dark hair, I probably use it once a month as my pre-poo deep conditioning treatment.
As usual, I don’t find any spectacular changes in shine or texture, my hair always stays pretty much the same after any treatment, even after I changed from weekly shampoo to monthly shampoo, if anything, I actually shed less because less manipulation and more protection. At least now I take less effort in my hair care routine, I just need to use some of the oils and ayurvedic herbs regularly so I feel better about hoarding them (and my mom won’t threaten to throw them out).

[MusicalSpoons]

Hmm, any UK longhairs know where to get senna alexandrina in powder form?