Senna pods are the dried fruits of the Senna plant (Senna alexandrina), a shrub native to North Africa and parts of Asia. They are commonly used in herbal medicine for their laxative properties, primarily due to the presence of compounds called sennosides. Senna pods are harvested when mature and dried to preserve their medicinal qualities. They are often brewed as a tea or processed into capsules and tablets to relieve constipation and promote bowel regularity. However, due to their potency, prolonged or excessive use of senna pods should be monitored carefully to avoid potential side effects such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.