18 g dried senna pods
100 ml boiling water
8 fresh figs, quartered
100 g sugar
juice of 1 lemon
1 Place the senna pods in a glass bowl and pour over the boiling water. Leave to steep for about 30 minutes, then strain through a sieve or piece of muslin into a blender.
2 Add the figs and sugar to the senna infusion and whizz until smooth.
3 Pour into a saucepan, and heat slowly to reduce, stirring occasionally. You want to end up with a thick, glossy sugar-like syrup - this will probably take about 25 minutes. Add the lemon juice and stir in well.
4 Take off the heat and pour the syrup into a sterilized 150 ml bottle.
USE Shake well before use. Take 2 tsp before bed when needed. Don't use for more than a few days at a time, or if you have severe abdominal pain.
STORAGE Keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.