Cassia Fistula

CASSIA FISTULA

The tree is also known as the Indian laburnum and is considered to be one of the most beautiful trees. It resembles the European Laburnum in color. The trade name of Cassia fistula is based on its scientific name that is fistula which literally means ‘shepherd’s pipe’.
The Cassia Fistula is indigenous to India and is used as a decorative. It is most commonly found in the moist evergreen forests and up to an altitude of 1500 meters.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CASSIA FISTULA

Cassia Fistula is commonly known as Amaltas. This beautiful tree is usually medium in size and has compound leaves that are large in size. The leaves of Cassia Fistula are dark green in color and are shiny. The flowers of Cassia Fistula are bright yellow in color that hangs from the branches. The fruits of Cassia Fistula are shiny dark brown in color and are usually cylindrical in shape. They can be anywhere between 50 to 60 cm long.

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION

The leaves of the Cassia Fistula contain anthraquinone derivatives as well as small portions of tannin. The root bark contains tannin, phlobaphanes and oxy anthraquinone. The pulp of Cassia Fistula also contains rhein, a volatile oil, a resinous substance as well as three wax like substances.

THERAPEUTIC POWERS OF THE HERB

The Cassia Fistula tree has medicinal properties. It is important to note that the fruits of the tree are however most importantly used in the Indian Pharmaceutical codex.

CARE FOR AILMENTS

The Cassia Fistula is used to relieve the following ailments:

• Constipation: The pulp obtained from the fruit of the Cassia Fistula tree is called the cassia pulp and is known to be an effective laxative. It can be consumed by children as well by expecting mothers. Approximately 50 grams of the pulp is soaked in water for over a night. It is then strained and used with around 25 grams of sugar. The pulp of the Cassia Fistula is a mild and harmless purgative.
• Common Cold: The problem of common cold can be relieved by using the Cassia Fistula herb. In cases of running nose the smoke from the burning of the Cassia Fistula root can be inhaled. It is known to encourage profuse nasal discharge and helps in providing relief.
• Fever: The use of Cassia Fistula can help in relieving the problem of fever. The root of the Cassia Fistula tree is a well known widely used tonic that helps in reducing fever. An alcoholic extract of the Cassia Fistula plant is used to fight the black water fever.
• Intestinal disorders: Children suffering from the problem of flatulence the Cassia Fistula pulp can be applied externally around the navel area to ensure evacuation. This can be mixed with almond or linseed oil for easing bowel movement problems.
• Aguesia: The pulp of Cassia Fistula is used in chronic cases of ageusia. This disease is basically the loosing of taste due to the excessive consumption of cocaine or opium.
• Approximately 24 grams of the Cassia Fistula pulp is mixed with around quarter liter of milk for use as a mouthwash for relieving this problem.
• Skin disorders: The leaves of Cassia Fistula tree are used in relieving skin irritation and in easing swelling as well as pain. The juice and the paste serves as a benefiting dressing for the problems of ringworm and the inflammation in the hand or feet caused mainly because of cold conditions. The leaves of the Cassia Fistula can be rubbed on the problematic area caused due to rheumatism as well as facial paralysis.

SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONARY TIPS FOR USING THIS HERB

The Cassia Fistula should be used only under the guidance of a certified herbalist.

PLANET AYURVEDA PRODUCTS THAT USE THIS HERB

Planet Ayurveda does not offer any product with this herb, but it provides two other products that have the similar properties as the Cassia Fistula.