Cassia Tree – Beauty and Healing Power of the Indian Laburnum
Cassia, or purging cassia, is one of the most beautiful trees of India. It is a small to medium-sized tree with compound leaves and large, shining, dark green leaflets. It has bright yellow flowers in very large, hanging branches and black or shining dark brown, 50 to 60 cm long almost cylindrical fruits.
Cassia Health Benefits and Uses
The tree is also known as Indian Laburnum due to its resemblance in color and profusion of flowers to the European Laburnum. The name "cassia" is derived from its scientific name, while the specific name fistula (meaning "shepherd's pipe") refers to the shape of its fruit.
The cassia tree is indigenous to India and is found throughout the country up to an altitude of about 1500 meters, especially in moist or evergreen forests. The leaves contain anthraquinone derivatives and very little tannin. The root bark contains tannin, phlobaphenes, and oxy-anthraquinone substances. The pulp is rich in rhein (a key anthraquinone derivative), volatile oil, waxy substances, and resin.
Healing Power and Curative Properties
Nearly all parts of the tree have medicinal properties, but the fruits are most important and are included in the Indian Pharmaceutical Codex.
Constipation
The pulp from the fruits, called cassia pulp, is a well-known mild laxative. It is safe even for children and pregnant women. Typically, 50 grams of the pulp is soaked in water overnight, strained in the morning, and taken with 25 grams of sugar. Four grams of the pulp mixed with sugar or tamarind acts as a gentle purgative. Larger doses (30–60 grams) may cause colic or nausea, so it is usually combined with other herbs, like senna leaves (Cassia Angustifolia).
Common Cold
The root of the cassia tree is beneficial in treating common colds. In cases of a runny nose, the smoke from the burning root may be inhaled to induce nasal discharge and relieve congestion.
Fevers
The root acts as a tonic and helps reduce fever. An alcoholic extract of the root bark is specifically used to treat black water fever.
Intestinal Disorders
For children suffering from flatulence, cassia pulp can be applied around the navel to encourage evacuation. When mixed with linseed or almond oil, it can be gently massaged onto the stomach to ease bowel movements.
Ageusia (Loss of Taste)
The pulp is very helpful in treating ageusia, or loss of taste, especially due to excessive use of opium or cocaine. A mixture of 24 grams of pulp with a quarter liter of hot milk can be used as a mouthwash.
Skin Disorders
The leaves are useful in relieving skin irritation and pain. Juice or paste from the leaves can be applied to treat ringworm, swelling, and cold-induced inflammation. It also helps in relieving dropsical swellings (fluid retention) and can be rubbed on areas affected by rheumatism or facial paralysis.
Other Uses
The flowers of the cassia tree are sometimes consumed as vegetables by certain hill tribes in India, highlighting its use beyond medicine.
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