MEDICINAL PLANT - CASSIA FISTULA

English Name - Indian Labumum, Golden Shower Tree, Pudding pipe tree

Malayalam Name – kanikkonna

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class	Rosopsida
Order	Fabales
Family	Fabaceae
Subfamily	Caesalpinioideae
Tribe	Cassieae
Genus	Cassia
Species	C. fistula

Nearly all Parts of the cassia tree have medicinal properties. Cassia is one of the most beautiful trees of India. It is a small or medium size tree with compound leaves and large, shining, dark green leaflets. Flowers are bright yellow, in very large, hanging bunches. Fruit are 50-60 cm long in black or shining dark brown, almost cylindric. The tree is a conspicuous sight in flowers as well as in fruits and can be spotted in a forest even from long distance. The tree sheds its leaves during early summer (March - May) and is full bloom during this period.

ACTION & USES OF CASSIA IN AYURVEDA

Medicinal properties have attributed to nearly all parts of the tree. The fruits are however, most important and included in the Indian Pharmaceutical codex.

Constipation : The pulp from the fruit, called cassia pulp is a well-known laxative. It is highly beneficial in the treatment of constipation. About 50 grams of the pulp should be steeped in water over night, strained in the morning and drunk with 25 grams of sugar.

Common cold: The root of the cassia tree is useful when cold strikes. In case of a running nose, smoke from burning root should be inhaled. This will encourage the discharge of mucous and soon provides relief.

Skin Disorders: The leaves ground into a paste are applied to ringworm also. Old ringworm bark is also added to leaves and the paste is applied to the ringworm. Their juice is also used for relieve rheumatism and facial paralysis, the leaves can rubbed on the affected parts. Pulp of fruit is considered to be a good application for snake bite etc.

Other uses : Flowers in decoction are given in stomach affections. Some hill tribes eat the flowers.