English Name: Indian Laburnum, Purging Cassia
Hindi Name: Amaltas
Sanskrit Name: Kritamala, Vyadhighata, Sampaka
Latin Name: Cassia fistula Linn Pennell
A medium sized tree with brilliant yellow flowers growing at roadside and gardens. Long cylindrical pods of the tree are used in Ayurveda.
Application
Bark of the Aragvadha is extensively used by Ayurveda in the treatment of inflammatory swellings and as a cleaning agent for ulcers and wounds. It is believed to decrease purulent discharge and act as a local antiseptic. The fruits are also used as a laxative. Aragvadha is considered to maintain the balance of water content in the bowel mass to ensure smooth defecation.
Chemical composition
Pods contain glycoside rhein and an anthraquinone, fistulic acid. Leaves contain glycosides which have been identified as senoside A & B. The stem bark contained tannins, lupeol, b-sitosterol and hexacosanol.
Effect on dosha
Balances vata and pitta.
