Botanical Overview
Cassia fistula, commonly known as Golden shower tree, Indian laburnum, Rajbriksha, or Amaltas, is a member of the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to regions of South and Southeast Asia including India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Various parts of the plant are used medicinally, notably the fruit pulp, bark, leaves, seeds, and flowers.
Energetics
This plant is considered cooling and moistening in nature with a bitter and sweet taste profile. It is generally relaxing in tonicity, influencing the qi and fluid networks in traditional energetics.
Primary Actions
- Laxative
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Antioxidant
- Purgative
Indications
Western
- Constipation
- Skin infections
- Fever
- Inflammation
- Muscle pain
Syndromes
- Digestive sluggishness
- Cutaneous ailments
- Mild infections
TCM
- Constipation
- Skin conditions
Syndromes
- Heat accumulation in the intestines
- Blood heat skin disorders
Ayurveda
- Constipation
- Skin disorders
- Fever
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Pitta and Kapha imbalances
- Vata disorders related to the digestive tract
Unani
- Constipation
- Skin eruptions
- Inflammatory conditions
Syndromes
- Imbalance of phlegm and bile humors
Constituents & Mechanisms
Cassia fistula contains important phytochemical families including anthraquinones, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, pectins, and sennosides, which contribute to its laxative and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction of fruit pulp 3-6 g daily
- Powdered pulp 1-3 g once or twice daily
- Extracts standardized for anthraquinones 50-100 mg daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe for short-term use as a laxative. Avoid excessive or prolonged use to prevent abdominal discomfort or electrolyte imbalance. Contraindicated in pregnancy, intestinal obstruction, and severe dehydration. Caution advised in such cases, and no major drug interactions are documented.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable sources provided definitive planetary or elemental rulers for Cassia fistula.
Selected References
- Phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Cassia fistula – Ravindra Kumar (2019)
- Cassia fistula L. – Plants for a Future Database
- Cassia fistula Monograph – Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (2008)
- Cassia species – The Complete German Commission E Monographs (2003)