Latin Name: Cassia Fistula
Indian Name: Amaltas Tree

Common names: Golden shower tree, pudding pipe tree, purging cassia, lantern tree (in Thailand), Indian Laburnum tree.

Say hello to the beautiful, ever smiling Amaltas tree

Cassia Fistula or the golden shower tree is amongst the loveliest flowering trees, easily noticeable by its bright yellow colored flowers. Commonly known as Amaltas tree in India, the tree is native to India and Pakistan besides being the national tree of Thailand. Its flower is the national flower of Thailand while back home here in Kerala, India, it is considered to be of great religious significance with the flowers being utilized for numerous religious rituals.

Turning over a new leaf

The Cassia Fistula tree sheds most of its leaves in the winter season and starts producing shiny green leaves in early summer. It looks absolutely bedecked and resplendent when in bloom and truly it is a sight to see the entire tree covered with huge clusters of incalculable bright yellow flowers.

Beneficia Cassia Fistula – Benefits

Being not just a beautiful tree, it has many benefits as well. Almost every part of this golden tree is useful and its bark, fruits and flowers have been used for medicinal purpose since time immemorial. It helps to cure many ailments such as constipation, fever, digestive troubles and skin disorders. It also quietens the symptoms and pain of arthritis, gout, nervous system diseases, eczema, ringworm and leprosy. The fruit pulp also serves as laxative, so gentle that it can be used by children and adults alike. In addition, the leaves are found to have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties and it purifies the blood and helps in eradicating skin problems like itching, inflammation and suppuration.

There are some other uses of the Amaltas tree as well. Its wood is hard, heavy and durable, often used for making furniture pieces like cabinets, table, and fences and also in the construction of houses and bridges among other things.

Some home remedies with Cassia Fistula

For acidity or Gas- Gently massaging with the navel with some warmed up fruit pulp helps to curb gas or acidity troubles.
For piles treatment- Drinking a decoction prepared with 10grams amaltas fruit pulp, harad and munakka. This concoction can be taken every night before bedtime.

For constipation- Take 10 to 20 grams of fruit pulp in a glass of water and soak it overnight. Filter the water and drink it in the morning. This is a very gentle laxative for anyone suffering from constipation.

For baldness or alopecia areata – Prepare a paste made by mixing ash of amaltas leaves with some goat’s milk. Apply on the affected parts every day. This is very effective for loss of hairs from the scalp, eyebrows and beard.

For skin outbreak due to impure blood- Soak the fruit pulp with some tamarind in a cup of water overnight. Mash the mixture properly, strain the water and drink in the morning. Repeat the process for a month to get full relief. It also makes the skin supple and glowing.

Some precautions

Even though, Cassia Fistula benefits as an Ayurvedic medicine, there are some precautions to be taken while using it as a medicine. Ayurvedic doctors advise not to take this herb without proper supervision or directions by the doctor.
Also, it is not advisable for pregnant women to use the herb. But if at all, the need arises, it should be taken with caution or under medical supervision. Also remember, every one may not have the ability to analyse their body type, hence, the use of this herb ingredient may not be beneficial for everyone. It is cautioned to use the herb, flower or fruit of the Amaltas tree only under the guidance of a medical practitioner.

Golden buds of joy

The tree is known to be utilitarian and beautiful at the same time and has found its uses in a number of religious and health applications- truly a tree laden with golden buds of joy. So, just remember, the next time you experience any health issues, think of the tree outside your house with gorgeous yellow flowers will help you in more ways than one.