Scientifc name- Cassia fistula
Family – Caesalpiniaceae
It is a member of the Caesalpiniaceae family. It has vivid yellow blossoms and is referred to as Rajvraksha in Ayurveda. It drops its leaves and blooms into a profusion of long grape bunches that resemble golden flowers; it ranks among the most attractive of all tropical trees. The fruit is a legume, 30–60 cm (12–24 in) long and 1.5–2.5 cm (9⁄16–1 in) broad, with a pungent odor and containing several seeds
Chemical constituents
The fruits, stem bark, and leaves of this plant contain a variety of biologically
active compounds such as anthraquinones, flavonoids, flavon-3-ol derivatives, alkaloid, glycosides,
tannin, saponin, terpenoids, reducing sugar and steroids those have various medicinal properties.
Properties
In Ayurveda, amaltas, also known as Cassia fistula or Aragvadha, is recognized for its therapeutic
properties and is classified based on Ayurvedic principles. Here are some of the properties of amaltas
according to Ayurveda:
Rasa (Taste): Amaltas is primarily known for its bitter (tikta) and sweet (madhura) tastes. The sweet
taste comes from the pulp of its fruit.
Guna (Quality): It is considered to have the qualities of being heavy (guru) and unctuous (snigdha).
Virya (Potency): Amaltas is described as having a cooling (shita) potency, which makes it useful for
pacifying excess heat and inflammation in the body.
Vipaka (Post-digestive Taste): The post-digestive taste of amaltas is sweet (madhura), meaning that
after digestion, it has a sweet effect on the body.
Doshas: In Ayurveda, amaltas is believed to balance the Pitta dosha due to its cooling nature. It can help
alleviate conditions associated with excess heat and acidity in the body.
Actions (Karma): Amaltas is primarily known for its laxative (anulomana) and purgative (virechana)
actions. It helps promote bowel movements and relieve constipation. Additionally, it is considered a
mild vermifuge, helping to expel intestinal parasites
Pharmaceutical action
Amaltas is an antidiabetic, hepatoprotective (liver protecting), antipyretic, antiinflammatory, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, antitussive, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antitumor, antiitching, antileishmanial, wound healing and larvicidal
Benefits
1- Skin desease One of the biggest health benefits of Amaltas is their ability to treat skin
problems. The leaf paste of Amaltas is beneficial for treating scabies and other skin problems. It also
helps reduce the burning sensation in the body.
2- Chronic fever- Amaltas is an excellent herb to treat chronic fevers. It helps reduce sweating,
high body temperatures, and other symptoms of fever. It also boosts our internal immunity and helps
fight against various infections.
3- Antibacterial and Antifungal- Amaltas is loaded with antibacterial and antifungal properties. The
cold decoction prepared from the bark of Amaltas plant is used as a gargle to treat various mouth and
throat related problems.
4- Digestion -Amaltas is an excellent Ayurvedic herb for the digestive system. It stimulates
appetite and regulates metabolism. It also helps combat the underlying symptoms of constipation like
indigestion, bloating, and abdominal stress.
5- Hormone regulation Since Amaltas pacifies all the three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, it is very
helpful for regulating the hormonal imbalances in the body. It also provides relief from excessive
stiffness and tenderness in the body.
Amaltas is a potent Ayurvedic herb that can be used to combat a variety of conditions like skin
problems, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalance. Thus, supplementing with this plant is an easy and
effective way to benefit from the fascinating health benefits of Amaltas.
Is Amaltas safe?
Amaltas is safe even when used for children. However, an overdose of leaves
and barks of Amaltas produces side effects
Cramps
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Therefore you must consume amaltas as per advise of you doctor only. He will guide you for suitable
form and dose.
Contraindications
Amaltas, also known as Cassia fistula or Indian laburnum, is a medicinal plant known
for its laxative properties. However, there are certain contraindications and precautions to keep in mind
when using it:
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It’s advisable for pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid using
amaltas as it can stimulate uterine contractions and pass into breast milk.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Individuals with gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or irritable bowel syndrome should use amaltas cautiously, as it may exacerbate these conditions