Aragwadha (Cassia fistula)

Aragwadha – Cassia fistula

Aragwadha is commonly known as ‘Purging casia’ owing to it’s purgative action. Aragwadha is one of the most widely used herb in Ayurveda. The name Aragwadha itself means that the plant can completely cure many ailments. The species name of the plant, “fistula” indicates the cylindrical pod fruits. Aragwadha is one of the most commonly used herb for the treatment of skin allergic conditions.

Aragwadha can be used to treat many diseases like Diabetes, Skin disorders, Rheumatoid arthritis, Worm infestation, Fever etc. The plant have many therapeutic actions like purgative, febrifuge, cardioprotective, antiallergic, analgesic etc. Purging casia is the most used purgative herb. The aqueous extract of bark of Aragwadha have hypoglycemic effects and can be used for the treatment of Diabetes. The hydroalcohol extracts of the leaves have antimicrobial actions and the fruit pulp have anticandidal activity. Dr.Gupta’sIAFA experts also found out the renoprotective nature of Aragwadha by studying on the crude hydroalcoholic extract of the fruits. The ethanolic leaf extract also have hepatoprotectiveand antioxidant activities.

Action of Aragwadha – Cassia fistula in Allergies

Aragwadha nowadays used extensively in Skin allergic conditions. The plant contains phytoconstituents like anthraquinone, sucrose, lignoceric acid, amino acids, sennoside A & B, fistucacidin etc which aids in it’s antiallergic property. The paste prepared from Aragwadha is applied over the skin and it can cure allergic conditions. It is also used for purgation which is a preparatory process for the treatment of skin diseases involving impure blood.

Vernacular Names and Botanical Classification

Botanical Name	Cassia fistula
Family	Caesalpinaceae
Native Names
Sanskrit Name	Aragwadha
Hindi Name	Amaltas
English Name	Purging casia
Malayalam Name	Konna
Kannada Name	Kakkikayi
Marathi name	Bawa

Ayurvedic reference of Aragwadha – Cassia fistula

Morphology of Aragwadha – Cassia fistula

Medium sized perennial tree
Stem is erect and branched
Leaves are alternate, compound, paripinnate
Inflorescence is long axillary pendulous racemes
Flower is pedicillate, yellow colored
Fruits are legumes
Seed is flat albuminous

Geographical distribution of Aragwadha – Cassia fistula

Aragwadha is found through out India. It is seen abundantly in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Phytoconstituents of Aragwadha – Cassia fistula

The plant contains phytoconstituents like anthraquinone, sucrose, lignoceric acid, amino acids, sennoside A & B, fistucacidin etc

Parts used of Aragwadha – Cassia fistula

Fruits

Dosage of Aragwadha – Cassia fistula

Decoction(Kwatham)- 50-60 ml
Powder(churna)- 2-4 g
Aqueous extract (swarasa) – 10-20 ml

Medicinal Properties of Aragwadha – Cassia fistula

Shothahara – anti inflammatory
Virechya- purgative
Rasayana – Rejuvenative
Medhya- promotes intelligence
Swasahara- cures asthmatic conditions
Varnya – increases complexion
Pramehahara – cures diabetes
Vranahara – useful in ulcers and wounds
Kushtaghna – useful in skin diseases
Krimighna – useful in worm disease
Vishaghna – useful in poisoning
Kasahara – cures Cough
Sula hara- Relieves pain

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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®

Home remedies of Aragwadha – Cassia fistula

Aragwadha is one of the commonly used herb in Ayurveda treatment purposes, as it is naturally available abundantly and due to it’s high medicinal value. Acharyas like Susruta and Carakamentioned vastly about the uses of Aragwadha.

In Diabetes (Prameha) – 3-4 fruits of Aragwadhaare taken and decoction is made. It is then taken along with Curcuma longa on daily basis.
In Erysipelas (Visarpa) –paste of Aragwadha leaves is mixed with ghee and applied over the skin in all types of Erysipelas.
In Skin diseases (Kushta) – Paste of Aragwadha is applied over skin. The paste have antiallergic property and can cure skin infections.
In Fever (Jwara) –5-7 fruits of Aragwadha are collected and juice is extracted. It is then fried with ghee and it can be effectively used against Fever
In Bleeding disorders (Raktapitta) –Aragwadha is used as a purgative herb along with Honey and Sugar for the ailment of bleeding disorders.
In Hiccough (Hikka) – Juice of Aragwadha is mixed with powdered Piper nigrum. It is then mixed with honey and taken internally.
In Jaundice (Kamala)– Fresh fruits of Aragwadha are collected and juice is extracted. It is then mixed with juice of Grapes and honey. Then it is taken internally at a dose of 15 ml.
In Arthritis (Amavata) – Leaves of Aragwadha are fried with mustard oil. These leaves are chewed after evening meal.