Top 10 Health Benefits of Kasamarda in Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, has long relied on nature’s bounty to heal and rejuvenate. Among its vast pharmacopeia, Kasamarda (Cassia occidentalis or Senna occidentalis) stands out as a versatile herb with multifaceted therapeutic applications.
Known for its bitter taste and detoxifying properties, Kasamarda has been revered in classical texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita for managing skin diseases, fever, and liver disorders. Modern research now corroborates many of its traditional uses, though it also highlights caution due to potential toxicity in high doses.

This article delves into the botanical, pharmacological, and therapeutic dimensions of Kasamarda, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary science.

Nomenclature and Botanical Classification

Scientific Name:

• Cassia occidentalis L. (syn. Senna occidentalis).

Sanskrit Names:

• Kasamarda: Derived from Kasa (cough) and Marda (destroyer), indicating its use in respiratory ailments.
• Arimarda: “Enemy crusher,” symbolizing its disease-fighting prowess.
• Prapunnata: Refers to its sprawling growth habit.

Vernacular names

Names in different languages:

• Assamese name – Hant theng
• Bengali name – Kesenda
• English name – Coffee senna, Negro Coffee, Coffee Weed, Stinking Weed, Foetid Cassia, septicweed, Mogdad coffee, senna coffee, Stephanie coffee, stinking weed or styptic weed.
• Gujarati name – Kasondari
• Hindi name – Kasoundi
• Kannada name – Elemuri soppu, Kasamarada Gida
• Marathi name – Kasvida
• Tamil name – Peyaveri
• Telugu name – Kasavinda, Kasind
• Urdu name – Kasonji

This comprehensive list highlights the wide geographical and linguistic reach of Kasamarda, underscoring its deep-rooted presence in traditional medicinal systems across India and beyond.

Botanical Family:

• Fabaceae (Leguminosae) is a family rich in medicinal plants like Senna (Swarna patri) and Glycyrrhiza (Yashtimadhu).

Plant Description:

• A shrub or small annual herb, growing up to 1.5 meters.
• Leaves: Pinnate, with 4–6 pairs of lance-shaped leaflets.
• Flowers: Bright yellow, arranged in axillary clusters.
• Fruits: Slender pods containing 20–30 brown, flattened seeds.

Ayurvedic Properties (Dravyaguna)

According to Ayurvedic principles, Kasamarda’s efficacy stems from its unique combination of rasa (taste), guna (qualities), and virya (potency):

Rasa (Taste):

• Tikta (Bitter): Detoxifies blood and liver.
• Kashaya (Astringent) : It reduces inflammation and heals wounds.

Guna (Qualities):

• Laghu (Light): Easy to digest.
• Ruksha (Dry): Absorbs excess moisture, ideal for Kapha disorders.

Virya (Potency): Ushna (Heating): Stimulates metabolism and digestion.

Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect): Katu (Pungent): Enhances detoxification in the gut.

Dosha Action:

• Balances Kapha (mucus) and Pitta (heat/bile).
• Excess use may aggravate Vata (air) due to its drying nature.

Parts Used

All parts of Kasamarda are medicinal, but specific components are preferred for certain conditions:

• Leaves: Rich in anthraquinones, used for skin ailments and fever.
• Seeds: High in flavonoids, employed for liver disorders and constipation.
• Roots: Valued for respiratory and urinary issues.
• Whole Plant: Used in detoxification therapies.

Each part of the Kasamarda plant serves a distinct role in treating various ailments, making it a versatile herb in Ayurvedic medicine.

Dosage

• Root decoction: 40-80 ml
• Seed powder: 3-6 g
• Leaf juice extract: 10-20 ml

These dosages are based on traditional Ayurvedic practices, and it’s important to follow proper guidelines or consult a qualified practitioner for accurate dosage according to individual needs.

Uses and Indications

General Qualities and Uses of Kasamarda – Coffee Senna:

• Katu – Pungent
• Tikta – Bitter
• Madhura – Sweet
• Kanthashodhana – Cleanses the throat, useful in sore throat. It helps soothe irritation and inflammation in the throat.
• Pachana – Digestive, relieves Ama Dosha. It supports the proper functioning of the digestive system by balancing the digestive fire.
• Rochana – Improves taste, relieves anorexia. It stimulates appetite and enhances overall digestion.
• Sara – Induces mobility, causes diarrhea, purgation, relieves constipation. It helps in detoxifying the body and clear the intestines.

Indicated in:

• Visha – Toxic conditions, poisoning
• Kasa – Cough, cold
• Krumi – Worm infestation
• Aruchi – Anorexia

1. Leaves of Kasamarda (Cassia occidentalis)

• Katu – Pungent taste

Indicated in:

• Shwasa – Asthma and chronic respiratory disorders
• Kasa – Cough, cold
• Aruchi – Anorexia
• Its leaves possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, offering relief from respiratory symptoms.

Uses of Kasamarda Leaves

• Leaves: Used as vegetables in South Indian households.
• Used for the treatment of cough, cold, eczema, and dyspepsia.
• Also useful in treating filariasis.
• The versatility of Kasamarda’s leaves makes them a staple in traditional and modern healing practices.

Leaves of Cassia occidentalis as Vegetables:

• A rasam preparation called Tambuli is prepared in Coastal Karnataka. Consuming this with rice is advised to relieve mouth ulcers.
• The mild heat of this preparation helps in promoting oral health and easing discomfort.

2. Flowers of Kasamarda (Cassia occidentalis)

• Shwasa – Asthma and chronic respiratory disorders
• Kasa – Cough, cold
• Urdhvavata – Bloating, breathing difficulties

Uses of Kasamarda Flower

Used for the treatment of asthma in a dose of 20 ml, once or twice a day or as advised by a doctor.

• The decoction helps in reducing inflammation and clearing mucus from the airways.

3.Root of Kasamarda (Cassia occidentalis)

• Root Decoction (Kashaya): Used for the treatment of urinary retention, dysuria, and inflammatory conditions.
• Administered orally for the treatment of scorpion bites.
• It helps in reducing swelling and inflammation caused by scorpion stings.

Ayurvedic Preparation (Sambhara)

• Sambhara is made by drying and powdering the leaves, mixing them with Veshavara (a spice mix of pepper, long pepper, ginger, cumin, coriander, and long pepper root), and adding asafoetida and water. The mixture is kept under sunlight and rolled into pills. It is used along with green vegetables and meat dishes to promote digestion.
• This preparation is a potent digestive tonic, ensuring smooth digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Elephantiasis Treatment:

• Kasamarda root is administered along with cow’s ghee.
• This combination helps in reducing swelling and promoting lymphatic health.

Health Benefits & Therapeutic Uses Kasamarda

Kasamarda’s versatility is evident in its wide range of applications:

1. Skin Disorders (Kushta): Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. The plant helps prevent infections and reduces skin irritation by promoting tissue repair.

Application:

• Leaf paste mixed with turmeric is applied topically for eczema, ringworm, and acne. This combination helps in reducing redness and inflammation while promoting healing.
• Seed oil is used in Ayurvedic Abhyanga (massage) for psoriasis. It soothes the skin and helps reduce scaly patches and irritation.

2. Jaundice (Kamala) and Liver Health: Flavonoids like cassiaoccidentalins protect hepatocytes. These compounds aid in liver regeneration and detoxification, enhancing liver function.

Application:

• A decoction of the seeds (5–10g boiled in water) is consumed twice daily. This helps detoxify the liver and restore normal liver function.

3. Fever (Jwara): Diaphoretic action induces sweating to break fevers. Sweat helps cool the body and flush out toxins, lowering the fever.

Application:

• Leaf decoction with ginger and black pepper. This formulation helps cool the body and reduce fever while strengthening immunity.

4. Worm Infestation (Krimi): Alkaloids paralyze parasites. These compounds interfere with the nervous system of the parasites, leading to their elimination.

Dosage:

• 3–5g of seed powder with warm water on an empty stomach. It effectively clears parasitic infestations and improves digestive health.

5. Respiratory Issues (Shvasa-Kasa): Expectorant and bronchodilator effects. It helps in loosening mucus in the lungs and dilating the airways, improving breathing.

Formulation:

• Root decoction with honey for bronchitis and asthma. This helps in clearing mucus from the airways, easing breathing, and reducing inflammation.

6. Constipation (Vibandha): Anthraquinones stimulate peristalsis. These compounds promote the movement of the intestines, helping to relieve constipation.

• Dosage: 1–2g of seed powder at bedtime. It promotes regular bowel movements and helps in relieving chronic constipation.

7. Diabetes (Madhumeha): Kasamarda helps regulate blood sugar levels through its insulin-like activity. The compounds in the plant improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

Formulation:

• 5-10g of seed powder taken with warm water twice daily. It helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels and supporting pancreatic health.

8. Inflammation (Shotha): Anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and pain. Kasamarda inhibits inflammatory pathways, providing relief from joint and tissue inflammation.

Formulation:

• Leaf paste is applied topically, and root decoction is used internally. It alleviates pain and swelling associated with inflammation.

9. Rheumatoid Arthritis (Amavata): Anti-rheumatic and analgesic effects help in reducing pain and stiffness. The plant’s compounds reduce joint inflammation and improve mobility.

Formulation:

• Seed powder or root decoction is taken with warm water or ghee. It helps to relieve the symptoms of joint pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis.

10. Urinary Tract Infections (Mutra Vaha Srotas): Kasamarda has diuretic and antimicrobial properties that help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. It promotes urine flow and prevents infections.

Formulation:

• Root decoction (Kashaya) is consumed daily. It helps in preventing and treating urinary tract infections and promoting overall kidney health.

Formulations and Preparations

Ayurvedic formulations harness Kasamarda’s potency through diverse preparations:

1. Kwatha (Decoction):

• Boil 10g dried leaves/seeds in 400ml water until reduced to 100ml.
• Used for liver detoxification and fever.

2. Churna (Powder):

• Dried seeds or leaves are ground into powder.
• Mixed with honey for worm infestations or with ghee for skin diseases.

3. Lepa (Paste):

• Fresh leaves are crushed with rose water or neem oil for topical use.
• Applied to treat skin conditions like eczema, acne, and ringworm.

4. Swarasa (Juice):

• 5–10ml fresh leaf juice consumed for blood purification.
• Helps detoxify the body and improve overall health.

5. Arishta (Fermented Liquid Formulation):

• Kasamarda leaves or seeds are fermented with water and sugar for a period to create an herbal tonic.
• Used for improving digestion, boosting immunity, and treating chronic cough.

6. Vati (Tablet):

• Powdered leaves or seeds are mixed with binding agents like ghee or honey to form small tablets.
• Used for treating constipation and digestive disorders, usually taken before meals.

7. Rasa (Metallic Preparation):

• Kasamarda is combined with other herbal ingredients and processed in herbal oils or medicated ghee for external use.
• Effective for joint pain, inflammation, and rheumatic conditions.

8. Tincture:

• Extract dried Kasamarda leaves or seeds in alcohol or vinegar for a few weeks.
• Used for chronic infections, improving liver health, and as a detoxifying agent.

9. Lehyam (Herbal Jam):

• Kasamarda is combined with other herbs, honey, and ghee to make a thick, sweet herbal paste.
• This is used as a rejuvenative for the digestive system and as a general tonic.

10. Gulika (Pill Form):

• The powdered form of Kasamarda is mixed with other herbal ingredients and made into small pills.
• Used to treat respiratory disorders, asthma, and bronchitis by supporting lung function and clearing mucus.

Ayurvedic medicines with Cassia occidentalis as an ingredient

1. Himalaya Bonnisan Drops: A formulation that supports digestive health, used to treat conditions like indigestion, poor appetite, and constipation in children.

2. Himalaya Bonnisan Liquid: Similar to the drops, this liquid form is used to improve digestion and relieve gas, bloating, and other digestive disturbances in children.

3. Cassia occidentalis leaf juice extract: Used in the incineration process of Mica (Abhraka), which is an essential procedure in Ayurvedic Rasashastra (the science of preparing mineral-based medicines). This enhances the bioavailability and therapeutic properties of the minerals.

Side Effects

Although Cassia occidentalis (Kasamarda) offers numerous health benefits, improper use or high doses can lead to certain side effects:

1. Gastrointestinal Issues:

• Overuse of Kasamarda can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to its strong purgative action. It’s essential to follow prescribed dosages.

2. Toxicity in High Doses:

• Cassia occidentalis contains compounds that may be toxic if taken in large quantities, particularly affecting the liver and kidneys. Care should be taken when using it for extended periods.

3. Liver Toxicity:

• Some studies indicate that Cassia occidentalis may cause liver toxicity if consumed excessively or in concentrated forms. It is advised to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before long-term use, especially for people with pre-existing liver conditions.

4. Allergic Reactions:

• In some individuals, skin contact with Kasamarda leaves may cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.

5. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

• Due to its potent medicinal properties, Cassia occidentalis is generally not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as its effects on fetal development and lactation are not well-studied.

6. Interaction with Medications:

• Cassia occidentalis may interact with certain medications, especially those for blood sugar control or anticoagulants. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider before combining it with other treatments.

Kasamarda epitomizes Ayurveda’s holistic approach—harnessing nature’s power while respecting its boundaries. Its bitter leaves and seeds offer solutions for skin, liver, and digestive ailments, yet demand caution to avoid toxicity.

Resources:

• Antidiabetic activity of Cassia occidentalis (Linn) in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats(1)
• R E S E A R C H A R T I C L E Open Access Hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti-atherosclerogenic effect of aqueous extract leaves of Cassia. occidentalis Linn (Caesalpiniaceae) in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats(2)
• Analgesic and antipyretic activity of Cassia occidentalis Linn(3)
• Pharmacological profile of Cassia occidentalis L – A review(4)
• Antiasthmatic potential of aqueous extract of Cassia occidentalis(5)