Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants

Cassia occidentalis Linn

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Botanical name: Cassia occidentalis Linn.
PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
Sanskrit: Kasamarda, Arimarda, Kasari
English: Coffee Senna, Negro coffee, Stinking weed, Foetid Cassia
Hindi: Kasaundi, Barikasaundi, kasond ,chakunda
Malayalam: Ponnaveeram, Kasamarda, Ponnariveeran

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Coffee Senna is a smooth annual that can grow up to 2 m tall. The leaves are compound, leaflets, in 4-6 pairs, have a sharp tip. These leaflets are 2-9 cm long and 2-3 cm wide with a distinct gland 3-5 mm from the base of the stalk. Flowers occur in leaf axils. Sepals are green and 6-9 mm long. The petals are yellow and 1-2 cm long. The 6-7 stamens are of two different lengths. The seed pods are dark brown, 8 to 12 cm long, 7-10 mm wide and curve slightly upward. The seeds are dull brown, 4-5 mm long and flattened on both ends. The seeds can be roasted and made into a coffee-like drink.

The Root, Seeds, Leaves plant of Coffee Senna is used to allergy, bronchitis, asthma, diabetes, fever, wounds and skin diseases.