|
Cassia tora L. syn. Cassia obtusifolia L.
It is an annual foetid herb, 30–90 cm high .
Leaves: pinnate, up to 10 cm long rachis grooved, conical gland
between each of two lowest pairs of leaflet, leaflets in 3 pairs,
opposite, obovate, oblong and base oblique.
Flowers: In pair in axils of leaves, petals five, pale yellow.
Fruit: Pod, Obliquely separate.
Seed: 30-50 rhombhedral
Flowering time: After the monsoon rains (in Indian conditions)
Useful parts: Roots, Leaves, and Seeds.
Young leaves - cooked as a vegetable, Roasted seeds are a coffee
substitute.
Medicinal Properties and Uses: According to Ayurveda the leaves and
seeds are acrid, laxative , antiperiodic, anthelmintic, ophthalmic,
liver tonic, cardiotonic and expectorant. The leaves and seeds are
useful in leprosy, ringworm, flatulence, colic, dyspepsia,
constipation, cough, bronchitis, cardiac disorders. |
