Family _ Caesalpiniaceae.
Habitat _ Native to the West Indies. Found wild almost throughout India.
English _ Ringworm Cassia., Candle Bush, Large-leafletted Eglandular Senna
Ayurvedic _ Dadrughna, Dadrumardana.
Siddha _ Malanthakerai, Seemaiagathi (Tamil).
Folk _ Daadmaari.
This plant, a 6 – 25 feet tall, perennial shrub, has erect waxy yellow spikes that resemble fat candles before the individual blossoms open. The large leaves are bilateral – symetrical opposed and fold together at night. The fruit is a pod, while the seeds are small and square. The leaves contain chrysophanic acid. The leaves are reported to be sudorific, diuretic and purgative, being used in the same manner as senna. The leaves are commonly used for ringworm and other skin diseases. The leaves in decoction are also used to treat bronchitis and asthma. Because of it’s anti-fungal properties, it is a common ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and lotions in the Philippines.
Action _ Leaf—used in skin diseases like herpes, blotch, eczema, mycosis (washerman’s itch). Dried leaves in leprosy.
A strong decoction is used for ringworm, eczema and herpes. Leaves are also used as a purgative.
Young pods contain rhein, emodin and aloe-emodin. The antibacterial activity of the leaves is reported to be due to rhein. The roots contain anthraquinone. Emodin, aloe-emodin and anthraquinone contribute to the purgative activity of the leaves and roots. Crushed leaves or roots are rubbed on to the skin to cure ringworm and to control Tinea imbricata, a skin fungus.
Descended from a long lineage of vaidyas of the Ganaka caste, the traditional caste in Kerala of Jyotishi , Ayurveda and Kalarippayat teachers. His grandfather, father and brothers are all vaidyas, owning and running a family clinic in Kerala. Dr.Siju ( Vaidya Siju ) is skilled in Ayurveda, Jyotish - specifically in the field of Prasna Shastra (Horary Astrology), Marma Vidya, pulse diagnosis, and as a trainer of Kalarippayat, the art of Vedic self-defense.
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