Tamil Name: கள்ளி மூலயான் Caralluma is a succulent plant (cactus) from India. In India it grows wild and is often used as a border in gardens and as a roadside shrub. It is also found in the wild in Africa, Saudi Arabia, Canary Islands, Afghanistan, and Southern Europe. Traditionally, Indian tribes chewed chunks of caralluma to keep from being hungry during a long hunt. These days, a solution that contains chemicals taken from the plant (extract) is used to decrease appetite for weight loss. It is also used to quench thirst and to increase endurance. In foods in India, caralluma is cooked as a vegetable and is used in preserves such as chutneys and pickles. It is also eaten raw.
Tamil Name: கடுகடுக்கணம் Cassia seeds are bitter, sweet and salty in flavor. Cassia seed extract is beneficial in problems related to intestine, liver, large intestine and vision. The seed extract is also used as an alternative to coffee. The seed is slightly cold in nature and hence works better on liver and large intestine. Cassia is the native tree of the tropics. It is quite popular in China in Sichuan, Anhui, Guangdong and Guangxi regions. During fall months, Cassia seeds are harvested and these are sun dried before use. Cassia seeds are used in different forms such as whole seed, tea packets, ground powder, pastes and herb pillows. Cassia seed helps improve vision, removes intensive heat from the liver and provides nourishment to large intestine and also smoothes the bowel movement.
Tamil Name: செம்மைஅகத்தி Leaves or sap are used to treat fungal infections such as ringworm. They contain a fungicide, chrysophanic acid. Because of its anti-fungal properties, it is a common ingredient in soaps, shampoos and lotions in the Philippines. The effectiveness of this plant against skin diseases is confirmed by modern scientific studies.
Tamil Name : அவரி இலை Senna is an herb. The leaves and the fruit of the plant are used to make medicine. Senna is an FDA-approved nonprescription laxative. It is used to treat constipation and also to clear the bowel before diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy. Senna is also used for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, and weight loss. Senna fruit seems to be gentler than senna leaf. This has led the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) to warn against long-term use of senna leaf, but not senna fruit. The AHPA recommends that senna leaf products be labeled, "Do not use this product if you have abdominal pain or diarrhea. Consult a healthcare provider prior to use if you are pregnant or nursing. Discontinue use in the event of diarrhea or watery stools. Do not exceed recommended dose. Not for long-term use.”
Tamil Name: கொன்றை Cassia Fistula is commonly known as Amaltas. This beautiful tree is usually medium in size and has compound leaves that are large in size. The leaves of Cassia Fistula are dark green in color and are shiny. The flowers of Cassia Fistula are bright yellow in color that hangs from the branches. The fruits of Cassia Fistula are shiny dark brown in color and are usually cylindrical in shape. They can be anywhere between 50 to 60 cm long.
Tamil Name: தகவிதை Cassia Tora is used as a coffee substitute and has a maturing and anodyne action. It is very useful in treating skin diseases like ringworm and itching or body scratch and psoriasis. The alcoholic or vinegar maceration of pounded fresh leaves is used externally to treat eczema and dermatomycosis. Decoction of the fruit of Cassia Tora is used in the treatment of fever. Since the herb acts as a kapha and vata dosha suppressant, it acts as a nerve tonic. It is consumed in worm infestation and cures the infection occurring in the body. Cassia Tora acts as a liver stimulant, mild laxative and heart tonic. The herb helps the body in maintaining the normal level of cholesterol. Its paste is used for treating skin ailments and also for getting rid of chronic diseases. Cassia Tora proves worthwhile in treating piles and hemorrhoids as well as relieving the pain caused on excretion. Its powder proves useful in combating indigestion, toning up heart muscles and purifying blood. The juice extracted from its leaves is used in case of skin ailments, rashes and allergies. It is also used as an antidote in case of various poisonings. The leaves ad seeds of Cassia Tora are useful in leprosy, flatulence, colic, dyspepsia, constipation, cough, bronchitis and cardiac disorders.
