An annual herb, glabrous. Leaves 6 to 12.5 cm long; stipules linear - subulate, leaflets 2 to 4 opposite pairs with a conical gland, apex acute, base acute to asymetrically rounded. Flowers in pairs aw short axillary peduncles; calyx divided, segments 5 mm long, ovate, acute; petals 5, pale yellow 8 mm long and 2.5 mm wide, oblong, obtuse. Fruits pod, stout, 15 to 25 cm long. Seeds green, 25 to 30.

Alleviates spasms and antiviral (plant); germicide and antiparasitical, it has been shown to be effective in lowering cholesterol and reducing blood pressure.

Cassia tora L.
Herb Information
Plants for a Future
PIER

Aloe-emodin, anthrone, chrysophanol, emodin, oleic acid, palmitic acid, physcion, rhein, rubrofuras in-6-beta-gentiobioside, stearic acid, toralactone (seed); glucose, mannitol (plant); rhein, chrysophenol (leaf).

Snakebite anitdote (root); skin diseases such as caused by ringworm and itching, rheumatic ailments (seed and leaf); eases skin itch and eruptions, relieves pain, congestion, redness, or sensitivity to light of the eyes (herb). Used as a poultice, warmed leaves reduce gout, sciatica, and joint pains, in cases of liver yang rising, chronic or acute constipation accompanying liver yin deficiency.

Cassia seeds should not be used by those with diarrhea or lethargy and should not be used with cannabis seed.

Sharma, Classical Uses of Medicinal Plants.