Amaltas trees are widely grown throughout India. They are often used for landscaping purposes because of their beautiful yellow flowers.
The Amaltas tree grows in tropical regions of the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. It is considered one of the most precious woods in the world because it is extremely hard and durable.
Cassia fistula is commonly called Golden shower, Shower of gold, Golden shower tree, golden tree, and Amaltas.
The tropical tree is filled with bright golden-yellow flowers during late spring or early summer. The fragrant flowers attract many bees and butterflies.
Medicinal uses of Amaltas:
The Amaltas tree is well known for its medicinal properties. In ancient times, people used it for curing many ailments including fever, cough, asthma, skin disorders, eye problems, rheumatism, ulcers, stomach aches, gout, diabetes etc. People also use it as a remedy against snake bites.
A person suffering from constipation must eat 10 pods of Amaltas fruit every day. The pod contains an alkaline substance that helps in digestion and is used as a mild laxative.
Amaltas roots are used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, and even leprosy. These roots contain saponins, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, steroids, fatty acids, essential oils, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, carbohydrates, proteins, and many others. Some studies suggest that amaltas may help prevent cancer and boost immunity.
Amaltas leaves are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat several skin diseases including eczema, psoriatic lesions, and ulcers. They contain saponins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and terpenes. In vitro tests show that amaltas leaves inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Amaltas leaf extracts have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in animal models. One study found that an ethanol extract of amaltas leaves inhibited tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Another study showed that an ethanolic extract of amaltas had significant antioxidant properties.
Amaltas may have an antibacterial effect and they may protect the body against infections. It may prevent cough and cold symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, headache, etc. Amaltas may also reduce fever.
Amaltas is a natural supplement that contains many minerals which help strengthen heart muscle cells. Amaltas help prevents the buildup of fats in your body. Amaltas reduces blood cholesterol levels.
Amaltas leaves have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiarthritic, antipyretic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, cardioprotective, hypoglycemic, immunostimulant, diuretic, hypotensive, hypolipidemic, antimutagenic, anticancer, antifertility, neuroprotective, adaptogenic, aphrodisiac, anxiolytic, sedative, antidepressant, memory enhancing and cognition improving properties.
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Happy Gardening!
Dr. Vandana K.