Candle Bush (Cassia alata)

Candle Bush (Cassia alata) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to Central America, Caribbean, and Northern South America. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and roots have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, bitter, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in african traditional medicine, native american herbal medicine, and european herbal medicine.

Candle Bush (Cassia alata) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Candle Bush (Cassia alata) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Candle Bush
Scientific Name	Cassia alata
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Cassia
Species	alata
Native Range	Central America, Caribbean, Northern South America
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Bitter, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	African Traditional Medicine, Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Cassia alata
Common Name: Candle Bush
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Golden Cassia, Cassia Tree, False Cinnamon
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Cassia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 2 to 5 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface green and lower surface pale green, bearing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Upright spike of yellow flowers with five ovate petals, actinomorphic symmetry, and prominent yellow anthers.
Stems: Cassia alata exhibits erect growth habit with opposite branching, smooth surface, and presence of thorn-like structures along the stem.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

African Traditional Medicine
Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a mild anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Bitter: In herbal literature, noted as a soothing bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Diuretic: Historically regarded as a calming diuretic, for moisture-related balance.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a moderate tonic, in whole-system applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Coumarin: Plant-derived compounds often associated with fragrance-related chemistry.
Tannin: A class of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in bark, leaves, and seeds.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Reports outlining specific contraindications for this herb are limited.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Toxic effects have been reported in association with the use of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.
Extract: Plant compounds are extracted using water, glycerin, or other solvents.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.