Ceylon Cassia (Cassia angustifolia)

Ceylon Cassia (Cassia angustifolia) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Traditionally, its leaves, seeds, and bark have been used for decoctions, powders, and infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, anti-inflammatory, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and european herbal medicine.

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

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Ceylon Cassia
Scientific Name	Cassia angustifolia
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Cassia
Species	angustifolia
Native Range	India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Seeds, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, European Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Powder, Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Cassia angustifolia
Common Name: Ceylon Cassia
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Senna Angustifolia, Cassia Angustifolia, Cinnamon Tree
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Cassia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with bipinnate venation, upper surface yellow-green, lower surface pale green, bearing distinct stomatal bands along midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are terminal spikes with yellow flowers, each having five petals, five sepals, and a prominent yellow stipitate gland at the base of the pedicel, exhibiting actinomorphic symmetry.
Stems: Erect, woody, branching pattern is dichotomous, surface is glabrous, nodes are swollen, internodes are cylindrical.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Powder
Infusion
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: As described in traditional systems, a mild bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a calming anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a cooling tonic, in whole-system applications.
Diuretic: Traditionally described as a moderate diuretic, in urinary system discussions.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Tannin: Plant-derived compounds known for their ability to bind proteins.
Coumarin: A class of aromatic organic compounds found in many plant species.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Certain contraindications have been reported in relation to the use of this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Toxicity related to this herb has been documented in available sources.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

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.