Kasamarda (Kasamarda (Arimarda, Kasari, Karkasha))
Kasamarda (Cassia occidentalis) is a plant used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine. It is known for its various therapeutic properties and is used to manage a range of conditions including digestive issues, liver disorders, and skin ailments. It also acts as a general tonic.
Botanical name: Cassia occidentalis. Also known as: Coffee senna, Negro coffee, Coffee weed, Stinking Weed, Foetid Cassia, Septicweed, Mogdad coffee, Senna coffee, Stephanie coffee, Kasamarda, Kasmard, Arimarda, Kāsāri, Kāsamardaka, Kāla, Kanaka, Jāraṇa, Dīpaka, Kasondi, Kasundri, Kasankal, Kasundar, Kasondi, Kasondudārī, Elemuri soppu, Kasvandi, Doddaagace, Karivelamaran, Ponnaviram, ponnariviriram, Kasinda, Kasondi.
Properties
Hepatoprotective, Antimicrobial, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antidiabetic, Anticancer, Antidepressant
Dosage
It is important to consult with an Ayurvedic doctor or medical practitioner for appropriate dosage for your condition. * **Powder (Churna):** 3-6 grams, twice daily with warm water or honey. 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of powder with water two times after meals. * **Decoction (Kashayam):** 30-50 ml, prepared fresh and consumed twice daily. 20-30 ml two times a day. * **Fresh Leaf Juice (Swarasa):** 10-20 ml extracted from fresh leaves or seeds. 10-15 ml two times a day. 5-10ml once a day. * **Root bark decoction:** 50-100 ml. * **Dried Leaf Powder:** 1–2 grams (about ¼–½ teaspoon) mixed with warm water, taken once daily in the evening. Start low (0.5 g) if sensitivity is high. * **Standardized Extract (10:1):** 200–400 mg capsule, 1–2 times daily, after meals. * **Seeds:** 0.25–0.5 grams of roasted, ground seeds mixed in warm decoction; used for occasional severe constipation but only under guidance due to potency. 1 to 2 gm. * **Leaves:** 5-10 grams. * **Seeds:** 1-3 grams.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Sweet
- Virya: ["Heating"]
- Vipaka: ["Sweet"]
Benefits
- Digestive
- Throat Cleanser
- Aphrodisiac
- Laxative
Traditional uses
- Cough
- Poison
- Blood disorders
- Skin diseases
- Asthma
- Fever
- Urinary retention
- Dysuria
- Inflammatory conditions
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction: Boil leaves, roots, or bark in water and strain. For cough and bronchitis, prepare a decoction of Kasamarda leaves and ginger.
- Powder (Churna): Dry the plant parts and grind them into a fine powder.
- Juice (Swarasa): Extract juice from fresh leaves or seeds using a juicer.
- Paste (Lepa): Grind fresh leaves with a little water to make a paste for topical application.
- Infused Oil: Infuse Kasamarda leaves in sesame oil to prepare an oil for joint pain.
- Vegetable: Leaves are used as vegetables in South Indian households. A rasam preparation called Tambuli is prepared in Coastal Karnataka.
- Coffee Substitute: Seeds are roasted and used as a coffee substitute. Roasting destroys the purgative property of the seeds.
- গরম জল Infusion: Take 3-4 leaves, dry them under sunlight, grind them to a powdery form, use a filter to collect the powder and pass hot water through it.
Contraindications
- Diarrhea
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Children
- Electrolyte Issues
Side effects
- Generally considered safe when used short-term within recommended dosages.
- Diarrhea: Due to its laxative nature, large quantities can lead to loose motion or severe diarrhea. Not indicated in people with diarrhea.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Prolonged, high-dose use may cause electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia).
- Abdominal Cramping: Exceeding the recommended dosage may lead to abdominal cramping or discomfort.
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic, experiencing skin rashes or swelling. Perform a patch test before topical use.
- Low Blood Pressure: May depress the Central Nervous System (CNS), resulting in decreased metabolic processes and decreased heartbeat, resulting in lower blood pressure.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Avoid internal use due to potential uterine stimulation and limited safety data.
- Possible Toxicity: There is a potential toxicity in high doses. The leaves are considered poisonous.
- Malabsorption: Chronic misuse might impair fat-soluble vitamin uptake.
Interactions
- Western Medicines: Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- Diuretics, Heart Medications, and Digitalis Glycosides: Caution with these medications due to possible potassium shifts.
- Aspirin, Heparin, Warfarin, Anti-hypersensitive drugs: Kasmard interacts with these drugs and can cause major side effects to the body, so it is advised to consult a doctor before starting a herbal course.
Clinical evidence
A single randomized pilot study showed improvement in bowel frequency. Further research is needed to confirm these effects and explore other potential clinical applications.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Digestive
- Throat Cleanser
- Aphrodisiac
- Laxative
Classical clinical indications
- Cough
- Poison
- Blood disorders
- Skin diseases
- Asthma
- Fever
- Urinary retention
- Dysuria
- Inflammatory conditions