Amaltas is a medium-sized tree that is found in the plains, lower Himalayan range, Vindhya mountains, and forests of the northeastern states. This tree is beautiful in appearance. It has green leaves and yellow flowers. Its fruit is long, round, and pointed. The botanical name of Amaltas is Cassia fistula, but in India, it is popularly known as Amaltas. It is also known by the names of Cassia, Golden Shower tree, Golden Rain Tree, etc.

This is one of those trees which has been used since ancient times for its medicinal properties. Its branches, bark, leaves, and fruits are all used as medicine. Therefore, Amaltas have great importance in Ayurveda.

Importance of Amaltas in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, flowers, leaves, fruits, and bark are used to cure diseases. It effectively balances vata and pitta. Amaltas is used to cure constipation, cold, cough, fever, wounds, skin diseases, etc. The pulp of its fruit has a mild effect on the stomach. Therefore, weak people and pregnant women can use it as analgesics. In addition, it is also used in the symptoms of epilepsy, rheumatism, gout, etc.

It contains bioactive ingredients and strong purgative, anti-inflammatory, diuretic activity, antioxidants, antipyretic, astringent, carminative, antipruritic, and laxative properties.

Benefits of Amaltas

• Amaltas helps in increasing the immunity of the body. For this, boil the bark or fruit and filter it. After that drink its juice.
• Amaltas pulp is used to cure mouth ulcers. Blisters are cured quickly by sucking the pulp of Amaltas.
• It is a very beneficial medicine for healing wounds. Grind its leaves and apply them to the wound with milk. This helps the wounds heal quickly.
• Taking decoction(Kadha) of its root provides relief in fever.
• It is a very useful herb for skin-related diseases. Grind its leaves and apply them to the affected area to get rid of ringworms and itching.
• Amaltas is used on the skin due to the astringent properties. It causes contraction of cells which helps in tightening the pores. It also removes excess oil from the skin, preventing acne and pimples
• Constipation is cured by taking Amaltas leaves mixed with black pepper and salt. This also improves digestion.
• Its use is beneficial for stomach aches and pimples. Applying a paste of asafoetida and pulp on the navel of the baby provides relief in stomach ache, aphrodisia, and constipation.
• Amaltas is beneficial in relieving joint pain and arthritis. Boil the powder of the root of Amaltas in milk and drink, it provides relief in arthritis and joint pains.
• Make a decoction(Kadha) of the pulp of the fruit and take it, it reduces cough.
• Amaltas is great for the treatment of urinary disorders like painful urination, urinary incontinence, and burning sensation while urinating.

Precautions and Side-effects of Amaltas

• For people with hypersensitive skin, the paste of Amaltas leaves, bark, and fruit pulp should be mixed with honey, oil, or any other moisturizing cream before using.
• Avoid the seeds of the flower as these are toxic. The flower should always be washed with cold water rather than hot water.
• A person suffering from diarrhea should not take Amaltas.
• Excessive intake of Amaltas can cause diarrhea.
• Do not consume it in any kind of allergy.
• Pregnant women should take Amaltas as per the consultation of a doctor.
• It should also be avoided during breastfeeding.