Aragvadha (Cassia fistula)

Common Names: Indian Laburnum, Golden Shower Tree, Purging Cassia
Sanskrit Synonyms: Aragvadha, Rajataru, Chaturangula, Suvarnaka, Nr̥padruma, Kritamāla
Tamil Name: சாரக்கொன்றை (Sara Konrai)
Family: Fabaceae
Part Used: Tvak (Bark), Phala (Fruit pulp), Patra (Leaves), Pushpa (Flowers)

Ayurvedic Pharmacology (Dravya Guṇa)

• Rasa (Taste): Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter)

• Guna (Qualities): Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Unctuous)

• Virya (Potency): Śīta (Cooling)

• Vipāka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (Sweet)

• Karma (Actions):
  Virechana (Purgative), Mridu Rechaka (Mild laxative), Pitta-hara (Pacifies Pitta), Raktaprasādana (Purifies blood), Dāha-praśamana (Relieves burning), Śothahara (Reduces inflammation), Krimighna (Antimicrobial), Jvaraghna (Antipyretic), Rasāyana (Rejuvenative), Vranaropaka (Heals wounds)

Doshic Action

Pacifies Pitta and Kapha doṣas, mildly balances Vāta.
Acts mainly on Annavaha (digestive), Raktavaha (blood), and Pūrvavaha srotas (excretory channels).

Therapeutic Indications

Aragvadha is one of the most gentle and dependable natural purgatives mentioned in Ayurveda, effective for both children and adults. The bark, fruit pulp, and leaves are used for detoxification and relief from heat and inflammatory conditions.

It is beneficial in:

• Kostha-śuddhi (Intestinal cleansing, constipation)

• Kuṣṭha (Skin disorders – eczema, psoriasis, boils)

• Pitta-jvara (Fever with burning and heat)

• Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders, Pitta aggravation)

• Śotha (Swelling, edema)

• Jaundice and liver disorders

• Vraṇa (Wound healing)

• Arśas (Piles)

• Prameha (Metabolic disorders)

Its bark decoction is used for blood purification and anti-inflammatory action, while the fruit pulp acts as a mild laxative.