Cassia Herb

The cassia herb is also known by other names such as the cassia bark, canton cassia, cassia aromaticum, bastard cinnamon, Chinese cinnamon and so on. Typically the bark of the cassia tree is considered to be a substitute for cinnamon and this bark of the cassia tree is known to produce a volatile oil that is very similar to cinnamon Oil. Cassia oil is known to contain key components such as cinnamylacetate, cinnamic aldehyde, starch and tannic acid. Besides the bark of the cassia tree, the other useful parts of this tree would include the fruits, root bark and the leaves.

One of the health benefits and therapeutic uses of the cassia tree include its effectiveness against constipation. While treating constipation naturally, the pulp from the fruits of the cassia tree are used. These tend to have a laxative effect. This natural treatment can be safely administered to even pregnant women as well as children. As part of the home treatment for constipation, the pulp of the cassia fruit should be soaked in water and allowed to remain overnight. Thereafter this liquid should be strained and consumed with some sugar.
The root of the cassia tree is known to help in treating the symptoms of a common cold such as congestion and a running nose. In this natural treatment, the root of the cassia tree should be burnt and then the smoke should be inhaled. This helps in promoting nasal discharge thereby providing great relief to the individual.
The root of the cassia tree is also used as a tonic for reducing fever. In fact in some parts of the world, the alcoholic extract of the root of the bark of the cassia tree is used to treat black water fever.
The pulp of the cassia fruit is also used as part of the treatment for intestinal disorders in children such as flatulence. In such cases, the fruit of the cassia tree is made into a paste and applied around the child’s navel. In severe cases of constipation, the cassia pulp could also be combined with some almond or linseed oil which is then massaged onto the navel to promote easy bowel movements.
Similarly the leaves of the cassia tree are also used as dressings for inflammation of the feet and hands, which may have been caused on account of exposure to cold. The leaves are used for gaining relief from skin irritation and to alleviate pain and swelling.
Cassia essential oil is also known to help in the prevention of the spread of bacteria and microbes to the other parts of the body, thereby preventing the spread of an existing infection. The oil of cassia is also known to help in the prevention of the outbreak of flu and cold on account of its strong antiviral and antimicrobial properties.
The oil of cassia is also used as an effective natural treatment for arthritic joints on account of its anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties. Cassia essential oil is known to stimulate the flow of blood to the joints by strengthening the circulatory system which in turn increases the supply of oxygen to the joints. The added oxygen received by the joints helps in strengthening the nearby muscles and tissues by adding nutrients and also warms the surrounding tissues thereby providing relief from the discomfort and pain associated with arthritis.

As a precautionary measure while using cassia oil, it should not be applied directly on the skin as it may damage the surface of the skin and even burn it.