Cassia Tora: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Sanskrit: Chakra Marda (ringworm destroyer) Botanical: Cassia tora Linn

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Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
plasma
Systems
Circulatory

What is Cassia?

Seeds and leaves are used for skin diseases.Mixed with lime juice, eases skin itch and erup-tions; ringworm (used externally). Leaf decoctions (1 part leaves : 10 parts water) given in two ouncedoses to children, removes fevers during teething.Leaves boiled in castor oil are applied to foul ul-cers and inflammations. As a poultice, leaves has-ten suppuration. Warmed they reduce gout, sciatica,and joint pains. Seeds are used as a substitute fortea and coffee.

Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Dadru hara (ringworm — prime use)
  • Kushtha hara (skin diseases)
  • Krimighna
  • Kandu hara (relieves itching)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Ayurvedic Properties (Energetics)

PropertyValue
Rasa (Taste)plasma
Body SystemsCirculatory

Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology

Preparation & Usage

Forms: Decoction, paste, poultice, oil

Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology

How to Use Cassia Tora by Condition

Explore how Cassia Tora is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

Classical Text References (1 sources)

References in Sharangadhara Samhita

Another paste for Karandu and Pama: Durva (Cynodon dactylon, bermuda grass), Abhaya (Haritaki/Terminalia chebula), Saindhava (rock salt), Chakramarda (Cassia tora), and Kutheraka (Ocimum basilicum/basil), mixed with buttermilk as a paste, destroys Karandu (itching) and Pama (scabies).

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)

Durva grass is cooling and anti-pruritic, Chakramarda is specifically antifungal (its seeds contain chrysophanol), and holy basil is antimicrobial.

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)

Chakramarda leaves (Cassia tora), Meshashringi (Gymnema sylvestre), Hilamochika, Koshataki (Luffa acutangula), bamboo shoots, ripe palmyra fruit, and Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) are recommended.

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 57: Diet for Skin Diseases (Kushtha Pathyapathyam)

Chakramarda leaves (Cassia tora), Meshashringi (Gymnema sylvestre), Hilamochika, Koshataki (Luffa acutangula), bamboo shoots, ripe palmyra fruit, and Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) are recommended.

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 46: Diet for Skin Diseases (Kushtha Pathyapathyam)

Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application); Parishishtam, Chapter 57: Diet for Skin Diseases (Kushtha Pathyapathyam); Parishishtam, Chapter 46: Diet for Skin Diseases (Kushtha Pathyapathyam)

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.