Famed as an anti-diabetic herb, Cassia auriculata also known as Avartaki comes from the Caesalpiniaceae family. It is well known as Tanner’s Cassia or Mature Tea Tree in English, Tarwar, Awal, or Tarval in Hindi and Tangedu or Merakatangeedu in Telugu. This medicinal plant has been used for a long time to treat several ailments including diabetes, fever, skin infections, female infertility, worm infestation, leprosy, diarrhoea, urinary disorder and digestive issues.
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The holistic science of Ayurveda mentions this plant in several ayurvedic remedial scriptures as Avartaki, Pitkalika, Charmaranga, Manojyna, Pitapuspa, Pitkala, and Bhavya. The plant is native to India and Srilanka and is widely cultivated in the dry and warm climates of Maharashtra, Madya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Though it flourishes well in the fertile alluvial soil and warm weather, it can also thrive in black soils, dry stony hills, in degraded forest, or wastelands.
Imbued with therapeutic properties like anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, antiperoxidative, antipyretic, anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-spasmodic, the entire Avartaki plant has medicinal uses from the tip to the roots. The leaves of this plant are used for constipation and digestive purposes, powdered dried flowers, and flower buds are used in case of diabetes, the seed shows potent remedial action in case of eye infections, the bark is used for treating gonorrhoea, gout, rheumatic pain, whereas the root powder is extremely effective in the treatment of fever, urinary disorders and other bacterial infections.
Effect On Doshas:
Avartaki exemplifies 2 distinct tastes mainly Tikta (i.e. bitter) and Kashaya (i.e. astringent) Rasa. It has Rukhsha (i.e. dry quality) and Laghu Guna (i.e. light) and Sheeto Virya (i.e. cold potency). It characterizes Katu Vipaka (i.e. pungent taste after digestion) and mainly portrays rejuvenating property. The host of bioactive components in this ayurvedic herb helps to pacify the Pitta (i.e. fire and air) and Kapha (i.e. earth and water) doshas and effectively removes the AMA doshas from the body. Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas
Ayurvedic Indications:
This powerful herb is extensively mentioned in ancient ayurvedic scriptures of Charaka Samhita and Raj Nighantu for treating various problems including Prameha (manages diabetes), Trutahara (relieves excessive thirst), Mehahara (treats urinary tract disorders), Rasayani (rejuvenates the whole body), Balya (improves muscle strength), Kustha (leprosy), Deepana (enhances stomach fire), Pachana (helps in digestion), Kustha (treats skin disorders), Rochana (stimulates appetite), Amahara (treats indigestion), and Vamana (prevents nausea and vomiting), Ruchya (improves taste), Visahara (treats food poisoning), Raktapittashaman (purifies blood), Swashaghna (improves breathing difficulties), Sukrakshayashara (treats male infertility), and Raktaatisaraghna (treats piles).
Chemical Components:
Touted as a potent anti-diabetic and antimicrobial herb, C. auriculata is imbibed with a rich source of antioxidants, polysaccharides, tannins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, and phytosterols.
Health Benefits Of Avartaki:
Manages Diabetes
The excellent hypoglycaemic property of avartaki plays a crucial role in alleviating the blood sugar level of the body. The production of insulin from the β-pancreatic cells becomes active in consuming this wonder herb. It helps to reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose and provides relief from various diabetic symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, etc. Also Read: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Treats Urinary Disorders
Thanks to the potent anti-microbial property, avartaki is used extensively for preventing and treating urinary distension, renal stones, and painful urination. The herb also possesses strong anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties which helps to prevent bacterial infections in the urinary tract and thereby reducing inflammation and pain while urinating.
Relieves Constipation
Being a natural laxative, avartaki acts on the peristalsis movement of the faeces through the intestines thereby allowing smooth bowel movement and preventing conditions like constipation. It also plays an essential role in minimalizing mucous and excess fat content in the stools and preventing them from sticking to the intestinal walls and hence preventing diseases like piles and fistula. Avartaki when taken regularly also improves appetite, reduces acid reflux and promotes digestion.
Prevents Infections
The abundance of antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties, make Avartaki, the ultimate solution to ward off various infections and worm infestations. The bio-active components in the herb help in bolstering immunity and enhances healing. It not only helps reduce the risk of various bacterial infections like fever, tuberculosis, dengue, etc but also prevents allergic conditions on the skin.
Treats Arthritis
Avartaki exemplifies powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which holds high significance in reducing joint and muscle pain, thereby reducing the chances of chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, etc.
Dosage:
Cassia auriculata is a powerful flowering herb that is highly effective for alleviating diabetes symptoms when taken in recommended doses.
The medically recommended dosage for cassia auriculata is 0. 5 – 2 grams of finely ground avartaki powder mixed in lukewarm water after dinner before going to sleep.
Side Effects:
When taken in moderate quantities, cassia auriculata does not pose any harmful side effects. However, excessive internal consumption of this herbal powder can lead to dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and even liver damage.
It is thus advised to always consult with a professional ayurvedic doctor prior to taking avartaki powder and other formulations to steer clear of health issues.
