Scientific Name: Cassia alata Linn.

Description: Erect, shrubby legume with dark green compound leaves on stout branches. Leaves have orange rachis. Each leaf has 16-28 leaflets. An axis of golden yellow flowers produces 4-winged pods containing 50-60 flattened, triangular seeds. Flowers enclosed by yellow-orange bracts that are later shed. Usually upper 3 stamens sterile.

Traditional Uses:

• Intestinal parasitism: The seeds used for intestinal parasitism.
• Tincture from leaves reported to be purgative.
• Cough: Decoction of leaves and flowers for cough.
• Ringworm, scabies, eczema, tinea infections, insect bites, herpes: Crushed leaves and juice extract.
• Preparation: Pound enough fresh leaves; express (squeeze out) the juice and apply on the affected skin morning and evening. Improvement should be noticed after 2 - 3 weeks of treatment.
• Decoction of leaves and flowers used as mouthwash in stomatitis.

Excerpts from: "An illustrated compilation of Philippine medicinal plants by Godofredo Stuart"