Cassia seeds are very popular, as it is very beneficial for human health. It was widely used in ancient medicines to cure several ailments related to digestion, eyes, joints, intestines, liver and can also relieve several infections. These seeds come from two types of annual herbaceous plants, namely, Cassia Tora L and Cassia Obtusifolia L.
The cassia plant belongs to the Leguminosae family and is commonly found in the tropical areas of India, China, and Africa. The cassia plants have yellow flowers and dark green leaves. The seeds of this plant are found in the pods like the regular leguminous plants.
List of Top 10 Health Benefits Of Cassia Seeds
Cassia seeds are often used as a daily supplement, consumed as a tea and the oil of the seed is used for relieving joint aches and body pain. The health benefits of cassia seeds are given below.
1. Helps In Weight Loss
As the cassia seeds have laxative properties, it aids in weight loss by expelling the toxins effectively. It also drains away from the excess water in the body and offers a toned look. Having cassia seed tea or using its extract in your regular detox tea will help you lose those extra pounds. It is known for its purging activities that prevent the absorption of carbohydrates and fats in your body to initiate weight loss.
As per a study, it was found that the seeds of cassia caused depletion of lipid accumulation in white adipose tissues. Adipose tissues are responsible for the storage of energy in the form of fat. Obesity is primarily due to the number of adipose tissues in the body and not by the weight of the person. (1)
Leguminosae seeds are also helpful in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is an obesity-related disease. In this study, the test was done with its ethanol extract. (2)
2. Improves Digestion Of Food
The presence of organic compounds called glycosides in cassia seeds improves the gastric secretions in the body for promoting digestion. Having a cup of tea made from cassia seeds will help in quick digestion. It also avoids intestinal dryness, as it has cooling properties and prevents the large intestine from building up the heat during the digestion process.
It can also be used for treating intestinal disorders in kids like flatulence. Those who are suffering from stomach pain due to indigestion will get relief by massaging cassia seed oil mixed with linseed oil or almond oil in their navel area.
3. Prevents Constipation
Cassia seeds are widely used for its therapeutic benefits, which includes its laxative properties. It has the purgative anthraquinone like emodin that imparts the laxative effect of treating constipation issues. Drinking the tea prepared with cassia seeds every day will help in keeping track of the large intestine well hydrated and facilitates bowel movement.
Having the extract of the seeds of the Cassia plant will help in softening and lubricating the stools. It also alleviates the buildup of heat in the intestinal tract.
4. Combats Microorganisms
Cassia seeds can inhibit the growth of microorganisms like fungi, which can cause severe skin infections. It can also kill bacteria and prevent the growth of different bacterial strains like Bacillus diphtheriae, Staphylococcus, and Bacillus coli. Mixing cassia seed powder in drinking water will help in curing all kinds of topical infections triggered by fungi.
Making an infusion with cassia seed extract and alcohol will be useful for bacterial infections.
5. Treats Eye Problems
The seeds of the Cassia plant contain retinoic acid that has made it find a place in the eye care medicines of ancient times. It can detox the liver and promote vision. These seeds are used for treating an array of eye problems, such as blurred vision, itchy eyes, glaucoma, red, painful eyes, and dry eyes.
It is often used in herbal medicines for curing conjunctive congestion or bloodshot eyes and glaucoma by using cassia seed extract with gentian root.
6. Lowers Hypertension
Having cassia seed tea regularly like your green tea will help in lowering high blood pressure. It can promote the circulation of blood in the body to keep the pressure levels of the blood under control. The seeds of the Cassia plant can also lower the blood lipids.
7. Maintains Cholesterol Levels
Cassia seeds play a pivotal role in preventing the level of serum cholesterol from rising to the fatal limit. It also suppresses the development of atherosclerotic plaque to prevent cardiovascular issues.
8. Relieves Cold and Flu
Cassia seeds are known to have potent antimicrobial and antiviral properties that make them a natural treatment for cold and flu. Using cassia seed oil will prevent the outbreak of cold and flu. The seeds can relieve a headache, cures cold and flu, and can combat all infections related to seasonal allergies.
9. Promotes Sleep
Using a cassia seed pillow instead of your foam pillow will help you enjoy a good night’s sleep. The therapeutic properties of these seeds would calm and relax the nerves while gently massaging your head. It is the best cure for people suffering from sleep apnea and insomnia. The pillow made with the seeds of the Cassia plant remains cool during the summer and warm during the winter.
People who are suffering from chronic pain in the neck and shoulders can also sleep with a cassia seed pillow. The thick texture of the seeds would offer meridian acupoint massage to cure several medical conditions like cervical spondylosis, dizziness, cerebral arteriosclerosis, dizziness, and insomnia.
10. Soothes Body Pain
The oil extracted from the seeds of the Cassia plant is an effective treatment to ease arthritis pain in the joints. It has anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory properties. Massaging the joints with this oil every day will help in kindling the blood flow to promote the efficiency of the circulatory system and facilitates better oxygen supply in the joints.
It can also alleviate the swelling, discomfort, and pain in the muscles and tissues by warming them and improves blood circulation. The decoction of cassia seed is beneficial for kids with teething pain.
If you are in search of the best option to help you stay free from all kinds of infections, body pain and maintain your ideal body weight, then make sure you have a stock of cassia seeds in your kitchen. You can use it alone or along with chrysanthemum or goji berries to prepare tea.
However, avoid using cassia seeds for the long-term, as it has anthraquinones that can induce intestinal melanosis. Also, pregnant ladies should not use these seeds, as some components in them might cause premature labor.
What Are Cassia Seeds?
The seeds of the Cassia plant are known as jue ming zi in China and were used extensively in ancient Chinese medicine for its curing properties. These small seeds vary in color from brownish-green, yellow to dark brown. These seeds have a salty, sweet, and slightly bitter taste.
Cassia seeds are usually cleaned and dried before use and can be utilized either directly or in powdered form for extracting their goodness efficiently. It can also be used as a substitute for your regular coffee by roasting and grinding the dried seeds. This seed is also known by its Latin name, Semen Cassiae.
Cassia seeds have gained immense popularity in recent years, as it can benefit your health in several ways, by promoting eye health, correcting bowel movements, provides relief from cold and flu, and restores the functions of the liver. The seeds of the Cassia plant are known for their laxative property and are used in Ayurveda as an expectorant, anthelmintic and ophthalmic.
Side Effects of Cassia Tora Seeds
The benefits of Cassia seeds are due to the chemicals chrysophanol, obtusin, and Aurantio-obtusin. The chemicals also do have some side effects. People suffering from diarrhea and digestion related ailments should avoid it. It could worsen gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and gas problems. Since it works as a nervous system stimulant, the related side effects of anxiety are common too.
It lowers blood pressure due to which people on blood pressure medications should avoid taking it. Pregnant women should avoid it altogether. People suffering from qi deficiency should also avoid it.
Cassia fistula was found to cause infertility in female rats according to research done by Chauhan and Agarwal M. However if it has the same effect on humans is yet to be ascertained. Women should avoid it during pregnancy or could take advice from their doctor before taking it. (3)
Some studies also suggest that people suffering from liver-related ailments should also avoid using it.
Cassia Seed FAQ
What is cassia seed used for?
Cassia seed is used as a spice in many different foods. It is most commonly used in Indian cuisine, mixed with other herbs to give them flavor. Cassia seed can also be found in Middle Eastern cuisine, where it is used to give dishes a bitter taste. It is also used to make coffee, tea, and other hot drinks. Cassia is the dried fruit of the cassia tree. Cassia seed is a very potent source of antioxidants, essential for preventing cell damage and promoting healthy skin and hair. It contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron. Cassia seed can be used in place of other spices such as black pepper or cumin when cooking food. However, it has a more robust flavor than these two spices and can be used in smaller amounts to get the desired flavor profile in your dish.
Does cassia seed help in weight loss?
Cassia seed is a type of spice that is used in many Indian and Chinese dishes. It is also known as cumin seed and has been used for centuries to help reduce weight. Cassia seed contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which has been shown to help suppress appetite and increase the burning of calories. In addition, it also helps you lose weight by helping you burn more fat. Cassia seed is a popular weight loss supplement derived from the bark and seeds of the cinchona tree. Cassia seed has been shown to help reduce fat mass and improve blood sugar levels in people who are obese or have diabetes. Cassia seed is also known to increase energy levels and decrease appetite, leading to weight loss. In addition, cassia seed may also help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation.
Do consult your doctor first before taking it regularly if you are suffering from some disease.
What is cassia seed tea good for?
Cassia seed tea is a type of tea made from the dried and ground seeds of the cassia tree. Cassia seed tea has a bitter taste and is often used to substitute black tea.
Cassia seed tea is suitable for people looking for an alternative to black tea because it has many health benefits, but it does not contain caffeine.
Some benefits of cassia seed tea include:
- Helps in reducing stress and anxiety
- Helps improve heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels and increasing good cholesterol levels
- It might help in improving digestion by promoting healthy intestinal flora