Kasmard
Kasmard
Kasmard, also known as Kasondi, is an erect herb found all over India. It is widely used for its medicinal benefits.
Kasmard helps in managing symptoms of asthma due to its anti-allergic properties. It is also beneficial in diabetes as it lowers blood glucose levels due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As per Ayurveda, Kasmard helps in reducing the symptoms of cough and asthma due to its Ushna (hot) nature and Vata-Kapha balancing properties. Consuming Kasmard juice after meals help in managing cough.
Kasmard helps in wound healing as it accelerates the process of wound contraction and closure due to its antioxidant properties. It also has antimicrobial properties that help in preventing skin infections. A paste of Kasmard leaves can be applied to the affected area to get rid of skin problems[2][5-7][10].
Kasmard helps in managing symptoms of asthma due to its anti-allergic properties. It is also beneficial in diabetes as it lowers blood glucose levels due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As per Ayurveda, Kasmard helps in reducing the symptoms of cough and asthma due to its Ushna (hot) nature and Vata-Kapha balancing properties. Consuming Kasmard juice after meals help in managing cough.
Kasmard helps in wound healing as it accelerates the process of wound contraction and closure due to its antioxidant properties. It also has antimicrobial properties that help in preventing skin infections. A paste of Kasmard leaves can be applied to the affected area to get rid of skin problems[2][5-7][10].
What are the synonyms of Kasmard?
Cassia occidentalis, Kasarih, Arimard, Kasoundi, Kasondi, Kasundri, Kasonji, Doddatagache, Anesogate, Alevure, Kasundro, Peyavirai, Nattandagarai, Kasinda, Peddakasinda, Kalkashunda, Thulo Tapre, Kasvinda, Rankasvinda, Ponnaviram, Karintakara, Mattantakara, Coffee Weed, Coffee Senna, Stinking Weed, Weed Coffee, Styptic Weed, Karkash[1].
What is the source of Kasmard?
Plant Based
Benefits of Kasmard
1. Asthma
The main Doshas involved in Asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs obstructing the respiratory passages. This causes difficulty in breathing and wheezing sounds from the chest. This condition is known as Swas Roga (Asthma). Kasmard helps manage Asthma due to its Kapha-Vata balancing properties. These properties also help remove the obstruction in the respiratory pathways, thereby making breathing easy.
2. Indigestion
Indigestion means the state of the incomplete process of digestion on ingested food. The main reason for indigestion is Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Kasmard helps manage indigestion due to its Ushna (hot) and Pachan (digestion) properties. It enhances Agni (digestive fire) and improves digestion.
3. Anorexia
Anorexia means the loss of desire to have food even when one is hungry. In Ayurveda Anorexia is known as Aruchi and occurs because Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) blocks the gastrointestinal channels of the body. Kasmard helps manage anorexia due to its Ushna (hot) and Pachan (digestion) properties. It enhances Agni (digestive fire), improves digestion and prevents the formation of Ama, thus providing relief.
4. Cough
A cough is a quite common ailment, which usually happens with the cold. It is commonly known as Kapha disorder in Ayurveda. A cough is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Kasmard helps manage cough due to its Kapha balancing and Ushna (hot) properties. It helps in easy expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract and provide relief from cough.
The main Doshas involved in Asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs obstructing the respiratory passages. This causes difficulty in breathing and wheezing sounds from the chest. This condition is known as Swas Roga (Asthma). Kasmard helps manage Asthma due to its Kapha-Vata balancing properties. These properties also help remove the obstruction in the respiratory pathways, thereby making breathing easy.
2. Indigestion
Indigestion means the state of the incomplete process of digestion on ingested food. The main reason for indigestion is Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Kasmard helps manage indigestion due to its Ushna (hot) and Pachan (digestion) properties. It enhances Agni (digestive fire) and improves digestion.
3. Anorexia
Anorexia means the loss of desire to have food even when one is hungry. In Ayurveda Anorexia is known as Aruchi and occurs because Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) blocks the gastrointestinal channels of the body. Kasmard helps manage anorexia due to its Ushna (hot) and Pachan (digestion) properties. It enhances Agni (digestive fire), improves digestion and prevents the formation of Ama, thus providing relief.
4. Cough
A cough is a quite common ailment, which usually happens with the cold. It is commonly known as Kapha disorder in Ayurveda. A cough is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Kasmard helps manage cough due to its Kapha balancing and Ushna (hot) properties. It helps in easy expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract and provide relief from cough.
Precautions when using Kasmard
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Kasmard is safe to be taken during breastfeeding as it increases lactation. However, it is advisable to consult a physician before taking Kasmard during breastfeeding[9].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is advisable to avoid the use of Kasmard during pregnancy as it might interfere with fetal growth and might lead to miscarriage[8].
How to use Kasmard
Kasmard juice for asthma
a. Take few fresh leaves of Kasmard.
b. Grind them and extract the juice by using a juicer.
c. Take 5-10ml (or as directed by the physician) of this juice once a day to get rid of the symptoms of asthma.
a. Take few fresh leaves of Kasmard.
b. Grind them and extract the juice by using a juicer.
c. Take 5-10ml (or as directed by the physician) of this juice once a day to get rid of the symptoms of asthma.
Benefits of Kasmard
FAQs about Kasmard benefits
Skin Infections
Skin infections generally occur due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. This might lead to some conditions like itching, irritation or sometimes burning. Kasmard inspite of being Ushna (hot) in nature, helps manage skin infections due to its Pitta balancing properties. This helps in healing up of skin problems, thus providing relief.
Tips for using Kasmard in skin infections
a. Take few leaves or seed of Kasmard.
b. Grind them to make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area once or twice a week
To get rid of skin problems.
Skin infections generally occur due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. This might lead to some conditions like itching, irritation or sometimes burning. Kasmard inspite of being Ushna (hot) in nature, helps manage skin infections due to its Pitta balancing properties. This helps in healing up of skin problems, thus providing relief.
Tips for using Kasmard in skin infections
a. Take few leaves or seed of Kasmard.
b. Grind them to make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area once or twice a week
To get rid of skin problems.
Precautions when using Kasmard
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available for the external use of Kasmard during breastfeeding. So, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before using Kasmard during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available for the external use of Kasmard during pregnancy. So, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before using Kasmard during pregnancy.
How to use Kasmard
Kasmard paste for skin infections
a. Take few leaves or seed of Kasmard.
b. Grind them to make a paste.
c. Apply this paste on the affected area once or twice a week to get rid of skin problems.
a. Take few leaves or seed of Kasmard.
b. Grind them to make a paste.
c. Apply this paste on the affected area once or twice a week to get rid of skin problems.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Kasmard is believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. These may be due to the presence of important health-benefiting elements like carbohydrates, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes and resins. The presence of flavonoids and resins might be responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. Whereas, alkaloids are known to help in decreasing blood pressure, balancing the nervous system in case of mental illness. Furthermore, terpenes
suggests the possession of anti-viral properties[5].
suggests the possession of anti-viral properties[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kasmard might be helpful in managing diabetes due to the presence of certain constituents such as flavonoids. It prevents the damage of pancreatic cells and enhances insulin secretion. This lowers the blood sugar levels and manage diabetes[2].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an imbalance of Vata-Kapha doshas and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Kasmard helps manage diabetes due to its Vata-Kapha balancing, Pachan (digestion) and Tikta (bitter) properties. It improves digestion and reduces the symptoms of diabetes by maintaining normal functions of insulin.
Modern Science View
Yes, Kasmard might help manage cholesterol due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It lowers the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) as well as triglycerides and increases good cholesterol (HDL) levels. Thus, managing cholesterol levels in the body[3].
Ayurvedic View
High cholesterol problem is due to an imbalance of Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) which then block the channels and leads to the build-up of ‘bad’ cholesterol in the body. This bad cholesterol creates heart problems. Kasmard helps manage normal cholesterol levels due to its Ushna (hot) and Pachan (digestion) properties. It helps in proper digestion and prevents the formation of waste products or Ama, thus reducing the bad cholesterol.
Modern Science View
Yes, Kasmard helps manage body pain due to its analgesic and antinociceptive properties. It helps manage pain by controlling central nervous system. It also to reduce the inflammation due to its antiinflammatory properties[4].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Kasmard helps reduce body pain when used externally in the form of paste or decoction. According to Ayurveda, aggravated Vata is responsible for body pain. Kasmard decoction helps to reduce body pain due to its Vata balancing property. It can be added to bathing water for managing body pain.
Modern Science View
Yes, Kasmard might help manage fever due to its antipyretic property. It helps to lower down the body temperature and provides relief from fever[4].
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, there are different types of fever depending on the doshas involved. Usually, a fever indicates an excess accumulation of Ama(toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) due to Mandagni (low digestive fire). Kasmard helps manage fever due to its Ushna (hot) nature. It also enhances the Agni (digestive fire) and digests the Ama by improving digestion.
Modern Science View
Yes, Kasmard might be beneficial in malaria. The root bark of Kasmard has good antiparasitic and antimalarial properties. It inhibits the growth cycle of the malarial parasite (plasmodium) and prevents their multiplication[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kasmard leaf juice might manage asthma. It helps to minimize allergic reactions due to its anti-allergic property. It inhibits the release of histamine and decreases inflammatory agents. This reduces inflammation in respiratory passages and helps ease breathing[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kasmard leaf juice might help manage cough due to its expectorant property. It promotes the secretion and removal of sputum from the air passages and provides relief from cough[7].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kasmard infusion is used to manage constipation due to its strong laxative and purgative properties. It promotes bowel movements by loosening stools and prevents constipation[7].
Ayurvedic View
In Ayurveda Constipation is a disease caused particularly by the imbalance of Vata dosha. Certain factors like eating fast foods or junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, high stress levels and depression aggravates Vata in the large intestine. This leads to hard stools and cause constipation. Kasmard helps manage constipation due to its Sransan (strong laxative or purgative) and Vata balancing properties. It helps to remove the hard stools from the intestines, thus relieving constipation.
Ayurvedic View
These are the suggested tips for using Kasmard in asthma:
a. Take a few fresh leaves of Kasmard.
b. Grind them and extract juice using a juicer.
c. Take 5-10ml (or as directed by the physician) of this juice once a day to get rid of the symptoms of asthma.
a. Take a few fresh leaves of Kasmard.
b. Grind them and extract juice using a juicer.
c. Take 5-10ml (or as directed by the physician) of this juice once a day to get rid of the symptoms of asthma.
Modern Science View
Kasmard is generally considered to be safe when taken in the recommended amount as suggested by the doctor.
Modern Science View
It is advised to consult a doctor if you are taking any other medicines or supplements to avoid any interaction.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Kasmard in the abscess. However, a paste of Kasmard leaves along with calcium hydroxide is applied to the affected area for quick opening and clearing of pus[7].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kasmard might help in wound healing due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidants present in Kasmard promotes wound contraction as well as closure and prevents further cell damage at the wound site. It helps in the formation of collagen and new skin cells. It also reduces the risk of infection in the wound due to its antimicrobial property. This helps in early wound healing[7][10].
References
- Balkrishnan A.Kasoundi.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya.Divya Prakashan.2017.
- Verma L, Khatri A, Kaushik B, et.al.Antidiabetic activity of Cassia occidentalis(Linn) in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats.Indian J Pharmacol.2010;42(4):224-228.
- Fidele N, Joseph B, Emmanuel T, et.al.Hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti-atherosclerogenic effect of aqueous extract leaves of Cassia occidentalis Linn (Caesalpiniaceae) in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rats.BMC Complement Altern med.2017;17(76):1-11.
- Sini KR, Sinha BN, Karpakavalli M, et.al.Analgesic and antipyretic activity of Cassia occidentalis Linn.Annals of biological research.2011;2(1):195-200.
- Vijayalakshmi S, Ranjitha J, Devi RV, et.al.Pharmacological profile of Cassia occidentalis- A review. Int J Pharm Pharm Sci.2013;5(3):29-33.
- Vadnere GP, Somani R, Singhai AK.Antiasthmatic potential of aqueous extract of Cassia occidentalis.Planta medica.2006;72(11):297.
- Al-Snafi AE.The therapeutic importance of Cassia occidentalis- An Overview.Indian J Pharm Sci.2015;5(3):158-171.
- Aragao TP, Lyra MMA, Silva MMB, et.al.Toxicological reproductive study of Cassia occidentalis L. in female Wistar rats.J Ethnopharmacol.2009;123(1):163-166.
- Yadav JP, Arya V, Yadav S, et.al.Cassia occidentalis L:A review on its ethnobotany, phytochemical and pharmacological profile.Elsevier.2010;81:223-230.
- Sheeba M, Emmanuel S, Revathi K, et.al.Wound healing activity of Cassia occidentalis L. in albino Wistar rats.Int J Integr Biol.2009;8(1):1-6.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.