Matura tea tree (Senna auriculata)- Senna auriculata is a 3-5 feet tall much-branched, hairy shrub with a reddish brown smooth bark. It belongs to the plant family Caesalpiniaceae. The leaves are 7.5-10 cm. long with a gland between each pair of leaflets. The 8-12 pairs of leaflets are 2-2.5 cm. long and slightly overlapping. They are oblong-obovate, and obtuse with numerous hairs. The flowers are large, reaching 5 cm. across in terminal and axilliary racemes. The pods are 7.5-12.5 cm. long, flat, thin, oblong, obtuse and deeply depressed between the 10-20 seeds. Researchers tell us that the extracts from the flowers of this shrub posses anti-hyperlipidaemic and anti-diabetic activities.
In medicine
Diabetes- Senna auriculata is beneficial for diabetics. A decoction of the whole plant or buds can be used to relieve diabetes. The powder of the plant can also be mixed with honey and proves effective for patients suffering from the disease.
Conjunctivitis- The outer layer of the plant’s seeds can be removed and made into a fine powder. This powder can serve as dusting powder when relieving conjunctivitis.
Sore Throat- The bark of Tanner’s Cassia is a very good option for using as a gargle and soothes the throat in case it is sore.
Menstruation- The herb is very beneficial in regulating the menstrual cycle. The flowers and buds of Tanner’s Cassia can be used as passerines to avoid excessive bleeding during menstruation.
Ophthalmia- The seeds of Tanner’s Cassia should be crushed into a fine powder and blown into the eyes of a patient suffering from purulent ophthalmia – that is, inflammation of the eye or conjunctiva. An ointment prepared from them and oil can also be applied to the affected eye.