Amaltas : Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Amaltas is a medium-sized flowering tree that is known for its medicinal properties. It grows up to 20 m in height. The leaves are long and paired in a leaflet of eight in the arrangement.  Amaltas is also known as the "Golden Shower" owing to the beautiful flowers growing on it. The flowers are sunny golden yellow in color and fall beautifully down the tree in the vines. The fruits produced are 30 to 60 cm in length with many seeds and a pungent odor. 

Scientifically named Cassia Fistula, the plant is native to the Indian Subcontinent and is largely found in India, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and some parts of Pakistan. It has been used for generations together in India as Ayurvedic medicine. With a powerful medicinal property, Amaltas is used to cure skin disorders, constipation, cardiac functioning, digestive problems, and boost metabolism.

The herb is said to have detoxifying, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. The article explains in detail the use of Amaltas and how its properties have helped the people for ages.

How did the word Amaltas originate?

Amaltas is an ancient herb that was used in India to cure several health-related issues. The word “Amaltas” comes from the Sanskrit word “Aragvadha” which means to eliminate diseases. It comes from the Fabaceae family.

Below are more data about the history of how the plant has been used.

Historical Uses of Amaltas

Amaltas belongs to the family Caesalpiniaceae. It has been used in the Unani system of medicine for various treatments. It has been cultivated throughout India for a long time. From ancient times, our ancestors have been using the plant in many ways to cure diseases that are both short term and long term, even the ones with severe effects.

Benefits of using Amaltas in Ayurvedic Treatment

There have been several studies that prove the Amaltas as used by people from ancient times. With scientific evidence, today, it can be said that Amaltas is very beneficial for people's health. Even though the studies have been conducted on animals, the use and effect of the herb on humans cannot be denied due to its history. 

It works well with low risk as well as high-risk diseases. It is used for respiratory problems, digestive issues, skin disorders, and many psychological conditions as well, like stress and anxiety.

Parts of Amaltas Used

Almost all the parts of the herb I rich in nutrients and is used to cure diseases.

• Leaves

The leaves of Amaltas is rich in tannin, rhein, glucoside, sennosides.

• Bark

Tannis, barbaloin, and fistucacidin are present in a good amount in the stem bark of Amaltas trees.

• Pulp

The pulp of the fruit of Amaltas contains carbohydrates, proteins, leucine, and glutamic acid.

• Seeds

The seeds found in the Amaltas fruit is rich in vermolic, sterculic, and galactomannan

Ayurvedic properties of Amaltas

Amaltas is “madhur" or sweet in "rasa" (taste). It has a soft, heavy, and unctuous physical property. The "sheet" or cold potent helps provide a cooling effect on the stomach and improve digestion.

The herb helps in balancing the Kapha and Pitta Dosha.

Treating Diseases or Health Problems with Amaltas

Here is a list of diseases that Amaltas cures with scientific as well as Ayurvedic reasons.

Amaltas for Constipation

Amaltas for Piles

Amaltas for Acidity

Amaltas for Arthritis

Amaltas for immunity

Amaltas for Skin Disease

Amaltas also helps in curing other diseases like:

1. Cardiac diseases
2. Prevents infections
3. Wounds and marks
4. Diabetes
5. Urinary problems 

Forms of Amaltas in Ayurveda with Recommended Dosage

Amaltas has been proved to be very effective. There are many ways to use Amaltas. You can use it in whichever way is convenient for you.

Amaltas paste

• 1 to 2 teaspoon
• Once a day

Amaltas capsule

• 1 to 2 capsules.
• Twice a day

Amaltas powder

• Quarter to a half teaspoon
• Twice a day

Types of Ayurvedic Care with Amaltas

Amaltas pulp paste

• Run some Amaltas fruit in the juicer and separate the pulp from it. Store the pulp.
• Take 1 to 2 teaspoon pulp and add it to a glass of warm water.
• Mix well and drink it after dinner.
• The drink is used to cure constipation.

Amaltas Capsule

• Capsules are to be taken in the amount of 1 or 2 capsules.
• You can take it twice a day, preferably after lunch and dinner.

Amaltas Churna

• Take a quarter to a half teaspoon of Amaltas churna with a glass of warm water.
• You can repeat it once a day daily.
• It improves the digestive system.

Amaltas Tea

• Dry Amaltas flowers can be put in the tea.
• With your usual preparation of tea, add some dried Amaltas leaves.
• Enjoy the tea.

Amaltas Kadha

• Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of Amaltas pulp in water.
• Boil it till it reduces to half.
• Add 4 to 5 spoons of the liquid to warm water and take it after meals.
• It is used for curing arthritis.

Aragwadharishtam

• It is a herbal tonic that helps in treating skin problems, infections, cough, and cold
• It makes the use of Amaltas, amla, haritaki, false black pepper, Trivrit, black pepper, cardamom, clove, jaggery, and honey.
• You can wash the main ingredients and sun-dry them.
• Grind them into a powder and removes the bulks, if any.
• Store it in a clean and tight jar.
• Add a couple of teaspoons of the mixture into water and let it sit overnight.
• Heat the water up in the morning, reducing it to a quarter of the quantity.
• Add jaggery or honey and stir well.
• Let it sit and ferment for some time.
• The result can be taken in a small quantity, twice every day.

Side Effects of Amaltas

The Amaltas plant needs to be purified before the usage of it. Plant parts that are not purified are poisonous to eat. Even after purification, you must not overdose yourself with the plant or any of its forms. 

Do not overdose the products made of Amaltas over the prescribed limit. Overdosing can cause nausea and vomiting with dizziness. It can also result in uneven bowel movement resulting in diarrhea and dysentery. Overdosing can also make the product poisonous for your body.

If you face any of the above symptoms, you must immediately visit a doctor and get yourself checked. In such cases, never wait for the product to show further affects before visiting the doctor.

Never use expired Amaltas. It can have an extremely adverse effect on your health. It may not work at all in your condition or even act as a poisonous agent.

Amaltas is also not recommended to be used while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is better to keep it away from children. Read further about the same below.

Precautionary Guide while Using Amaltas

There are several precautions that you must take in the conditions below:

Amaltas during pregnancy

There is not much proof to tell what could be the effect of Amaltas on a pregnant lady. However, it is better not to take any chances and act with a risk. Keep yourself away from Amaltas during pregnancy.

Amaltas while breastfeeding

There is again not enough evidence to show the effect of Amaltas while you are breastfeeding. You and your child shouldn't stop the consumption of Amaltas while you are pregnant and while you have been breastfeeding.

Amaltas in diarrhea

Amaltas is used to cure constipation. It means that it increases the bowel movement. Consumption of Amaltas while having diarrhea or loose motion can increase the problem and make it even more uncomfortable.

Amaltas before surgery

Amaltas should be avoided before surgery. It is good to stay clear of any product made from parts of Amaltas if you have scheduled surgery. Stop the consumption for at least 6 weeks before the surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Amaltas taste like?

• Amaltas fruit is sweet in taste. The fruit is heavy and fills the stomach with a  cooling effect.

What are the parts of Amaltas used?

• Almost the entire plat of Amaltas is used in Ayurveda. The parts used are:

1. Amaltas leaves
2. Amaltas root
3. Amaltas fruit
4. Amaltas fruit pulp
5. Amaltas bark
6. Amaltas flowers

What are the Ayurvedic medicines with Amaltas?

• There are several medicines available that contain Amaltas. It comes in powder, capsule, and tablet form. Some of them are:

1. ManasamitraVatakam
2. MahaManjistadiKashayam
3. Kushta Rakshasa Taila
4. AragwashadiKashyam’MaharasnadiKashayam

Is Amaltas edible?

• Yes, Amaltas fruits are edible. Other parts of the plat need to go through the purification process to be deemed edible.

Where are Amaltas products available?

• Amaltas products such as tablets and capsules are generally available at any of the nearest Ayurvedic care centers. You can also find them at regular pharmacies that keep Ayurvedic meds.

Can Amaltas be used for fever?

• Yes, Amaltas can cure fever. It lowers the temperature of the body and drains it of the toxins, balancing the Pitta Dosha.

Can Amaltas use it while taking supplements?

• Yes, Amaltas is a natural product and generally goes well with supplements. However, if you are under more than one supplement, you must consult your physician before deciding on consuming Amaltas.

Can Amaltas be used while consuming homeopathic medicines?

• Yes, Amaltas can be used while taking homeopathic medicines. It has no side effects.

Will it be a problem for health if I use Amaltas while on an allopathic medicine?

• Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with the ingredients of western medicines and have adverse effects. If you want to use Amaltas while on allopathic medicine, take the advice of your doctor first. Have a good half an hour time interval between the two medicines and do not use it with medicine for diarrhea.

Is Amaltas useful in urinary problems?

• Amaltas helps in managing urinary problems. It increases the production of urine and helps remove toxins from the body. It also helps in the relief of urinary tract infections.

Is Amaltas good for skin?

• Amaltas has astringent properties that help in tightening the pores and healing the skin. Due to this, Amaltas helps in reducing pimple and acne problems and also heal wounds and wound marks. Due to anti-inflammatory properties, it helps in reducing swelling and provides coldness to the skin for healing. It can also control external bleeding.

What is Amaltas good for?

• Amaltas can be used for many problems.
•  The bark and leaves are used to cure skin infections, wounds, marks, allergies, pimple, and acne.
• The Amaltas flower is used to cure fever if used in the right way after purification.
• The roots are used as a diuretic and cure burning, skin diseases, syphilis, and leprosy.

Is the tree of Amaltas poisonous?

• The parts of the Amaltas trees is always used after purification. Although the tree has been used as a medicine for ages, the consumption is always after purification. The seeds are particularly poisonous with a lot of toxins. It is better to keep them away from children.

In what conditions is Amaltas grown?

• Amaltas is a decorative plant and can be grown in both tropical and sub-tropic regions. The tree grows very well in a dry climate and at a place where it has an abundance of sunlight.

Is Amaltas good for diabetes?

• Amaltas might be helpful in diabetes. It is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in lowering sugar levels and removes toxins from our bodies.

How to use:

• Take a quarter to a half teaspoon of Amaltas churna with warm water.
• It can be taken twice a day, preferably after lunch and dinner.

What does Amaltas fruit do for our bodies?

• Amaltas fruit is helpful in bowel movement. It helps in curing diarrhea and the loss of motions. It provides a cooling effect to the stomach to release gas and prevent the formation of it.
• It also helps in managing stomach aches and other stomach related problems.
• Amaltas fruit has been proven to be good for the heart. It prevents heart diseases and reduces the risks of a heart attack.