Botanical Index No. 216

Cassia

cinnamomum aromaticum nees

Medicinal Actions

Analgesic, Anesthetic, Antiaggregant, Antiallergic, Antibacterial, Anticomplement, Antidiarrheic, Antidote, Antiemetic, Antiproteinuric, Antipyretic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antitumor, Antiulcer, Antiviral, Astringent, Cardiotonic, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Diuretic, Expectorant, Fungicide, Hepatotonic, Hypotensive, Immunostimulant, Larvicide, Laxative, Sedative, Stomachic, Colic

Primary Conditions Treated

Tranquilizer Allergy Amenorrhea Anorexia Ascites Asthenia Asthma Bacteria Bloating Bronchosis Cancer bladder diaphragm kidney liver rectum spleen stomach uterus vagina Cold Condyloma Cough Cramp Cystosis Diaphragmosis Diarrhea Dyspepsia Dysuria Edema Enterosis Enuresis Epilepsy Fatigue Fever Fungus Gas Gastrosis Gray Hair Hepatosis Hernia High Blood Pressure Immunodepression Impotence Induration Infection Insomnia Menopause Mycosis Nephrosis Nervousness Neuralgia Ophthalmia Orchosis Pain Pharyngosis Sore Splenosis Tracheosis Tumor Ulcer Urethrosis Uterosis Vaginosis Virus Vomiting Wart Water Retention

General Dosage

2–4 g ground bark/day; 0.7–1.3 g bark in 150 ml water 3 ×/day; 0.5–1 g bark as tea, 3 ×/day; 0.05–0.2 ml cassia oil 3 ×/day; 0.3–1.2 ml fl tincture 3 ×/day.

Safety & Contraindications

Class 2b, reportedly abortifacient. CAN cautions that the cinnamaldehyde in the volatile oil is allergenic and irritant. May interfere with absorption of tetracycline. “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages”. Prolonged use of the EO should be restricted during preg- nancy. Commission E reports contraindications for bark: hypersensitivity to cinnamon or Peruvian balsam, also contraindicated in pregnancy; adverse effects: often allergic reactions of skin and mucosa. Flower not permitted for therapeutic use. EO LD50 = 320 mg/kg der; should not be used on skin at levels >0.2%. Aqueous extracts of cassia deemed as effective as cimetidine at preventing ulcers.

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