Golden Shower, Cassia fistula, is a tropical, deciduous or evergreen tree with an erect and slender trunk and small buttresses native to India. It is slow growing and reaches up to 9-20 m tall and 3-5 m wide upon maturity. The leaves are green and wedge-shaped at the base, the flowers are yellow, the fruits are brown pods, and the seeds are brown and glossy. Edible parts are the young leaves, flower buds, flowers, and pulp of the pods. Golden shower has been used mainly for medicinal purposes. In particular, ripe pods and seeds are used as a laxative. The root, bark, leaves, and fruit pulp have laxative properties as well but to a lesser extent. Powdered seeds can be used in the treatment of amoebiasis and bark extracts against inflammation. Water extract of the leaves has antifungal activity against human pathogens. The pods are used against malaria, blood poisoning, anthrax, diabetes, and dysentery. Bark and leaves are used in the treatment of various skin conditions, broken bones, and tropical ulcers. Further, the bark is used for tanning and wood is used in charcoal making and as material in construction, fence post, carts, etc.
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