Cassia alata — known locally as Eththora (එත්තොර) — is a fast-growing tropical shrub that has earned a firm place in Sri Lankan traditional medicine and home gardens alike. Reaching up to 5 metres in height, it is recognised instantly by its tall, candle-like spikes of bright yellow flowers and its large, paired leaflets arranged along stems 30–60 cm long. Though native to tropical America, the plant has naturalised across South and Southeast Asia and is now considered an integral part of the Ayurvedic plant catalogue of Sri Lanka.
What are the common names for Cassia alata?
The plant carries a striking number of names across cultures, each reflecting a prominent use or visual feature.
- Sinhala: Eththora (Eth Thora)
- Tamil: Seemai Agathi
- Hindi: Dadmurdan
- Malayalam: Shima Agati
- Telugu: Shima Avasi
- Sanskrit: Dadrughna
- Filipino: Akapulko
- Thai: Chumhet Thet
- French: Bois Dartre
- German: Kerzenstrauch
- Japanese: Kasshia Arata
In English-speaking countries the shrub is most often called the Candlestick Plant, Candle Bush, or Ringworm Bush — the latter reflecting its long-standing use as a topical remedy for fungal skin infections.
What does Cassia alata look like?
Cassia alata is a large, woody shrub with densely pubescent (fine-haired) stems and twigs. Its compound leaves are oblong and can measure 30–60 cm in length, with leaflets arranged in pairs along the central stalk. The most distinctive feature is the inflorescence: an upright spike, roughly 10–15 cm long, packed with vivid yellow flowers that closely resemble a lit candle — hence the popular English name. Seed pods are dark brown, broad, and winged along one edge, making them easy to identify even after the flowers have dropped.
What is Cassia alata used for in traditional medicine?
In Ayurveda and traditional Sinhala medicine, virtually every part of the Eththora plant has a documented use. The leaves are the most frequently employed part, applied both internally and externally.
Skin conditions
Eththora leaves are best known as a treatment for fungal and inflammatory skin conditions. Crushed fresh leaves or a leaf paste are applied topically to relieve ringworm, eczema, and various rashes. The plant's antifungal properties have been investigated in several ethnobotanical studies. It is also listed in traditional texts as helpful for leprosy-related skin manifestations and insect bite reactions.
Digestive health
Internally, the leaves carry mild but reliable laxative properties, attributed to naturally occurring anthraquinone compounds. Traditional practitioners recommend combining Eththora leaves with complementary herbs rather than using them in isolation, to balance the laxative effect and improve tolerability. The plant is used to relieve constipation, reduce flatulence, and — at appropriate preparation strengths — help expel intestinal worms.
Blood and circulatory support
In traditional formulations, Eththora is credited with blood-purifying qualities. Decoctions prepared from the leaves are used as an adjunct remedy for conditions associated with impure blood, including certain persistent skin disorders and mild hypertension. These uses remain part of community practice in rural Sri Lanka, though they should be explored alongside qualified Ayurvedic practitioners rather than as self-administered treatments.
Other traditional applications
- Decoctions of the leaves to ease coughs
- Topical application to soothe haemorrhoids
- Traditional use in managing gonorrhoea and migraines (typically in combination formulas)
- Seed preparations used in some traditional contexts for their medicinal properties
How is Cassia alata used in Sri Lankan Ayurveda?
Cassia alata is formally included in the catalogue of Ayurvedic medicinal plants of Sri Lanka, giving it official recognition within the country's traditional medicine system. In practice, the plant appears in herbal soaps, leaf decoctions, and oil-based ointments — the oils and ointments being particularly important for external skin treatments. A well-known example is Harischandra Aththora herbal soap, which incorporates the plant's leaf extract. The shrub's classification in the Fabaceae (legume) family places it alongside other medicinally significant species cultivated in home gardens and managed wild stands across the island's wet and intermediate zones.
Where does Cassia alata grow in Sri Lanka?
Eththora thrives in warm, humid lowland areas and tolerates a range of soil types, making it common in home gardens, roadsides, and the edges of agricultural land in Sri Lanka's wet zone and lower intermediate zone. It is an undemanding plant — it establishes quickly, requires minimal care, and self-seeds readily. Visitors exploring areas like the Sinharaja Forest Reserve buffer zone or village gardens in the south and southwest may encounter it growing alongside other traditional medicinal shrubs.
Are there different varieties of Cassia alata?
The genus Cassia (now partly reclassified under Senna in modern taxonomy — hence the synonym Senna alata) encompasses many species, each with differing characteristics and medicinal profiles. Cassia alata is distinct within the group for its large leaf size, prominent winged seed pods, and the particular breadth of its topical skin applications. It should not be confused with related species such as Cassia tora (a smaller plant with its own medicinal tradition) without specialist guidance, as preparation methods and safe dosages differ.
What precautions should be taken when using Eththora?
As with all medicinal plants, Cassia alata should be used with informed caution. Its laxative compounds can cause cramping or diarrhoea if leaves are taken in excess or prepared incorrectly. Traditional practice consistently recommends pairing Eththora leaves with other herbs to moderate these effects. Pregnant women and young children should avoid internal preparations unless specifically directed by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. External application of leaf paste is generally considered gentle, but a small patch test is prudent for people with sensitive skin.
If you are interested in exploring Sri Lanka's rich tradition of herbal medicine alongside its natural landscapes, Lakpura can help you plan visits that include rural village experiences, Ayurvedic wellness stays, and botanical heritage sites across the island.
