The Garmalo (Amaltas / Cassia fistula) tree, 20 to 30 feet tall, is recognised by its round, stick-like pods — maroon when ripe and green when young, about one to one-and-a-half feet long and as thick as a thumb — along with the fresh yellow, chandelier-like clusters of flowers that appear on it. A special feature of this tree is that its leaves shed in the months of Chaitra-Vaishakh (around March-April), and when the flowers first appear, only flowers are seen on the bare branches; new leaves emerge afterward, and the fresh green tree looks as though yellow chandeliers have been hung on it. Because of this shining, golden, and attractive appearance, it is also known as “Suvarnavruksha” (the golden tree). Garmalo (Aragvadha) is also known by the name “Chaturangul”.
“Chaturangul mriduvirechananam” — the main action of Garmalo is that of a mild laxative (mridu virechana), and since its pod is administered in a dose of about four fingers’ width, our ancient sages gave it the name “Chaturangul”. The leaves, bark, pod, pulp (jaggery-like pulp), and flowers of Garmalo all carry medicinal properties.
The sweet pulp found inside the Garmalo pods is called “Garmalo no Gol” (Garmalo’s jaggery), and this is mainly what is used medicinally.
Pods or Garmalo pulp sold in the market are often found to be spoiled, adulterated, or even infested with insects because of their sweetness. To use it properly, it must be collected and stored the right way: only after the pods have fully ripened to a maroon colour should they be removed from the tree, buried in sand for seven days, and then taken out and heated in the sun so the pulp melts and can be extracted; this pulp should then be kept in a tightly sealed bottle. Garmalo pulp prepared this way gives the best results.
Its taste is so sweet that in Bengal, a preparation of Garmalo pulp is even added to tobacco to make it tastier — perhaps, if it were ever studied, one might find that this incidentally provides some relief from constipation caused by that tobacco!
Some pharmacies, in preparing tablets with Garmalo pulp, directly add pod powder instead of the actual pulp — in such cases, one has to wonder how much of Garmalo’s real effectiveness such tablets can show.
Properties (Gunakarma):
- Garmalo is heavy, tasty, cooling, and a mild laxative. Because of this, it also helps with fever, heart disease, bleeding disorders (Raktapitta), Vata disorders, Golo (a type of abdominal lump/colic), and pain (Shoola).
- The fruit of Garmalo is appetising, cures skin diseases (Kushthaghna), pacifies Pitta and Kapha, and is always considered wholesome (pathya) during fever. It is also considered excellent for cleansing the bowels (Koshtha-shuddhi).
- The leaves of Garmalo have properties that reduce Kapha and Meda (fat tissue); they soften stools and relieve itching.
- The flowers of Garmalo are cooling, sweet in taste, mildly aggravate Vata, and pacify Kapha and Pitta.
Various uses:
- Constipation – The main use of Garmalo is as a mild laxative. For people with chronic constipation, or in situations where a strong purgative cannot be given, pounding about four fingers’ worth of Garmalo pod and boiling it in hot water releases its pulp into the water; straining this and giving it regularly gradually loosens stool that has stuck in the intestines and helps bring it out.
- Skin diseases – Since blood impurity in skin diseases is usually caused by Pitta, giving Garmalo pulp daily as a mild laxative purifies the blood and helps cure skin diseases.
- Itching – For itching, finely powdered Garmalo leaves can be added to the bathing water for relief, or about a teaspoon of the leaf powder can be taken orally, which brings on a mild laxative effect and helps relieve the itching.
- Constipation in children – Young children often suffer from constipation, and hardened stool in such cases can even cause fissures in the anus; giving Garmalo pulp water, or a tasty syrup made from Garmalo pulp, is beneficial in such situations.
- Abdominal pain – Since constipation is the main cause of abdominal pain (Udarshoola), Garmalo’s laxative action helps relieve it as well.
- Fever – Since Garmalo alone can cleanse the bowels, digest Aama (toxins), and pacify Pitta during fever, giving a decoction made from about four fingers’ worth of Garmalo pulp regularly helps the doshas gradually leave the body, bringing relief from fever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main action of Garmalo (Aragvadha / Amaltas)?
Garmalo’s main action is that of a mild laxative (mridu virechana) — it gradually loosens stool that has stuck to the intestines and helps bring it out.
How is Garmalo used for constipation?
Pounding about four fingers’ worth of Garmalo pod, boiling it in hot water, straining it, and giving it regularly brings relief from constipation.
How is Garmalo useful for skin diseases and itching?
Taking Garmalo pulp daily as a mild laxative purifies the blood and helps cure skin diseases; for itching, Garmalo leaf powder can be added to bathing water, or about a teaspoon can be taken orally.
Is Garmalo safe for children’s constipation?
Yes, for constipation in young children, Garmalo pulp water or a tasty syrup made from it can be given, and this is considered a gentle, safe remedy.
Dr. Nikul Patel (B.A.M.S.)
307, 3rd Floor, Shalin Complex, Above Farki Lassi, Krishnabaug Char Rasta, Maninagar, Ahmedabad – 380008
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