Vishu 2023: Did You Know These Benefits Of Kanikonna (Golden Shower Tree)?

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Vishu 2023 will fall on 15 April and will mark the beginning of the Malayalam New Year. Vishu is a major festival celebrated in Kerala, India and is one of the most important festivals of the year. As per the Malayalam calendar, it is celebrated as the first day of the month of Medam and marks the start of the vernal equinox.

Vishu celebrations begin at dawn with the traditional custom of viewing the Vishu Kani, which contains auspicious items like raw rice, kanikonna (golden shower tree), coins, and other symbolic items.

Kanikonna or the golden shower tree is synonymous with the Vishu celebration - being a Malayali, when I was young, to see Kanikonna would mean Vishu is around the corner - I'm sure my fellow Malayalis agree!

Did You Know These Benefits Of Kanikonna (Golden Shower Tree)?

Known for its showy yellow flowers that fall like the water from a shower head (hence the name), the golden shower tree (also known as amaltas) flowers are not just a sight to the sore eyes but also beneficial for your health. Let's check it out.

The golden shower flower, also known as the Cassia fistula, is an incredibly beautiful and versatile plant that offers many benefits. Native to India and parts of Southeast Asia, this plant is known for its bright yellow colour and the long pendulous racemes of fragrant flowers that it produces.

In addition to being a beautiful addition to any garden, the golden shower flower has many medicinal benefits.

Here are the benefits of kanikonna aka golden shower tree (flowers):

• Wound healing: Golden shower plant/flower is known to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and can be used to treat skin irritation, cuts, and wounds [1].
• Reduces stress: It is also believed to have a calming effect on the mind and help to reduce stress [2].
• Detoxifies: The golden shower flower is also known to be a powerful detoxifier. It is believed to help reduce the buildup of toxins in the liver and can help to improve overall health [3].
• Mosquito repellent: In studies, it has been shown that golden shower leaves and flowers can kill the larvae of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus, and C. tritaeniorhynchus, therefore it may help prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as chikungunya, malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever [4].
• Constipation in kids: In some studies, it has been found that golden shower trees contain anthraquinone, a substance which acts as a laxative and treats gastrointestinal ailments. Therefore, this plant is effective in treating constipation in children [5].

Benefits Of Kanikonna (Golden Shower Tree) According To Ayurveda

Ayurvedic medicine considers Golden Shower Tree to be a disease killer and to pacify the three doshas of vaat, pitta, and kapha. In doing so, it expels pitta and kapha from the body. The fruit pulp of this plant is used as a mild laxative and is said to be beneficial for cardiac conditions and stomach problems such as acid reflux.

Side Effects Of Kanikonna (Golden Shower Tree)

Golden shower trees (flowers) are not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid consuming it for a minimum of 6 weeks prior to surgery [6].

On A Final Note...

Talk to your doctor before adding kanikonna (golden shower tree)to your daily diet.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.