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Golden Shower Tree (Rajvriksha)– Amaltas for Grey Hair Health & Hair Benefit
The Golden Shower Tree, known as Amaltas, is a hot topic online as a natural fix for grey hair. Scientifically called Cassia fistula, this tree—also Rajvriksha or “King of Trees”—turns heads with its bright yellow flowers. In Ayurveda, it’s a go-to for hair and skin care, plus digestion and immunity boosts. It even doubles as a natural dye to fight early greying.
Hailing from India and Southeast Asia, Amaltas (Sanskrit: karnikāra) pops up in ancient stories. The Ramayana mentions it near Pampa Lake and Sage Matanga’s spot (Kishkindha Kānda and Aranya Kānda). The Mahabharata notes it in Kushika country (Anushāsana Parva). Today, it grows wild in dry forests and is planted everywhere as a street tree, in parks, and gardens.
What is Amaltas (Golden Shower Tree)?
- Botanical Name: Cassia fistula
- Common Names: Amaltas, Golden Shower Tree, Indian Laburnum, Rajvriksha
- Parts Used: Fruit pulp, bark, leaves, flowers, seeds
- Traditional Use: Hair dye, digestion aid, blood purifier, skin healer, immunity booster
Ayurveda calls it Rajvriksha for its powerful, “royal” healing effects. Its Sanskrit name Aragwadha means “disease destroyer.”
ECONOMIC USES OF AMALTAS
Amaltas isn’t just pretty—it’s practical. The wood makes great fuel and farm tools. Bark gives an orange dye. In Ayurveda, fruit pulp eases constipation gently and fights skin woes like scabies, boils, and swellings. Research shows the pulp packs micronutrients (potassium, calcium, iron, manganese), amino acids (aspartic, glutamic, lysine), and energy (18 kJ/g). Antioxidants show up in bark, leaves, flowers, and pulp too.
Amaltas in Kerala’s New Year Festivities
In Kerala, it’s Kanikkonna—the state flower. Malayalis ring in Vishu in April, same day as Punjab’s Baisakhi, Tamil Nadu’s Puthandu, Assam’s Rongali Bihu, and Bengal’s Naba Barsha. They say the first things you see that day set your luck for the year—like “well begun is half done.”
The night before, mom or grandma sets up vishukkani: a lucky display for dawn viewing. Golden Kanikkonna flowers are key, mixed with grains, gold coins, fruits, cloth, and a special metal mirror (valkannadi). All in a brass bowl by Lord Krishna’s picture, with lit lamps for prayers. Families peek at it first thing.
Kanikkonna is such a must-have that folks sometimes snag flowers from trees overnight. Spot missing Amaltas blooms near Baisakhi? Blame the Vishu crew!
Amaltas – or Kanikkonna as it is known in Malayalam – is the state flower of
Kerala. Malayalis celebrate Vishu, their new year, in April on the same day when
Punjabis observe Baisakhi, Tamilians their Putthāndu, Assamese their Rongali
Bihu, and Bengalis their Naba Barsha. Malayalis believe, no doubt on the principle
of ‘well begun is half done’, that the first thing(s) they see upon waking up on
the morning of Vishu would ensure good luck and success throughout the year.
Hence, on the eve of the new year, the lady of the house arranges the vishukkani –
an assortment of things to be seen first thing on the morrow. Ritually included
in the vishukkani are the golden yellow flowers of Kanikkkonna. Other traditional
‘must-see’ ingredients include certain cereals, gold coins, fruits, a length of cloth,
and a handmade metal-alloy mirror known as valkannadi* – all these arranged
neatly in a brass bowl and placed in front of the image of god Krishna. Lighting
brass lamps, family members seek god’s blessings and open their eyes to the
vishukkani. Thus Kanikkonna or Amaltas is greatly sought after by Keralites
during the vishu, so much so that people rob off flowers from standing trees on
the eve of the festival. So next time if you notice Amaltas flowers suddenly
disappearing from your locality around baisakhi, you surely know which of your
neighbours to catch!
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Health Benefits of golden shower-Amaltas
1. Natural Laxative- Amaltas pulp is one of the safest natural remedies for constipation.
2. Detoxification & Liver Support- It helps cleanse toxins and supports liver health.
3. Immunity Booster- Packed with antioxidants, Amaltas improves immune defense.
4. Skin Benefits- Its antibacterial nature helps reduce acne, eczema, and rashes.
5. Heart Health- Acts as a natural coolant, supporting blood pressure regulation.
Amaltas for Grey Hair and Hair Benefits
The popularity of Amaltas for grey hair lies in its ability to restore natural pigmentation. Used as a natural remedy, Amaltas pulp helps nourish hair from roots and prevent premature greying.
✨ Hair Benefits of Amaltas (Golden Shower Tree)
- Prevents Premature Greying – Acts as a natural hair dye that slows loss of hair color.
- Strengthens Roots – Protects follicles, reducing hair fall.
- Treats Dandruff – Natural antifungal and antibacterial action.
- Promotes Growth – Boosts scalp circulation.
- Adds Shine & Smoothness – Conditions hair naturally.
🪻 How to Use Amaltas for Hair
- Hair Pack – Mix Amaltas pulp with amla or henna for grey hair control.
- Herbal Oil – Infuse Amaltas pulp in coconut oil and massage scalp.
- Scalp Rinse – Decoction of Amaltas acts as a natural cleanser.
⚠️ Precautions
- Avoid overuse (strong laxative).
- Consult a practitioner before use in pregnancy/lactation.
🌼 Conclusion
Amaltas (Cassia fistula), the Golden Shower Tree, is more than a decorative plant. It is a powerful Ayurvedic herb for health, skin, and especially grey hair remedies. With regular use, Amaltas can strengthen roots, prevent premature greying, and enhance your overall well-being naturally.
