King of the forest (Cassia alata) is a shrub that is native to Central and South America, but is now grown in many other regions of the world including tropical Africa. King of the Forest has large leaves up to 20cm long which are coarse to the touch. The shrub bears pretty, erect, yellow flowers which some people suggest look like candles.
It has various colloquial names, including Candle Bush, Impetigo Bush, Ringworm Cassia, Christmas Candle, Guajava, Nsempii, Desay, Fleur Dartre, Akapulko, Gelenggang
TRADITIONAL USES OF KING OF THE FOREST AS A MEDICINAL HERB:-
A tea made from the leaves of king of the forest is used in the Caribbean and particularly Jamaica to fortify and cleanse but a tea made from the leaves can be used topically for various skin conditions. Impetigo and Ringworm bring two such instances.
In other parts of the Caribbean, it is used for hypertension
In Suriname the leaves are also used as a laxative along with treating skin conditions and an infusion of the roots ios said to be a good uterine conditioner.
In The Philippines, in a clear departure from common usage, king of the forest leaf extracts are used in the commercial production of soaps, shampoos and skin creams
40ct