What is Coffee senna
Coffee senna, also known as Kasmard, is a powerful herb used for centuries in Ayurveda. Its Sanskrit name “Kasamard” literally means “one that destroys cough”, pointing to its strong respiratory benefits.
Latin Name: Cassia occidentalis
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Kasoundi
- Bengali: Kesenda
- Tamil: Peyaveri
- Telugu: Kasavinda, Kasind
- Kannada: Elemmuri soppei, Kasamarda gida
- Malayalam: Karivelamaran
- Marathi: Kasvida
- Gujarati: Kasondari
Sanskrit Name:
Karkasha – Dried fruits makes sound when heli in hard
Kasari, Kasamard, Kasmard, Kasaghna.
Kasamardika – Relieves cough
Arimarda- Relieves pain
Coffee senna benefits & Ayurvedic Description
Kasmard (Cassia occidentalis), also known as Coffee senna, Kasondi, or Negro Coffee, is an erect, bushy herb or small shrub from the Fabaceae family, commonly found in tropical regions of India, Africa, and South America. Growing up to 2.5 meters tall, it has ribbed stems, pinnate leaves with several pairs of oblong leaflets, and bright yellow flowers arranged in small clusters. Its long, flat seed pods contain dark brown seeds that resemble coffee beans—hence the nickname. Kasmard thrives in warm, well-drained soils and is often seen along roadsides, forest edges, and open fields. In Ayurveda, all parts of the plant—leaves, seeds, roots, and pods—are used for their medicinal properties, particularly for treating respiratory issues, digestive problems, and detoxifying the body. The name “Kasamarda” means “destroyer of cough,” highlighting its traditional role in balancing Kapha and Vata doshas.
Ras ( Taste)
- Tikta (Bitter)
- Madhur (Sweet )
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
Classical Categorization
Bhavprakash nighantu – Shaka varga (Vegetable group)
Kaiyadev Nighantu – Aushadi varga
Shodal Nighantu- Amradi Vati
Dhanvantari Nighantu : Karaveeradi varga
Sushrut : Sarasadigna
Vaghbhat : Sarasadigna
Healing Benefits of Coffee Senna ( Kasmard)
Respiratory health- Your lungs best friend
Kasmard is a go to remedy for
Coughs, asthma, and bronchitis
Helps clear mucus and reduce inflammation in the airways
Acts as a mild bronchodilator and expectorant
Why it works: It has natural compounds like emodin and flavonoids that soothe inflammation and help open up the lungs.
Digest support - Beat the bloat
Struggling with slow digestion, gas, or acidity? Kasmard helps by:
Stimulating digestive fire (agni)
Easing constipation
Clearing intestinal toxins (ama)
Why it works: It contains anthraquinones that have a mild laxative effect, helping your system reset without harsh chemicals.
Detox & liver care- Nature's clean up crews
The herb supports liver function and helps:
Eliminate built-up toxins
Purify the blood
Reduce skin issues linked to poor digestion or sluggish liver
Scientific Insight: Research shows Kasmard has antioxidant and hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) properties.
Anti- inflammatory & Immune Booster
Kasmard’s bioactive compounds make it a natural anti-inflammatory. It helps in:
Managing joint pain
Reducing general body inflammation
Supporting immune response during infections
Advantages of Kasmard powder in Ayurveda
Kantashodhana : Cleanses throat, useful in sore throat
Pachan: Digestive relieves Ama dosha
Rochan: Improves taste
Daha : helps to relieve burning sensation in neuropathy,gastritis.
Sara: Useful in inducing mobility,causes diarrhea,purgation and relieves constipation
Vishhar : Indiccated in toxic condition
Krumi : Useful in worm infestation.
Kasa: Helps in relieving cold and cough
Aruchi: Relieves anorexia.
Chemical composition
Coffee senna ( Kasamard ) contains cassiollin, a phytosphanol, physcion, occidentol 1 & 2.
The seeds contains tannic acid, 36% mucilage and Emodin.
How to use Coffee senna
Coffee senna can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Coffee senna seed powder: This form can be taken directly by making powder from the seeds.
- Dosage : 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of this powder with water two times after meals.
- Decoction: It is made by boiling coffee senna roots in water.
- Dosage: 20 to 30 ml two times a day
- Leaf juice : It is made by crushing the leaves and extracting juice form ii.
- Dosage : 10 to 15 ml two times a day.
- Part Used : Root ,seed and leaves.
What are the side effects of Coffee senna
Like any other Ayurvedic herb coffee senna ( Kasamard) is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include
Allergic Rashes
If someone is sensitive to coffee senna they may see skin rashes or redness and ithcing. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .
Precautions
During breast feeding avoid consuming Babool.
Avoid consuming coffee senna during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use Coffee senna in recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.
If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using Kasamard. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Avoid using coffee senna in children’s.
Don’t use Coffee senna continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store Coffee senna in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.
Home Remedies of Coffee senna
For Asthma & Bronchitis : One of the most common home remedies involves making a decoction from fresh kasmard leaves. For this, about 10 to 15 leaves are boiled in two cups of water until the quantity is reduced by half. This strained decoction, when consumed warm once or twice a day, can help loosen phlegm and ease breathing and provides releif from cough in Asthma & breathing.
For Skin infections : Take leaves of Kasmard and grind them in mixer grinder and make paste . Apply this paste on the affected part of skin. This remedy will provide relief from inflammation of skin and itching.
To Relieve Fever : Boil coffee senna leaves along with giloy and tulsi. Strain and drink the decoction two to three times daily to get relief from fever and flu.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does Coffee senna ( Kasmard) take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly coffee senna powder benefits are seen.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Conclusion
Coffee senna (Kasmard) is a humble-looking herb with powerful effects — especially for the lungs, gut, and liver. Whether you’re battling seasonal allergies, digestion woes, or just need a gentle detox, this plant deserves a place in your natural medicine cabinet.
But remember: even natural remedies work best when used mindfully. Always consult an Ayurvedic doctor or herbalist before starting any herb regularly.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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