Cassias very interesting

[Cindi]

http://www.mehandi.com/hair/cassiaobovata.html

This may be helpful.

[tcmgpt13]

I noticed someone was reading this thread Cindi started. It has a discussion I had missed in the past. It is very interesting to read how much henna use may help the scalp with fungal and other issues. I had not realized how the various products called henna are not exactly henna as some henna products come from the leaf of the plant or have other herbs added to them.

In the discussion of CASSIA OBOVATA (which is used to make henna) there was the also the mention of another cassia, one called cassia alata which is said to be the best plant to use against fungal infections of the skin (ring worm for one) and bacterial infections. Here's a brief discussion of CASSIA ALATA:

Cassia alata or Seemaiagathi or Vandukolli : Medicinal uses in Fungal infections, Ring worm, Bacterial infections etc

And you know those white spots many of us get? Here's a discussion of how using this herb externally has helped the white spots caused by pityriasis versicolor. It might be worth a trial to see if such a treatment could help. There's discussion in this reference about what is used normally by those practicing Western medicine as well:

HERBAL CURE FOR RINGWORM AND PITYRIASIS VERSICOLOR SKIN INFECTIONS.

In the southern US this plant is referred to as the Candlestick Plant. In the Philippines this plant is commonly used in soaps and shampoos. If you have an Oriental food store run by those from the Philippines it may be worthwhile to see if they carry some of these products (such stores often stock popular toiletries from their native countries). This herb is also used as a laxative.

Here's a bit more about Cassia Alata from wiki:

Medicinal Uses

Cassia alata or Senna alata is often called the Ringworm Bush because of its very effective fungicidal properties, for treating ringworm and other fungal infections of the skin. The leaves are ground in a mortar to obtain a kind of "green cotton wool". This is mixed with the same amount of vegetable oil then rubbed on the affected area 2-3 times a day. A fresh preparation is made every day.[2] Its active ingredients include the yellow chrysophanic acid.

Its laxative effect, due to its anthraquinone content, is also well proven.

Senna alata - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia