CASSIA, in botany, a genus of plants, comprising thirty species, the most remarkable of which are:
1. The cassia fistula, L. or purging Cassia of Alexandria. It is indigenous in Egypt, and both Indies, and bears a cylindrical pod, containing a soft, black pulp, of a sweetish taste, which dissolves, for the most part, both in water and rectified spirit. This pulp is a gentle laxative, and frequently given, in doses of several drams, to persons of costive habits. In inflammatory complaints, it is sometimes administered in much larger doses, from one to two ounces, when acrid purgatives are improper; though it is apt to nauseate the stomach, to produce flatulency, and griping: especially if the pulp be of an interior kind, or spoiled by long keeping: these effects may, however, be obviated by the addition of aromatics, and by taking it in a liquid form.
2. The Cassia Senna. See Senna.