Cassia seeds (or Semen Cassiae) is a widely used Chinese medicinal herb. It is used primarily to clear heat in the body and is often prescribed for people with blood shot, irritated, swollen or teary eyes. The cooling effect means that it can be helpful to aid sleep and is sometimes used to aid with constipation.
To use these seeds simply throw in soups while cooking or simmer with hot water for a few minutes (blended with other teas and herbs of your choice).
决明子又称“还瞳子”，决明子含有多种维生素和丰富的氨基酸、脂肪、碳水化合物等，其保健功能日益受到人们的重视。决明子具有清肝火、祛风湿、益肾明目等功能，常饮决明子茶，可使血压正常，大便通畅，老眼不花。临床实验证明，喝决明子茶可以清肝明目、防止视力模糊、降血压、降血脂、减少胆固醇等，对于防治冠心病、高血压都有不错的疗效；而且决明子富含维生素A及锌，可防治夜盲症以及避免小儿缺锌。此外，决明子茶润肠通便的功能也能解决现代人肠胃及便秘的问题，可以治疗大便燥结，帮助顺利排便。决明子茶的泡法十分简单，只要用15～20克决明子用热开水冲泡即可，也可依个人喜好放入适量的糖，当茶饮用，每日数次，若能配上枸杞子及菊花，效果更佳。不过，决明子性微寒，容易拉肚子、腹泻、胃痛的人，不宜饮用此茶。