Cassia seeds and coffee beans: homologous names or completely different things?

Cassia seed and coffee beans, although similar in name, are actually two completely different things. Cassia seed is a common Chinese medicinal material, while coffee beans are the raw material for making coffee.

First of all, from a botanical point of view, Cassia seeds and coffee beans belong to different plant families. Cassia seeds refer to the mature seeds of Cassia obtusifolia, a plant of the Portulacaceae family. They are oblate or oval in shape and have a reddish brown or dark brown outer skin. Coffee beans, on the other hand, come from the coffee tree (scientific name: Coffea), which belongs to a genus under the Rubiaceae subfamily Rubiaceae.

Secondly, there are also differences in terms of use and efficacy. Cassia seed is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to clear away heat and detoxify, promote diuresis and reduce swelling. It is rich in active ingredients such as rhubarb and rutin, and has a certain effect in treating constipation, damp-heat jaundice and other problems. Coffee beans are mainly used to make various foods and beverages, such as coffee and chocolate. It contains stimulating substances such as caffeine, which can refresh the mind, increase attention and metabolism.

In addition, there are also differences in the growing environment of Cassia seeds and coffee beans. Cassia seeds prefer warm and humid climate conditions and are widely cultivated in southern my country, while coffee beans are suitable for growing in tropical or subtropical regions, such as Brazil and Colombia.

In summary, Cassia seeds and coffee beans are two completely different things. Although they have similarities in name, they are significantly different in terms of botanical classification, uses and effects, and growth environment. Therefore, when using them, you need to choose the right material according to your actual needs.