Cassia grandis, one of several species called pink shower tree, and known as carao in Spanish, is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to the neotropics, that grows up to 30 m (98 ft). The species is distributed from southern México, to Venezuela and Ecuador. It grows in forests and open fields at lower elevations, and is known to be planted as an ornamental. In at least Costa Rica, its pods are stewed into a molasses-like syrup, taken as a sweetener and for its nutritional and medicinal effects, called Jarabe (or Miel) de Carao.

For centuries, carao fruit has been known in Costa Rica and other Central American countries as a natural, low-iron remedy or therapy for low blood values (anaemia), but keep in mind that it is not an iron supplement. This fruit offers many health benefits.

Improving the health of the blood can have far reaching effects beyond that of just curing those who are anaemic.  Healthy blood means improved immune system function. It not only supplies oxygen to your cells, help to get rid of waste, it also carries nutrients, controls your temperature, heals wounds and fights off infection. 

Carao is considered a natural remedy for anaemia.  Like most natural things, the effects come after constant use, which is estimated to be over a period of 1-2 months for best results.

Carao fruit is low in iron. This means it doesn’t produce the unpleasant side effects of iron such as constipation and indigestion. In spite of its health-giving properties, carao fruit is not a medicine, but rather a pure, whole, natural food that naturally builds the blood for long-lasting benefits and energy.

Fruits are sources of many essential nutrients that are under-consumed, including potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate (folic acid). Vitamin C in carao is important for growth and repair of all body tissues, helps heal cuts and wounds, and keeps teeth and gums healthy.

Take one daily shot in fruit smoothy or any other creative way