Homers Herbs

What can we help you with?
< All Topics
Print

Acacia (Acacia catechu syn. Senegalia catechu)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Common Names: Black Catechu, Cutch Tree, Khair
  • Parts Used: Bark, heartwood, leaves, resin

Description

Acacia catechu is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to South and Southeast Asia. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, its extracts are valued for their astringent, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in Ayurvedic medicine as a digestive tonic and for treating wounds and ulcers.
  • Employed in traditional Chinese medicine for coughs, colds, and sore throats.
  • Traditionally used as a dyeing and tanning agent due to its high tannin content.

Constituents

  • Catechins
  • Tannins
  • Flavonoids
  • Resins
  • Mucilage
  • Terpenoids

Actions

  • Astringent
  • Antimicrobial
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antioxidant
  • Hemostatic (stops bleeding)
  • Carminative (relieves gas)

Medicinal Uses

1. Digestive Health:
Acacia catechu is used to soothe the gastrointestinal tract, reduce diarrhea, and relieve symptoms of dysentery.

2. Oral Health:
Due to its astringent and antimicrobial properties, catechu is effective for treating gum infections, mouth ulcers, and sore throats.

3. Wound Healing and Skin Conditions:
Topically applied, it helps promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and treat skin infections and boils.

4. Respiratory Support:
Acacia catechu is traditionally used to relieve coughs, colds, and respiratory congestion.

5. Antioxidant Protection:
Its high tannin and catechin content provide antioxidant benefits, protecting cells from damage and reducing inflammation.

6. Blood Purification:
Used in traditional medicine as a blood purifier to remove toxins and support overall health.

Preparation and Dosage

Decoction:

  • Simmer 1-2 tsp of cut bark or heartwood in a cup of water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink 1-2 times daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-5 ml of catechu tincture, taken 2-3 times daily.

Powder:

  • 300-600 mg of powdered bark or extract, taken 1-2 times daily.

Mouthwash/Gargle:

  • Prepare a decoction and use as a mouthwash to treat oral infections and sore throats.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Generally considered safe when used in moderation, but consult a healthcare provider before use.
  • Constipation: Excessive use may cause or worsen constipation due to its astringent properties.
  • Medication Interactions: May interfere with iron absorption and interact with anticoagulant medications.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Ayurvedic: Cooling and drying, it is used to balance excess pitta and kapha by reducing heat and inflammation.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine: Used to clear heat and relieve toxicity.

Combinations

  • For Digestive Health: Combine with ginger and fennel.
  • For Oral Infections: Combine with neem and licorice.
  • For Skin Healing: Combine with turmeric and calendula.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: The heartwood and bark are collected from mature trees during the dry season.
  • Drying: Dry the material in a warm, well-ventilated area.
  • Storage: Store dried material or extracts in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Modern Research

Studies have confirmed Acacia catechu’s antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Ongoing research is exploring its role in managing gastrointestinal disorders, oral infections, and skin conditions.

Acacia catechu remains a valuable herb in traditional and modern herbal medicine, offering support for digestive, oral, and skin health, as well as antioxidant protection.