Botanical Information

• Family: Celastraceae
• Common Names: Khat, Qat, Catha, Miraa
• Parts Used: Leaves, young shoots

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Description

Catha edulis is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The fresh leaves and shoots are traditionally chewed for their stimulant effects. The plant contains alkaloids that have stimulating, appetite-suppressing, and mood-enhancing effects, similar to but milder than amphetamines.

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Historical and Traditional Uses

• Used in East African and Middle Eastern cultures as a social and medicinal stimulant.
• Traditionally employed to enhance alertness, focus, and physical endurance.
• Used in folk medicine for digestive issues and as an appetite suppressant.

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Constituents

• Alkaloids (cathinone, cathine)
• Flavonoids
• Tannins
• Essential oils
• Glycosides

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Actions

• Stimulant
• Appetite suppressant
• Mood enhancer
• Astringent
• Mild analgesic

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Medicinal Uses

1. Cognitive and Mental Alertness:
Khat is traditionally used to increase focus, mental clarity, and wakefulness.

2. Appetite Suppression and Weight Management:
Used to suppress appetite and reduce fatigue in traditional settings.

3. Mood and Social Interaction:
Traditionally chewed to enhance sociability, mood, and a sense of well-being.

4. Digestive Support:
Has been used to aid digestion and relieve mild gastrointestinal discomfort.

5. Traditional Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Uses:
Applied in folk medicine to relieve minor pains and inflammation.

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Preparation and Dosage

Chewing (Traditional Use):

• Fresh leaves are chewed slowly over several hours for stimulant effects.

Infusion (Tea):

• 1 tsp of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes and drink up to 2 times daily.

Tincture:

• 2-4 ml of tincture taken up to 2 times daily.

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Precautions and Contraindications

• Addictive Potential: Long-term use may lead to psychological dependence.
• Cardiovascular Effects: Can increase heart rate and blood pressure; avoid in individuals with heart conditions.
• Digestive Irritation: May cause stomach upset or dry mouth with prolonged use.
• Legal Restrictions: Khat is banned or controlled in many countries due to its stimulant effects.

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Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Traditional African and Middle Eastern Medicine: Warming and stimulating; used for energy, focus, and digestion.

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Combinations

• For Mental Clarity: Combine with ginseng and gotu kola.
• For Digestive Support: Combine with fennel and ginger.
• For Mood Support: Combine with cacao and ashwagandha.

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Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Young leaves and shoots are collected fresh for immediate use.
• Drying: Air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area if needed for tea or storage.
• Storage: Store dried leaves in an airtight container away from light and moisture.

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Modern Research

Studies confirm Catha edulis’s stimulant effects, appetite suppression, and mood-enhancing properties, reinforcing its traditional uses while also emphasizing caution due to its addictive potential and cardiovascular impact.

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Khat remains a culturally significant plant with stimulant properties, though its use requires caution due to potential health and legal concerns.