Khadira, (Acacia Catechu) also known as Black Catechu, is a deciduous tree that can grow to a height of nine to twelve meters. The green leaves of this plant are bipinnately complex, with 50 pairs of leaflets that resemble exquisite feathers. The plant contains short, hooked spines. The bark has a grayish-brown color and peels off in long, thin strips. The plant produces pale yellow flowers with cylindrical spikes. Fruits have oblong pods and are flat and glabrous. This plant’s sapwood is whitish yellow in hue.
Khadira, is a deciduous tree whose wood and bark are mostly prized for their invaluable medical uses. The tree, which is widely planted in the Himalayan and northeastern regions of India, has 50 pairs of bipinnately complex leaves that resemble exquisite feathers, as well as short, hooked spines.
Description
Massive concentrations of tannins, tannic acid, catechin, gum, and quercitin are found in Khadira. Because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, it has potent therapeutic properties. The anti-obesity and anti-diarrheal characteristics of khadir churna assist control diarrhea and excess weight loss, respectively, according to the holistic science of Ayurveda.
Botanical Name:
Acacia Catechu
Family:
Fabaceae
Leaves:
The green leaves of this plant are bipinnately complex, with 50 pairs of leaflets that resemble exquisite feathers. The plant contains short, hooked spines.
Flowers:
The plant produces pale yellow flowers with cylindrical spikes. Fruits have oblong pods and are flat and glabrous. This plant’s sapwood is whitish yellow in hue.
Bark:
The Khadira tree has thick, dark grayish-brown bark that exfoliates in long, narrow strips. The bark is almost 1.5 cm thick.
Fruits:
The fruits are brown, strap-shaped, glabrous (smooth), straight, and flat pods.
Wood:
The most valuable portion of the Khadira tree is its heartwood. It has a red hue and is regarded as being extremely powerful. This portion is utilized in the production of catechu extract.
Habitat:
It is a moderately hardy plant that can withstand a range of weather conditions. It is widely dispersed throughout China and India, with the exception of cold and humid areas. From Jammu to Assam, it is readily accessible throughout the sub-Himalayan region and the outside Himalaya. It can also be found on the Western Ghats’ eastern slopes.
Parts Used:
- Bark
- Extracts
- Flowers
Dosage:
- Decoction – 50-100ml
- Powder – 1-3gm
- Extract – 0.5-1 gm.
Chemical Constituents
Wood has high concentrations of gum, quercetin, catechin, catechu-tannic acid, and tannins. Catechu-tannic acid is a powder that is naturally dark reddish-brown and oxidizes when exposed to air.
Common name
Black catechu, cutch tree, balapatra, Kadirkasth, cachou, Khair, katha, Kachu, Krangali,
Other Language Names of Khadira (Acacia Catechu)
Malayalam name – Karingali
Marathi name – Khaira
Oriya name – Khaira
Unani name – Safed katha
Punjabi name – Khair
Sanskrit name – Khadira, Rakta sara, Kantaki, Dantadhavan, Yajniya, Balapatra etc.
English name – Cutch tree, Heart wood tree
Hindi name – Khair
Telugu name – Chandra, Sandra
Tamil name – Karanagalli
Kannnada name – Kaggalli
Kashmiri name – Kath
Urdu name name – Chanbe kaath
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Genus | Senegalia |
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi/Sanskrit
- Rasa -Kashana,Tikta
- Guna -Laghu,Ruksha
- Virya -Sheet
- Vipaka -Katu
English
- Taste -Astringent,Bitter
- Physical Property-Light, Dry
- Potency- Cold
- Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent
Khadira (Acacia Catechu) Uses
- Acacia catechu has a general therapeutic action that helps with various skin irritations and itching. It also aids in the battle against obesity, which is a manifestation of an unbalanced kapha in the body.
- The soft stems of the Khadira plant work well for regularly massaging the gums and gently cleaning the teeth. It aids in balancing kapha-induced disorders of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity.
- Khadira’s astringent properties help balance the body’s pitta imbalances.. In conjunction with other hematinic and liver-protective herbs, the moderate usage of Khadira can effectively treat a number of blood diseases and liver problems. It benefits those who are anemic as well.
- Prepared foods such as “Khadirarishtha” from Khadira are highly beneficial in ridding the body of toxins that have collected.
Khadira (Acacia Catechu) Benefits
Diarrhea:
Khadir’s antidiarrheal qualities make it a useful treatment for diarrhea. Packed with of chemical constituents, khadir lowers the frequency of loose stools as well as the spasm of intestinal muscles. Khadira powder’s astringent qualities cause feces to thicken and aid in controlling the body’s water loss. To treat diarrhea, use 1-2 grams of khadira (Acacia Catechu) powder and sip it with lukewarm water after eating.
Relieves Haemorrhoids:
Poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to an imbalance of all three doshas, but mostly vata, which is the cause of hemorrhoids. This ultimately results in poor digestive fire, which causes piles, rectum enlargement and inflammation, and constipation. While the decoction can be administered locally to alleviate edema and inflammation associated with piles, the powder helps control bleeding when taken orally.
Treats Bleeding Disorder:
An efficient herb for controlling bleeding problems like hemorrhaging gums, piles, and other skin injuries is khanda. Because of this herb’s strong astringent and cooling qualities, using it orally helps to reduce bleeding.
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Khadira (Acacia Catechu) Side Effects
Lower blood pressure:
Blood pressure may be lowered by Khadira. For those who already have low blood pressure, this could be problematic because it can result in symptoms like fainting.
Surgery:
Khadira may create problems controlling blood pressure before, during, and after surgery because of its tendency to reduce blood pressure. It is advised to cease using Khadira two weeks or more prior to the planned surgery.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
It is not possible to determine whether using greater doses of Khadira as medication while pregnant or nursing is safe due to a lack of trustworthy information. It is advisable to err on the side of caution and stay away from it completely.
Allergic reactions:
Although uncommon, allergy sufferers should see a doctor before ingesting Khadira because it may trigger allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Animals can also eat this plant as feed. Traditionally, mouth sores, diarrhea, dysentery, stomach issues, and coughs have been treated with Acacia catechu. Additionally, it may have antibacterial and antihyperglycemic (lowers blood sugar) qualities.
FAQS
Can I Include Khadhir in My Typical Diet?
Yes, you may utilize this herbal plant as a flavoring in a variety of dishes and drinks.
Does Khadir Encourage Hair Development?
Yes, Khadir is beneficial for enhancing the health and growth of hair. It serves as a natural dye that gives hair a natural color and is an essential component of various hair colorants.
What advantages does Khadira offer?
According to Ayurveda, the antidiarrheal quality of Khadir powder, when eaten with lukewarm water, helps manage diarrhea. Khadir powder has anti-obesity properties and aids in weight management by increasing metabolism. When ingested in food proportions, khandr is safe.