The Black Catechu Herb

Acacia catechu

The Black catechu herb is also known as Catechu or Cutch.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

Black catechu or Acacia tree grows in the region of Africa. It is a thorny, scraggly tree that grows to about 15 feet high.

During times of drought, sap seep from the tree through cracks in the bark, this sap is the major source of acacia gum.

Today, the sap is extracted commercially from the trees periodically and the grade of the gum is determined by the color of the gum. Acacia has a high soluble dietary fiber content and is sometimes used in meal replacement products, nutritional beverages, and weight-loss products.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* diarrhea

* dysentery

* mucous colitis

* sore throats

* cough

Use as a douche for:

* leucorrhoea

Use as a mouthwash or gargle for:

* gingivitis

* stomatitis

* pharyngitis

* laryngitis

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE:

Over the counter:

There are three different grades of commercial acacia gum available, therefore use the recommended dosage on the labels.

Parts used: A dried extract is prepared from the heart-wood of the tree.

Constituents: Quercitin, acacatechin acid

Actions: Astringent, antiseptic, demulcent

Combinations: This herb can be combined with Calamus, Meadowsweet, Agrimony and Peppermint to treat conditions of the colon.

It can also be combined with Myrrh as a mouthwash.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* Black catechu is regarded as safe when taken in the recommended doses.

* Allergic reactions have been reported when catechu powder and gum was used, reactions were respiratory problems and skin lesions.