Black Catechu is a medium height deciduous tree growing to 49 ft (15 m), belonging to the Fabaceae family with thorny branches and divided, feathery leaves, native to India, Myanmar (Burma), Sri-lanka, and East Africa.
• It is a very famous herb used for Skin problems, management of blood related disorders and a great blood purifier and skin rejuvenating herb.
Plant Description
Plant Description
It has short hooked spines and green leaves are bipinnately compounds with 50 pairs of leaflets which look like beautiful feathers.The colour of the bark is greyish brown that exfoliate into long and narrow strips.
The flowers are pale yellow in colour with cylindrical spikes.
Its Fruits are flat and glabrous with oblong pods.
Its sapwood is whitish yellow in colour.
The plant has taproot that grows about 2 meter deep.
Stem is dark brown to black, with rough bark which peels off in long strips in mature trees; young trees have corky bark.
Barks are normally dark grayish-brown to dark brown, rough, about 1.3 cm thick; exfoliating in long, narrow rectangular strips; blaze brownish-red.
Branches are shiny, slender and puberulous when young but glabrescent after, the base of each petiole bearing 2 curved, 8-mm long prickles.
Leaves
The Fern-like leaves are 100-200 mm long and contain between 8 and 30 pairs of small leaves made up of numerous, oblong pairs of secondary leaflets 2-6 mm long.Glands occur on the stem below the First pair of leaves, and between the uppermost six pairs of leaves.
Pairs of stout thorns up to 10 mm long are found at the base of each leaf.
Flower
Flowers occurs in 5-10 cm long axillary spikes, pentamerous, white to pale yellow, with a campanulate calyx, 1-1.5 mm long, and a corolla 2.5-3 mm long; stamens numerous, far exerted from the corolla, with white or yellowish white filaments.Flowering normally takes place from July to August.
Fruits
Fertile flowers are followed by beaked strap shaped pod, 5-8.5 cm long and 1-1.5 cm wide, flat, shiny, brown, dehiscent.Fruits are initially green turning to Shiny brown as they mature.
It contains 3-10 seeds. Seeds are flat, ovoid, dark brown seeds, 5-8 mm in diameter.
History
Types & Varieties
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
• Astringent
• Cooling and Digestive agents.
• Throat, mouth and Gum relaxantBoth the bark Catechu (more Astringent) and the pale Catechu (sweeter and less disagreeable) are employed in medicine. Black Catechu depends almost entirely upon the tannic acid for its benefits, hence employed as an Astringent to overcome relaxation of mucous membranes in general.
Why people use Black Catechu herb
• Birth control
• Chronic gonorrhea
• Cracked nipples
• Diarrhea
• Mouth Ulcers
• Nose bleed
• Painless ulcers
• Sore Gums
Usable Parts
Gums, Resins, Fruits, leaves, barks, flowering tops, shoots (only when they are young) and heartwood extract.
Black Catechu is prepared as a dried extract from The Heartwood of Acacia catechu, a tree native to Burma and Eastern India and naturalized in Jamaica.
The extract is prepared by boiling heartwood pieces in water, evaporating the mixture to a Syrups, and cooling it to molds, which are then broken into pieces.
Directions of Preparation
For Anemia
• Fry a mixture of Catechu Gum, Basil leaves and Purslane in 3:1:1 ratio in Olive Oil for 6-7 minutes, then soak the fried mixture in bowl full of Rose water and let it stand for one (1) day before taking one (1) teaspoon once (1) a day.For Nose bleed
• Take a pinch of each of Ziziphus Xylopyrus root bark powder, Anogeissus latifolia root bark powder, Catechu root bark powder and Viscum Articulatum whole plant with one (1) glass of water.For Haemoptysis:
• Take and grind two (2) tablespoon of Alum and One (1) tablespoon of Catechu bark, then put it in a bottle. Take three (3) tablespoon thRice (3) a day for 7-10 days.For Blood in sputum:
• Make a decoction from the bark of Catechu and gargle/drink an ounce of it twice (2) a day to stop blood in sputum.
For Urinary Tract System Infection:
• Prepare a decoction of Areca Nut and Catechu bark and add one (1) teaspoon of Raw Honey, then take 20 ml twice (2) a day.For Polyuria:
• Add 2g Catechu Gum in a cup of lukewarm water and drink it once (1) a day.
For Diabetes:
• Prepare decoction of Papaya (4 tablespoons), Catechu (1 tablespoon) and Betel-nut (1 tablespoon), then take 1/2 cup twice (2) a day.or
• Take an ounce of the decoction of the Catechu and Areca Nut every morning to regulate and keep blood sugar levels under control.
For Stye:
• Boil 10-12 Catechu leaves in 250 ml of water. Deep a clean Cotton cloth in lukewarm solution and compress over affected Eye.
For Leprosy:
• Add 20g bark powder of Catechu in bathing water, then use it for bath.For Poisoning:
• Drink water with the root powder of Catechu and powdered Neem seeds immediately (when in suspicion of any Poisoning).
For Dysentery:
• Soak 15g Catechu bark in 1 Liter water. Boil and drink whenever feel thirsty.For Aphthous Ulcers:
• Prepare leave decoction of Catechu and swish with it.
or
• Powder Catechu bark and Ziziphus Oenoplia bark, add a little Butter and cook. Keep it for a few minutes in the fridge, then apply on the Sores or Ulcers at least once a day.For Colic:
• Grind a mixture of Catechu, Sweet Potato, and LemonLemon, then add a little water and drink 2-3 times a day.For Diarrhea:
• Powder equal quantity of Catechu and Cinnamon and take 1/4 tsp powder with 1/2 tsp Raw Honey per day.For Ulcers:
• Mix “Frankincense Gum, Myrrh Gum, Catechu Resin and Notoginseng root powder, then apply it locally on ulcers.
For Anorexia Nervosa:
• Prepare a decoction using Catechu bark, then take 5 ml twice (2) a day.For Ascaris:
• Drink 26ml bark decoction of Catechu twice (2) a day.
For Hoarseness:
• Take a piece of catechu and chew until it dissolves in the mouth twice (2) a day.For Toothache:
• Take a small piece of Catechu and keep it near the affected tooth.or
• Take Banyan Bark Powdered (5 tablespoons), Catechu Powdered (1/4 teaspoon) and Black Pepper Powdered (1/4 teaspoon), then mix all the above herbs and use it as tooth powder twice (2) a day.
or
• Take Catechu with little amount of Cinnamon and Nutmeg, then chew for 5 minutes twice (2) a day. (Caution: Excess Nutmeg may cause adverse effect.).
For Gum Diseases:
• Gargle using leave decoction of Catechu once a day.or
• Make Ash from burning one (1) Areca Nut, then add 2 tablespoon “powdered Clove and a pinch of Catechu. Use it as a mouth wash thRice (3) a day.
For Dental Diseases:
• Rub Catechu bark powder on the Gums and teeth.or
• Take Catechu heartwood powder and Boil it in Sesame Oil.
For Gingivitis (Periodontitis):
• Powder a mixture of Catechu, Wild Geranium and Myrrh, then add a little Clove powder and use it as a tooth powder.
For Bad Breath:
• Fry Areca Nut powder (3 tablespoons) in ghee (3 tablespoons), add equal quantities of Carom, Catechu and Rock salt, then grind and apply all over mouth thRice (3) daily.
For Yellow Teeth:
• Take a charred bark of Catechu and add roasted Alum powder with Salt in 4:1:1 ratio, then brush your teeth daily with the mixture.
For Tooth Disorders:
• Gargle the decoction made with Catechu every day to keep free of dental caries, Gum Infections, and tooth disorders.
For Cough:
• Take Catechu leave paste with Raw Honey twice (2) a day.For Chest Congestion:
• Prepare a paste from Catechu and Redwood, then apply on the chest twice (2) a day.For Cough:
• Take Catechu leave paste with Raw Honey twice (2) a day.For Chest Congestion:
• Prepare a paste from Catechu and Redwood, then apply on the chest twice (2) a day.For Cough:
• Mix Catechu powder with Turmeric powder, then take it with Raw Honey twice (2) a day.For Dry Cough:
• Take a teaspoon of Catechu heartwood powder and mix it with a cup of curd and swallow the preparation to soothe the throat. Its excellent for all throat and voice disturbances.
• Hold The Heartwood powder with some oil in the mouth for five (5) minutes daily.
For Wounds:
• Use bark decoction of Catechu to wash Wounds when bearable hot.or
• Crush leaves of Catechu to make paste and apply it over Wounds.or
• Grind dry Catechu bark to make powder, then dust it over damaged Skin.
For Eczema:
• Take 20g each of Mango bark and Catechu bark and Boil in water, then dip a piece of cloth in it and apply over affected areas.
For Skin diseases:
• Catechu is a well-known herbal drug for the cure of all Skin diseases ranging from Psoriasis and Leprosy to Eczema and common Skin rashes.• Make a decoction of Catechu heartwood and amla powder, and drink an ounce twice (2) a day (for best results).
• water boiled with Catechu powder should be used for drinking, bathing and washing Patches.
For Obesity:
• Take a pinch of powdered catechu and mix in one glass of luke warm water, then drink twice (2) a day for 7 days. (Caution: Don’t use it more than 7 days.)
Recommended Dosage
Its Active Constituents:
• Black Catechu contain:
• Tannins (25–60%, like Catechins, catechu tannic acid),
• Mucilage (20–30%),
• Flavonoids (like Quercetin and it derivatives),
• Resins.
• Gum,
• etc.
Note:
* Don’t confuse Black Catechu with pale catechu, which comes from a different plant. Pale catechu is used in the dye industry and as a veterinary Astringent.
Precaution:
* Do not take for more than 2–3 weeks at a time.
* Do not take if suffering from kidney inflammation.
* Aflatoxin contamination (a condition associated with certain Cancers) from using non-standardized Black Catechu products that contain large amounts of inactive Ash and aflatoxin (a fungal contaminant).
* Don’t use Black Catechu when taking drugs (such as Calan, Captopril), drugs that lower blood pressure, drugs that suppress the Immune System (such as Atgam, Imuran and Sandimmune), and narcotic pain relievers as it may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects.
* Don’t use this herb if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
* Don’t use Black Catechu when taking drugs that suppress your Immune System, such Atgam, Imuran, and Sandimmune.
* Be aware that medical experts don’t know the long-term effects of chronic use.
* Be aware that taking Black Catechu along with a drug that causes Constipation (such as a narcotic pain reliever) may worsen Constipation. Constipation (symptoms of low blood pressure, such as Dizziness and weakness).
* Don’t, rely on Black Catechu to prevent Pregnancy.
Health Benefits of Black Catechu
Circulatory System
• Black Catechu infusion can be employed to stop Nose bleeding, excessive bleeding and purifies the blood. Its leaves, young shoot and bark of which are often used to check bleeding and discharges.
• Black Catechu has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Foods & Circulatory System
Digestive System
• Black Catechu soothes the Digestive tract and its extract mixed with Raw Honey treats Diarrhea.
Foods & Digestive System
Infections
• Black Catechu is an Astringent and anti-septic.
• Black Catechu is best internally used for relieving/treatment Leprosy.
• Seeds have been reported to have an anti-bacterial action.
• It possesses anti-fungal property which restrains the fungal growth, thus externally used to help in relieving fungal Infections and treat various Skin disorders (like Infections, Allergies, and pigmentation).
• Its used externally as a wash etc. to treat Nose bleeds, Hemorrhoids, Skin eruptions, bed sores, Mouth Ulcers, sore throats, dental Infections etc.
Foods & Infections
Intestine
• Black Catechu sap is internally consumed for relieving Diarrhea.
• Its extract mixed with Raw Honey treats Diarrhea and soothes the Digestive tract.
• Its bark is taken internally in the effective treatment of conditions such as dysentery, chronic Diarrhea and chronic catarrh.
• It helps reduce excess mucus in the large intestine.
Foods & Intestine
The Liver
• Black Catechu is internally used in repairing damaged Liver cells. Catechu extract cures swelling in Liver and spleen.
• Several Liver problems and blood disorders can be curbed easily with regulated use of Catechu along with other Liver protective and hematinic herbs.
Foods & The Liver
Musculoskeletal System
• Black Catechu bark decoction internally works/serves as an Anti-Inflammatory, anti-thelminitic and anti-pyretic substance.
Foods & Musculoskeletal System
Oral & Dental
• Black Catechu is effective in curing dental problems.
• Its sap is also used externally to ease Gum troubles.
• Its tender twigs can be used as tooth brush which will act as Anti-Microbial for the inflamed Gums.
• Soft stems are great for massaging the Gums and gentle scrubbing of the teeth on a regular basis. It is used as an ingredient in mouth rinses and gargles.
• Gargling catechu heartwood powder boiled in Sesame Oil will keep all Gum, tooth, and other oral diseases at bay.
• Its heartwood decoction is applied in mouth and on Tongue to cure Mouth Ulcer, reduces the inflammation in the Gums and counters the problem of Bad Breath.
• It is applied externally on ulcers, Boils, Skin eruptions and on Gums as disinfectant.
• Black Catechu (in small piece) is dissolved in the mouth as an excellent remedy for bleeding Gums and Canker Sores.
• Its powder and tincture is also applied to infected Gums or to clean the teeth.
• A small piece can be held in the mouth and allowed to slowly dissolve in the mouth as an excellent remedy in relaxation of the uvula and simple
Foods & Dental
Pregnancy
• A decoction prepared from Catechu heartwood is boiled with other ingredients and taken as tea by pregnant ladies to keep their body warm and also relieve Fever (due to cold during the Pregnancy).
• A decoction prepared by boiling Catechu along with Cardamom is served to women after 2-3 days of child delivery, where its believed to provide strength to the body and also helps in secretion of Milk.
• water boiled with Catechu heartwood chips is used to take bath by women after delivery where its considered beneficial to cure the body pains.
Foods & Pregnancy
Respiratory System
• It helps reduce excess mucus in the nose.
• Black Catechu sap is internally used to relieve diseases of the lungs (like Asthma, Bronchitis and Cough), when mixed with Milk. It is used for medicinal purposes, especially for the treatment of Cough and sore throat.
Foods & Respiratory System
Skin Health
• Black Catechu is externally applied in the form of powder to Boils, ulcers and cutaneous eruptions or sap is externally used for the management of Wounds when applied externally in the form of gels or ointments.
• Its externally used to provide relief in case of Psoriasis and other Skin afflictions.
• It is used in a variety of medicinal preparations to combat Skin disorders of all kinds. Its decoction, fermented liquids are used internally to treat a variety of Skin disorders like Psoriasis, Eczema, allergic Hives, dermatitis.
• Its used to treat Eczema.
Foods & Skin Health
Women Health
• Black Catechu is strongly Astringent, encouraging clotting of the blood and reducing excess mucous in the nose, large bowel or vagina.
• Its also employed as an injection for uterine haemorrhage, Leucorrhoea and gonorrhoea.
• It acts as a natural birth controlling agent.
• Black Catechu helps reduce excess mucus in the vagina.
Foods & Women Health
