Khayer: Acacia Catechu: Khadir Benefits, Uses & More!

Khayer, (Khadir/Khadira) also known as Kattha, is a tree native to the Sub-Himalayan regions and northeastern Nepal, valued for its medicinal properties derived from its wood and bark. This versatile plant offers a range of benefits for both hair and skin care.

For hair, Khayer acts as a natural dye, enhancing volume and shine through its nourishing effects. Its astringent properties aid in tightening skin, making it a popular choice in skincare routines. Khayer’s healing abilities extend to oral health, effectively treating mouth ulcers and gingivitis when applied topically.

In Ayurveda, Khayer plays a role in managing digestive issues like diarrhea, thanks to its antidiarrheal properties. It also supports weight management by boosting metabolism, highlighting its role in holistic health practices.

Beyond its medicinal uses, Khayer finds its way into cultural practices like paan, a post-meal treat known for its sweet and aromatic qualities. While generally safe in culinary amounts, individuals with allergies should seek advice before consuming Khayer.

This tree, known by various synonyms like Acacia catechu and Khair, underscores its cultural and medicinal significance across different traditions, making it a valuable resource in natural healthcare.

Table of Contents

What is Kayer (Acacia catechu)?

Acacia catechu, also known as kattha or black catechu, is a versatile tree revered for its medicinal properties. This deciduous tree stands out with its hooked spines and feather-like bipinnate leaves. Growing up to 9-12 meters tall, it bears pale yellow flowers and oblong pods that house its valuable fruits.

This plant is celebrated for its therapeutic applications, addressing a range of health concerns. Its potent astringent properties make it invaluable in treating skin issues, respiratory ailments of allergic origin, and dental health. Acacia catechu’s richness in compounds like tannins, tannic acid, catechin, gum, and quercetin underpin its healing prowess.

In Ayurveda, Acacia catechu is highly regarded for its holistic healing potential. It is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial qualities, which contribute to its effectiveness in combating various health issues. For instance, it aids in weight management by boosting metabolism and helps alleviate diarrhea due to its anti-diarrheal properties. Additionally, it balances the kapha and pitta doshas, two fundamental aspects of Ayurvedic health.

Acacia catechu thus stands as a testament to nature’s bounty, offering a wealth of therapeutic benefits that have been treasured for generations.

How to Identify Acacia catechu?

Acacia catechu, commonly known as khayer, is a tree that holds cultural and medicinal significance. Its name derives from Greek origins, where “Acacia” refers to its pointed thorns, and “catechu” from the tannin extract derived from its wood. This moderate-sized tree typically reaches heights of 9 to 15 meters. Its bark is distinguished by shades of greyish-brown or dark brown, with young shoots often displaying hues of purple or brown.

The leaves of Acacia catechu are compound and bipinnate, meaning each leaflet is further divided into smaller leaflets, totaling around 30 pairs per leaf. The leaf structure includes a glandular midriff, containing secretory structures, and the leaflets themselves are oblong, sometimes featuring tiny hairs.

During the flowering season, which occurs on this complex tree, the blooms are notable for their size (5 to 10 cm) and color variations ranging from white to pale yellow or greenish-yellow. These flowers are adorned with numerous long stamens, typically white to yellow in color, and surrounded by a bell-shaped calyx of green leaves. The petals exceed the sepals in length, creating a distinctive appearance.

As the seasons progress, Acacia catechu undergoes significant changes. In the summer months, the tree sheds all its leaves, a natural process observed around February in Central Asia. By April, new leaves and flowers begin to emerge. During the autumn months of September to October, the tree produces seed pods that transform from green to red-green and eventually brown. These thin, smooth, and flat seed pods contain shiny, greyish seeds numbering between 5 to 10 per pod.

Come January, the mature seed pods dehisce, or split open, often facilitated by wind or insect damage, releasing their seeds into the environment. This life cycle highlights the resilience and adaptive strategies of Acacia catechu in various ecological settings

How to Use Khayer?

Khayer, a versatile herb, offers various forms for treating skin conditions and promoting overall health. Whether in powder, capsule, or decoction (kwath) form, Khayer provides effective solutions.

Khayer Powder Application

Khayer powder, in 1-3 gm doses, mixed with rose water to form a paste, is ideal for direct application on affected skin areas. This remedy helps combat psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and other skin infections when used daily.

Khayer Kwath (Decoction)

For internal use, prepare Khayer kwath by boiling 5-10 gm of Khayer powder in two bowls of water until it reduces to one-fourth of its volume. After cooling and straining, this decoction is effective for promoting wound healing and managing skin disorders when used once or twice daily.

Khayer in Capsule or Tablet Form

In capsule or tablet form, Khayer is consumed orally. A typical dosage involves taking 1-2 gm of Khayer powder twice daily with lukewarm water or honey, or as directed by a physician. Similarly, Khayer capsules or tablets are taken once or twice daily after meals, as advised by a healthcare provider.

By incorporating Khayer into your health regimen through these methods, you can harness its medicinal benefits for skin health and overall well-being.

Benefits of Khayer

Khayer, known scientifically as Acacia catechu, offers a range of health benefits rooted in both traditional and modern medicinal practices. This versatile herb has been recognized for its therapeutic properties across different health conditions.

Relief from Digestive Issues:

Khayer is known for its ability to alleviate diarrhea. Its active components help soothe intestinal muscles, reducing spasms and frequency of stools. This makes it a valuable remedy for managing digestive discomforts like diarrhea, according to both traditional Ayurvedic wisdom and some modern indications.

Control of Bleeding and Swelling:

In both Ayurvedic and modern contexts, Khayer’s astringent properties play a crucial role in managing bleeding and swelling. Whether used internally for bleeding gums or externally on wounds, Khayer helps tighten tissues, reducing blood flow and promoting clotting. This dual action aids in faster recovery and alleviates discomfort associated with bleeding conditions.

Support for Skin Health:

Khayer’s benefits extend to skin care, where its astringent and healing properties make it effective against various skin disorders. Ayurvedic practices recommend using Khayer to treat eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. Its ability to reduce inflammation and promote healing makes it a natural choice for soothing skin irritations and managing skin infections.

Wound Healing Properties:

Both Ayurvedic and modern medicinal views highlight Khayer’s efficacy in wound healing. Its antimicrobial properties help prevent infections while its ability to promote skin cell contraction accelerates the healing process. This makes Khayer an invaluable remedy for promoting faster recovery from wounds, ensuring minimal scarring and reduced risk of complications.

Khayer emerges as a versatile herbal remedy with scientifically supported benefits across various health concerns. Whether addressing digestive issues like diarrhea, managing bleeding and swelling, improving skin health, or aiding wound healing, Khayer’s holistic properties make it a valuable addition to natural healthcare practices. Integrating Khayer into daily health routines offers a natural and effective approach to maintaining overall well-being.

Properties of Acacia catechu

Antioxidant Properties of Acacia catechu

Acacia catechu, commonly known as Acacia catechu, has strong antioxidant properties. Research conducted in Jabalpur, India, discovered that the ethyl acetate extracts from its seed pods have potent antioxidant effects, similar to ascorbic acid, a natural antioxidant. Studies at the University of Delhi confirmed that phenolic compounds in Acacia catechu bark contribute to its strong antioxidant properties. Further research in Thailand showed that higher phenolic content enhances its antioxidant potential. Additionally, the heartwood of this plant exhibits significant free radical scavenging activity.

Acacia catechu for Diarrhoea

Traditionally, Acacia catechu has been used to treat diarrhoea. Research in Italy found that Acacia catechu extracts reduce colon muscle contractions without affecting normal intestinal flora. Compounds like epicatechin and catechin are thought to be responsible for this effect. An animal study in India suggested that regular use of Acacia catechu extract can help manage diarrhoea. Another study in Lucknow, India, identified flavonoids in the bark with potent antidiarrheal properties. However, clinical studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety, so consulting a healthcare professional is advisable before using Acacia catechu for diarrhoea.

Antimicrobial Properties of Acacia catechu

Acacia catechu has notable antimicrobial properties. An Indian study found that methanol extracts of the plant can inhibit various bacteria, including Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, and also the yeast Candida albicans. Research on the resin part of Acacia catechu revealed its effectiveness against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus due to compounds like quercetin and epicatechin. The bark and seed extracts of Acacia catechu also show potent antimicrobial activity against several bacteria and fungi, making it a potential natural antimicrobial agent.

Acacia catechu for Diabetes

In Bangladesh, traditional practitioners use khoyer, a product from boiling Acacia catechu wood, to manage diabetes. Studies in hyperglycemic mice confirmed that it helps control blood sugar levels. Another study showed that Acacia catechu hardwood extract reduces blood glucose levels in both normal and diabetic mice, likely due to flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides. A study in the Journal of Diabetes Research and Therapy also indicated that hydroalcoholic extracts of Acacia catechu seeds might lower blood glucose levels. However, it’s best for diabetes patients to consult their doctor before using Acacia catechu.

Acacia catechu properties for the Immune System

Acacia catechu is traditionally believed to modulate the immune system. Research in Bangalore, India, showed that it enhances both humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Another study confirmed that Acacia catechu increases antibody levels in a dose-dependent manner. These findings support the traditional use of Acacia catechu to boost the immune system.

Anti-inflammatory and Antiarthritic Properties of Acacia catechu

Acacia catechu exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties. Animal studies indicate that it reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, potentially helping conditions like arthritis. Research in Tamil Nadu, India, found that the seed extract of Acacia catechu is even more effective than diclofenac, a common anti-inflammatory drug, particularly against rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, it prevents cartilage damage in osteoarthritis by inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways.

Anti-ulcer properties of Acacia catechu

Acacia catechu is traditionally used to treat peptic ulcers. Studies in India revealed that its flavonoids contribute to its anti-ulcer activity. Research showed that Acacia catechu extracts not only reduce inflammation and ulcers but also decrease excess gastric acid secretions, a cause of peptic ulcers. The root extract of this plant also exhibits potent anti-ulcer properties, which increase with the dosage.

Other properties of Acacia catechu

Acacia catechu has various other health benefits. A decoction of its bark treats mouth ulcers, sore throat, cold, and cough. It also possesses antipyretic properties, reducing fever. The bark is used for treating stomatitis and snake bites and is applied to wounds to prevent infections. Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, Acacia catechu is beneficial for managing skin conditions. The heartwood is used to reduce post-childbirth pain, and studies have shown that Acacia catechu has a dose-dependent hypotensive action, helping to reduce blood pressure.

Precautions When Using Khayer

Before using Khayer, it’s crucial to consider several precautions advised by experts to ensure safe usage. Khayer, known for its medicinal properties, requires careful attention, especially in specific health conditions.

Experts recommend avoiding Khayer at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery. This precaution is essential because Khayer may interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgical procedures. This interaction could potentially impact recovery and overall health outcomes.

Important Considerations

It’s important to note that Khayer could trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, although scientific evidence on this is not fully conclusive. Therefore, if you have a history of allergies or sensitivity to similar substances, it’s advisable to exercise caution or seek medical advice before using Khayer.

Moderate Medicine Interaction

When using Khayer alongside medications for controlling blood pressure, there’s a possibility of moderate interaction. To manage this risk effectively, it’s recommended to use Khayer under the guidance of a healthcare provider. This ensures that any potential interactions are monitored and managed appropriately to avoid complications.

Patients with Specific Health Conditions

For individuals with diabetes or heart disease, the use of Khayer requires careful consideration. Due to limited scientific evidence, consulting a physician before incorporating Khayer into your regimen is advisable. Monitoring blood pressure and overall health status regularly is essential, particularly when using Khayer alongside other medications.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the safety of Khayer is not well-established through scientific research. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to avoid using Khayer during these periods or consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. This precaution helps ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Patients with Liver Disease

In some cases, Khayer may pose risks to individuals with liver disease. To mitigate potential harm, it’s advisable to avoid Khayer or seek medical guidance before starting any regimen involving this herb. This precaution helps in safeguarding liver health and preventing adverse effects.

By following these precautions and seeking appropriate medical advice, individuals can use Khayer safely and effectively, minimizing risks and maximizing potential health benefits.

Summarizing The Benefits of Khayer (Kahdir)

1. Skin Health: Treats various skin disorders due to its antibacterial and astringent properties.

2. Respiratory Support: Helps in managing respiratory allergies and infections.

3. Dental Care: Effective in oral health by preventing dental plaque and gum disease.

4. Wound Healing: Accelerates wound healing with its anti-inflammatory effects.

5. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in joints and tissues.

6. Antioxidant: Fights free radicals, protecting cells from damage.

7. Antimicrobial: Combats infections caused by bacteria and fungi.

8. Digestive Aid: Improves digestion and relieves gastrointestinal issues.

9. Anti-diarrheal: Manages diarrhea effectively.

10. Weight Management: Aids in weight loss by boosting metabolism.

11. Liver Health: Supports liver function and detoxification.

12. Heart Health: Helps maintain cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels.

13. Diabetes Management: Regulates blood sugar levels.

14. Anti-allergic: Alleviates allergic reactions.

15. Pain Relief: Acts as a natural pain reliever.

16. Fever Reduction: Lowers fever and associated symptoms.

17. Urinary Health: Supports urinary tract health.

18. Menstrual Disorders: Alleviates symptoms of menstrual disorders.

19. Anticancer Properties: Potential in preventing certain types of cancers.

20. Hair Care: Promotes healthy hair growth and scalp health.

21. Eye Health: Improves vision and prevents eye infections.

22. Bone Health: Strengthens bones and reduces osteoporosis risk.

23. Immune Booster: Enhances immune system function.

24. Memory Enhancer: Improves cognitive function and memory.

25. Stress Relief: Reduces stress and anxiety levels.

26. Anti-aging: Delays signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.

27. Hormonal Balance: Regulates hormone levels in the body.

28. Mouth Freshener: Acts as a natural mouth freshener.

29. Detoxification: Helps in detoxifying the body from toxins.

30. Overall Well-being: Promotes overall health and well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Acacia catechu, commonly known as Khadira or Khayer, emerges as a powerhouse of natural healing in traditional medicine. Its extensive array of benefits spans from skincare and respiratory health to digestive support and beyond. Khadira’s rich composition of tannins, antioxidants, and antimicrobial agents underscores its efficacy in treating various ailments and promoting overall well-being.

Furthermore, its role in Ayurveda highlights its holistic approach to health, balancing doshas and supporting systemic harmony. As a testament to nature’s therapeutic gifts, Acacia catechu continues to be revered for its profound medicinal properties, making it a valuable ally in maintaining and restoring health naturally.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT KHAYER (CATECHU)

Q. What is the use of catechu (Khayer) tincture?

Khayer tincture is commonly used to treat pain and inflammation. It contains tannins which help manage stomach and intestinal issues such as diarrhea, indigestion, and gastrointestinal infections.

Q. Can Khayer be used in foods?

Yes, Khayer can be used as a flavoring agent in various foods and beverages.

Q. How is Khayer/Kattha made?

Khayer, also known as Kattha, is derived from the heartwood of the Acacia Catechu tree. The process involves boiling small wood chips in earthen pitchers. After cooling and crystallization, about 100 kg of Acacia chips yield 5 kg of Kattha, depending on chip quality.

Q. What are the commercial benefits of using Khayer?

Khayer is crucial in making adhesives for plywood, adding to oil drilling mud, and preserving items like fishing nets and mail bags.

Q. Is Khayer good for health?

Yes, Khayer offers several health benefits including antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. It aids in managing diarrhea, protects the liver, promotes wound healing, and has anti-obesity effects.

Q. Is Khayer good for mouth ulcers?

Yes, Khayer is effective against mouth ulcers due to its astringent and soothing properties.

Q. Can Khayer be used against obesity?

Yes, Khayer helps in weight management by enhancing metabolism and reducing fat accumulation, cholesterol, and triglycerides in the body.

Q. Is Khayer good for the liver?

Yes, Khayer shows promise in supporting liver health through its antioxidant properties.

Q. How to take Khayer powder?

For managing skin disorders, take 1-2 gm of Khayer powder once or twice daily with normal or lukewarm water.

Q. What are the medicinal uses of Khayer tablets?

Khayer tablets are beneficial for oral health issues like mouth ulcers and for treating acne, pimples, and digestive problems due to their healing and astringent properties.

Q. Is Khayer good for hair?

Yes, Khayer is beneficial for hair, potentially imparting color when used externally in hair colorants.

Q. What are the benefits of Khayer for skin?

Khayer helps manage skin conditions like acne by purifying the blood and eliminating toxins, promoting healthy and clear skin.

Referencehttps://easyayurveds.com/ayurvedic-medicine-for-diarrhea/