Acacia Catechu, India
Acacia catechu or Kher is an evergreen tree that belongs to the family of Leguminosae. The tree is light green in color with yellowish-brown spots scattered all over its body. The leaves are large and broad with pointed edges. The leaves are bipinnate which means they have pinnae (like feather) attached to the central rachis (like a midrib).
The flowers bloom at the top in clusters and are covered by fluffy, yellowish-white bracts. The flowers are small and fragrant and rich in pollen. Most of these trees can be easily identified by the shape of their flowers.
The Acacia catechu is a medicinal plant that belongs to the genus Acacia. This plant is native to tropical regions of India and has spread around Asia, Africa and South America. It grows in marshy areas, but can also be found in dry areas.
The main active ingredients of Acacia catechu are tannins, alkaloids and coumarin. After processing, it is used in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of resins, drugs and medicines.
Acacia catechu plays an important role in the treatment of several diseases such as dyspepsia or stomach ache, diarrhea, diabetes and respiratory problems as well as infections like tuberculosis.
Acacia catechu can also be used to treat wounds or skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Constituents: The leaves of Acacia catechu contains tannin (26%), fixed oil (3%), gum/resin (2%), alkaloids (1%), phytosterols, flavonoids and phenolic compounds.**
Benefits: Acacia catechu has been used since ancient times by Hindus in religious ceremonies and rituals. In India, it was also used as a form of traditional medicine for treating various ailments.**
Acacia catechu is used in Ayurveda to treat fever, asthma, bronchitis and arthritis.
It is also helpful in relieving flatulence and constipation.
Acacia catechu helps to reduce the blood cholesterol level along with increasing the good cholesterol level.*
It also helps to promote hair growth and prevent premature graying of hairs.
Information
Hindu Theology, the Kher tree represent to Mars Planet (Mangala Graha).