Khadir
Khadir
Khadir, commonly known as kattha, is a deciduous tree commonly growing throughout the Sub-Himalayan belt and northeastern states of India. Generally, the wood and bark of the Khadir tree are mainly used for medicinal purposes.
Khadir is good for hair as it might act as a natural hair dye. Regular application of Khadir on hair increases the volume and shine of hair by nourishing them. Khadir also helps in skin tightening by contracting skin cells or other body tissues due to its astringent property. Khadir is widely used in cases of oral disorders such as mouth ulcers, gingivitis, cuts when its paste is applied on the affected area. It has strong healing activity due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
It is used in paan (chewing betel leaf) which is usually taken after meals as a sweet dish. As per Ayurveda, Khadir powder when taken with lukewarm water helps manage diarrhea due to its antidiarrheal property. Khadir powder also helps in weight management by improving metabolism and thus possesses anti-obesity activities.
Khadir is safe when consumed in food amounts. Though the side-effects of this plant are less known, it is advisable for people sensitive to allergies to take proper consultation before consuming[2][3][13].
Khadir is good for hair as it might act as a natural hair dye. Regular application of Khadir on hair increases the volume and shine of hair by nourishing them. Khadir also helps in skin tightening by contracting skin cells or other body tissues due to its astringent property. Khadir is widely used in cases of oral disorders such as mouth ulcers, gingivitis, cuts when its paste is applied on the affected area. It has strong healing activity due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
It is used in paan (chewing betel leaf) which is usually taken after meals as a sweet dish. As per Ayurveda, Khadir powder when taken with lukewarm water helps manage diarrhea due to its antidiarrheal property. Khadir powder also helps in weight management by improving metabolism and thus possesses anti-obesity activities.
Khadir is safe when consumed in food amounts. Though the side-effects of this plant are less known, it is advisable for people sensitive to allergies to take proper consultation before consuming[2][3][13].
What are the synonyms of Khadir?
Acacia catechu, Kharira, Khadira, Khara, Khayar, Khera, Khayera, Black catechu, Cutch tree, Khair, Kathe, Kher, Kaggali, Kaggalinara, Kachinamara, Koggigida, Kath, Karingali, Khair, Karungali, Karungkali, Chandra, Kaviri, Chanbe Kaath, Kattha[1].
What is the source of Khadir?
Plant Based
Benefits of Khadir
Modern Science View
Enough evidence is not available for the use of Khadir in Osteoarthritis. However, using Khadir in combination with certain other herbs appears to reduce the chances of Osteoarthritis progression and helps to prevent subsequent joint cartilage damage[4][5].
Modern Science View
Khadir might be useful in Diarrhea as it possesses antidiarrheal property. A certain chemical constituent present in Khadir reduces the spasm of intestinal muscles and also decreases the frequency of stools passed[6].
Ayurvedic View
Khadir is an effective herb for controlling diarrhea. Diarrhea, known as Atisar in Ayurveda, is caused due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. Aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues of the body and mixes with the stool which leads to loose, watery motions or Diarrhea. Using Khadir powder helps to control the loss of water from the body and makes the stool thicker due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Tips for using Khadir powder to get relief from constipation:
1. Take 1-2 gm of Khadir powder or as directed by the physician.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water or honey twice a day after taking light food to get rid of the symptoms of diarrhea.
Tips for using Khadir powder to get relief from constipation:
1. Take 1-2 gm of Khadir powder or as directed by the physician.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water or honey twice a day after taking light food to get rid of the symptoms of diarrhea.
Modern Science View
Khadir causes contraction of skin cells and reduces swelling of the nose and throat. It contains an active constituent which helps in the treatment of sore throat due to its soothing property[8].
Modern Science View
Khadir may prevent bleeding due to its astringent property. It helps tighten the skin and decreases blood supply while also promoting clotting[8].
Ayurvedic View
Khadir is an effective herb to control bleeding in the body. Khadir can be used in bleeding gums, bleeding from piles, and skin injuries. Using Khadir powder orally helps to control bleeding due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) properties. Khadir Kwath (decoction) can also be used externally on wounds or cuts to stop bleeding and helps to quick healing
Tips to use Khadir powder to control bleeding:
1. Take 1-2 gm of Khadir powder or as directed by the physician.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water or honey twice a day after taking light food so as to control bleeding from the affected area.
Tips to use Khadir powder to control bleeding:
1. Take 1-2 gm of Khadir powder or as directed by the physician.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water or honey twice a day after taking light food so as to control bleeding from the affected area.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Khadir might be useful in managing hemorrhoids due to its astringent property. It may heal the mucous membrane which helps relieve burning, itching, and pain associated with hemorrhoids[8].
Ayurvedic View
Hemorrhoids or piles, known as Arsh in Ayurveda, is caused due to an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata. An aggravated Vata causes low digestive fire leading to constipation. This causes swelling in the veins in the rectum area leading to piles mass. Sometimes bleeding can also occur in this condition. Khadir helps to control bleeding when used internally and Khadir Kwath (decoction) can be used externally to control bleeding and reduce the swelling of piles masses. This is due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tips to use Khadir powder to get relief from hemorrhoids:
1. Take 1-2 gm of Khadir powder or as directed by the physician.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water or honey twice a day after taking light food to get rid of the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Tips to use Khadir powder to get relief from hemorrhoids:
1. Take 1-2 gm of Khadir powder or as directed by the physician.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water or honey twice a day after taking light food to get rid of the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
How effective is Khadir?
Insufficient evidence
Bleeding, Diarrhea, Osteoarthritis, Piles, Swelling
Precautions when using Khadir
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
Khadir may interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery, so it must be avoided 2 weeks prior surgery[3].
Allergy
Modern Science View
Khadir may cause allergic reactions in some people[3].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Khadir during breastfeeding[3].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
Khadir may show moderate interaction with blood-pressure-lowering drugs. So, it is advisable to use Khadi as per physician's advice[3].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable for diabetics to avoid or consult a physician before taking Khadir[3].
Patients with heart disease
Important
Modern Science View
Khadir may lower the blood pressure drastically. So, it is generally advisable to consult a physician and monitor blood pressure regularly while taking Khadir with other blood pressure-lowering drugs[3].
Patients with liver disease
Modern Science View
Khadir may cause harm to the liver in certain people so it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before use[3].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Khadir during pregnancy[3].
Recommended Dosage of Khadir
- Khadir Powder - 1-2 gm twice a day or as directed by a physician.
- Khadir Capsule - 1 capsule twice a day or as directed by a physician.
- Khadir Tablet - 1 tablet twice a day or as directed by a physician.
How to use Khadir
1. Khadir Powder
a. Take 1-2 gm (or as directed by a physician) of Khadir powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water or honey twice a day after taking light food.
2. Khadir Capsules
a. Take 1 capsule (or as directed by a physician) of Khadir.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals once or twice a day.
3. Khadir Kwath (Decoction)
a. Take about 5-10 gm of Khadir powder.
b. Add about 2 bowls of water to it.
c. Heat till the volume is reduced to one-fourth.
d. Cool and strain this to form a decoction.
e. Take 15-20 ml of this Khadir decoction and mix it in some more water.
f. Drink preferably after meals once or twice a day.
a. Take 1-2 gm (or as directed by a physician) of Khadir powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water or honey twice a day after taking light food.
2. Khadir Capsules
a. Take 1 capsule (or as directed by a physician) of Khadir.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals once or twice a day.
3. Khadir Kwath (Decoction)
a. Take about 5-10 gm of Khadir powder.
b. Add about 2 bowls of water to it.
c. Heat till the volume is reduced to one-fourth.
d. Cool and strain this to form a decoction.
e. Take 15-20 ml of this Khadir decoction and mix it in some more water.
f. Drink preferably after meals once or twice a day.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Catechu (Khadir) tincture is mainly used to treat pain and inflammation. Catechu (Khadir) is rich in tannins and when given in the form of a tincture it mainly helps manage stomach and intestinal disorders such as diarrhea, indigestion and other GI infections.
Modern Science View
Yes, Khadir may be used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages[3].
Modern Science View
Kattha is obtained from the heartwood of Acacia Catechu, commonly known as Khair tree. It is basically a white substance which is found in Khair wood. It is obtained by boiling small chips of the heartwood in earthen pitchers. The concentrate is then allowed to cool and crystallize for use. About 100 kgs of Acacia chips give 5 kgs. of Kattha and 14 kgs of cutch. The final product largely depends upon the quality of the chips.
Modern Science View
Khadir is considered an important ingredient which is used in making adhesives for plywood. It is used extensively as an additive to the drilling mud used for oil drilling and for the preservation of sailing rods, fishing nets, mail bags, etc.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Hashmat MA, Hussain R. A review on Acacia catechu Willd. Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business.2013;5(1):593-600.
- WebMD.Catechu: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Arjmandi BH, Ormsbee LT, Elam ML, et al. A combination of Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu for short-term symptomatic relief of joint discomfort associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. J Med Food 2014;17(6):707-13. View abstract.
- Kalman D.S, Hewlings S.J. The Effects of Morus alba and Acacia catechu on Quality of Life and Overall Function in Adults with Osteoarthritis of the Knee.Hindawi Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism.2017;4893104:9.
- Micucci M, Gotti R, Corazza I et al. Newer Insights into the Antidiarrheal Effects of Acacia catechu Willd. Extract in Guinea PigJ .Med Food. 2017 Jun;20(6):592-600.
- Nadumane V. Nair S. Evaluation of anticancer and cytotoxic potentials of Acacia catechu extracts in vitro.Journal of Natural Pharmaceuticals.2011;2:190.
- Ansari MD, Alam SS. Acacia catechu (Katha) and its medicinal applications: A review. Pharmacogn Rev. 2024;18(35):82-84.
- Kumar, Aravind S; Lakshmi, T; Arun, A V. Invitro Antibacterial Activity of Acacia catechu ethanolic leaf extract against selected acidogenic oral bacteria.Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology.2012:5(3);333-336.
- Chaudhari S.K , Tripathi S, Singh D. P. et al, An overview on Acacia catechu.IJRRPAS: 2(2):342-346.
- Tangeti s, Gabbita P, Ponnaluri R R et al.Comparative study of the wound healing effect of topical Acacia catechu extract and silver sulfadiazine on excisional wound model in guinea pigs. Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol. 2018 Dec:7(12):2347-2352.
- Singh V, Ali M et al. “Study of colouring effect of herbal hair formulations on graying hair.” Pharmacognosy research.2015:7(3);259-62.
- Ramanathan L. For Bumpier Times: An Indian Mother's Guide to 101 Pregnancy & Childcare Practices.2015.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.