Catechu (Acacia catechu)

Catechu (Acacia catechu) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Traditionally, its bark, resin, and gum have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its astringent, tonic, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and african traditional medicine.

Catechu (Acacia catechu) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Catechu (Acacia catechu) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Catechu
Scientific Name	Acacia catechu
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Acacia
Species	catechu
Native Range	India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia
Plant Parts Used	Bark, Resin, Gum
Primary Medicinal Actions	Astringent, Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, African Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Acacia catechu
Common Name: Catechu
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Blackwood, Indian Acacia, Black Catechu
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Acacia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 10 to 20 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface pale green and lower surface dull green, bearing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib
Flowers: Flowers yellow with five ovate petals, arranged in dense spikes, actinomorphic, with a prominent yellow style and five stamens.
Stems: Climbing, twining, with opposite branching, pubescent surface, and phyllodes with a distinct midrib.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Astringent: Traditionally described as a cooling astringent, in drying-focused uses.
Tonic: Historically regarded as a warming tonic, for foundational support.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal texts, considered a soothing anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Bitter: As described in traditional systems, a mild bitter, in appetite-focused contexts.

Active Compounds

Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.
Coumarin: Organic compounds biosynthesized as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Extract: Extracts are created by dissolving plant material in a suitable non-alcoholic medium.
Powder: Dried plant material is ground into a fine powder.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.