Khat (Catha edulis)

Khat (Catha edulis) is a member of the Apidanthaceae family, native to East Africa, Socotra, and Arabian Peninsula. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and resin have been used for powders, infusions, and culinary uses.

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

Khat (Catha edulis) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Khat (Catha edulis) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Khat
Scientific Name	Catha edulis
Plant Family	Apidanthaceae
Genus	Catha
Species	edulis
Native Range	East Africa, Socotra, Arabian Peninsula
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Stimulant, Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	African Traditional Medicine, Ethiopian Traditional Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Powder, Infusion, Culinary Use

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Catha edulis
Common Name: Khat
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Catha, Chat, Katha
Plant Family: Apidanthaceae
Genus: Catha

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, featuring prominent stomatal bands.
Stems: Elongated, erect growth habit with opposite branching, smooth, cylindrical surface, and presence of prominent leaf scars.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

African Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Powder
Infusion
Culinary Use
Decoction

Medicinal Actions

Stimulant: In herbal texts, considered a gentle stimulant, in activation-oriented uses.
Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a calming anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a cooling tonic, in whole-system applications.
Expectorant: As described in traditional systems, a warming expectorant, in chest-related herbal contexts.

Active Compounds

Alkaloid: A class of nitrogen-containing compounds produced by many plant species.
Terpenoid: Plant-produced compounds commonly found in essential oils and resins.
Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Available information does not clearly establish general precautionary concerns for this herb.
Contraindications: The use of this herb has been associated with reported contraindications in some situations.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Reports suggest that this herb may interact with prescription drugs in some contexts.
Toxicity: Reports indicate that this herb may exhibit toxic properties in some contexts.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.
Culinary Use: A preparation involving the use of plant parts in cooking or food production.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

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