Catechu or Cutch tree(Khair) is a medium deciduous tree widely distributed in tropical countries and found throughout India. The parts of Khair or Khadira tree used for medicinal purpose are twig, bark and wood. It is used in preparation of Khadiraristha. Khair heartwood is boiled and processed to produce Kattha which is used in Paan.
Acacia catechu has powerful astringent and antioxidant properties.
Latin Name: Acacia catechu
Family: Mimosaceae
Sanskrit: Gayatri
Assamese: Kharira, Khara, Khayar
Bengali: Khera, Khayera
English : Black catechu, Cutch tree
Guajarati: Khair, Kathe, Kher
Hindi: Khair
Kannada: Kaggali, Kaggalinara, Kachinamara, Koggigida
Kashmiri: Kath
Malayalam: Karingali
Marathi: Khaira, Khair
Oriya: Khaira
Punjabi : Khair
Tamil: Karungali, Karungkali
Telugu: Chandra, Kaviri
Urdu: Chanbe Kaath
Unani: Safed Kattha
Acacia catechu medicinal uses in ayurveda
Cold and cough
Prepare decoction of bark mixed with milk.Piles
Apply Katha lemon slice and taken regularly empty stomach.Improving breast milk
Prepare decoction of katha with ela and drink.Mouth ulcers, boils, skin eruptions
Apply katha on affected areas.Gum problems, Bleedibg gums, Spongy gums
Mix Catechu, Alum (Phitkari) and myrrh (gum resin) and cloves (Laung) to make a tooth powder. Massage gums with this powder.Colic
Grind Catechu, Randia ulginosa and itrus medica. Mix in water and drink.Diarrhoea
MIx Catechu (1/4 teaspoonful) powder and Dalchini powder. Take with honey.Dry cough
Mix Catechu powder (1/8 teaspoonful), turmeric powder (1/8 teaspoonful). Take with honey.Sore throat, Hoarseness of voice
Chew Catechu to get relief from sore throat and loss of voice.