Khadira, commonly known as kattha or black catechu, is a deciduous tree, where the wood and bark of the tree are mainly valued for their indispensable medicinal purposes. It is commonly grown in the Himalayan and North-eastern states of India. The tree has short hooked spines and bipinnately compound leaves with 50 pairs of leaflets that look like a beautiful feather. The tree grows to a height of 9-12 meters, while the flowers are pale yellow in colour with cylindrical spikes bearing fruits that are flat with oblong pods. It is a popular plant also known by other common names, black catechu, black cutch, catecu, cutch, cutch tree, dark catechu, gum catechu that has been used for ages as a remarkable herb of great therapeutic value.
It is chiefly used for treating skin and respiratory problems of allergic origin, dental health, and potent astringent properties help in curing bleeding disorders.
Khadira is bestowed with huge amounts of tannins, tannic acid, catechin, gum, and quercitin. It has strong healing activity owing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial traits. According to the holistic science of Ayurveda anti-obesity properties of khadir churna helps in shedding extra kilos by triggering the metabolism, while anti-diarrhoeal properties manage diarrhea. Furthermore, it is known to pacify kapha and pitta dosha.
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Khadir is known as Cutch tree, heartwood tree in English, while in the Indian subcontinent it is known as Chandra, Sandra in Telugu, Kaggali in Kannada, Karanagalli in Tamil, Karingali in Malayalam, and Khaira in Marathi and Oriya. Ayurveda knows this medicinal plant by the Sanskrit terms such as Khadira, Rakta Sara, Kantaki, Dantadhavan, Yajniya, and Balapatra.
Potential Health Benefits of Khadira
Fortifies Bone Health
Khadira is a proven Ayurveda herb laden with vital bioactive compounds and antioxidants, for treating a host of bone and joint-related disorders such as RA and osteoarthritis. The anti-inflammatory characteristics of khadir are beneficial in reducing inflammation and easing arthritis, asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases. Evidence has shown that the seed extract of khadira is used to mitigate symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and prevents cartilage damage in osteoarthritis by inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways. Taking this supplement regularly reduces the progression of osteoarthritis and helps regain the range of motion in bones, muscles.
Remedies Diarrhoea
Aggravated Vata dosha leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhoea. The antidiarrheal properties of Khadir are valuable in treating diarrhoea. Loaded with a wealth of chemical constituent khadir helps in lowering the spasm of intestinal muscles and also reduces the frequency of loose stools. Having Khadira powder helps to regulate the loss of water from the body and makes stool thicker owing to its astringent property. Take 1-2 gm of khadir powder swallow with lukewarm water after taking food to cure diarrhoea.
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Treats Bleeding Disorder
Khadira is an effective herb that promotes blood clotting and controls bleeding disorders such as bleeding gums, piles, and other skin injuries. Taking this herb orally aids to control bleeding due to its potent astringent and cold properties. Aside from this, khadir decoction can also be used topically on wounds or cuts to stop bleeding and fasten the healing process.
Relieves Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids are caused due to poor dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle, which leads to an imbalance of all three doshas, chiefly vata. This eventually leads to low digestive fire leading to constipation, swelling and inflammation in the rectum area, resulting in piles. Khadira powder assists to control bleeding when taken orally, while decoction can be applied externally to reduce swelling and inflammation associated with piles.
Detoxifier
Khadira formulation is very helpful in detoxifying the body of harmful toxins and impurities. The astringent and antioxidant properties help to pacify pitta disorders in the system. Having this herbal churna helps to manage liver problems and promotes liver function.
Recommended Dosage Of Khadir
The effective therapeutic dosage of khadira may vary from person to person depending upon the age, effects on appetite, severity, and condition of the patient. It is strongly recommended to consult an Ayurveda practitioner, who would evaluate the patient’s indications, past medical conditions and prescribe an effective dose for a specific period.
Churna or Powder - 2-3gm twice a day, after meals, alongside lukewarm milk, or as directed by the doctor.
Capsule- 1 capsule twice a day or as directed by a physician.
Tablet -1 tablet twice a day or as directed by a physician.
Side Effects
Most herbal formulations have active compounds that may react with medications, thus person's suffering from chronic health problems or those taking medications for any other medical conditions should refrain from taking this herb. Though there is no evidence regarding the safety of khadir plants during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is best to consult with a doctor before taking this herb. Avoid this herb if you are undergoing surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Are The Uses Of Khadir Tincture?
Khadir tincture is primarily used to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. This tincture is bestowed with bioactive compounds like tannins which aid in stomach and gastrointestinal woes such as indigestion, diarrhoea, and other gut infections.
Can I Add Khadhir In My Regular Foods?
Yes, this herbal plant can be used as a flavouring agent in numerous foods and beverages.
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What Are The Other Uses Of Khadir?
Khadir is a highly valued ingredient which is used largely in making adhesives for plywood and as a preservation of sailing rods, fishing nets and bags.
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How Does Khadir Benefit My Health?
Khadir or Katha is greatly beneficial for augmenting your health and well-being. It is credited to possess several health-benefiting traits such as antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal. It is also helpful in treating diarrhoea owing to its antidiarrheal action. Besides these, it also heals wounds and shields the liver.
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Does Khadir Promote Hair Growth?
Yes, Khadir is valuable for improving hair health and growth. It works as a natural dye, imparting natural colour to hair, and it is also used as a key ingredient in several hair colourants.
6. Can I Drink Khadirarishta Daily?
Yes, Khadirarishta can be taken daily, but only in the recommended dosage of about 15–30 ml diluted with water after meals. It is commonly prescribed in Ayurvedic medicine for blood purification, skin diseases, allergies, and digestive issues. However, long-term daily use should be done under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner to avoid side effects.
7. What Is Khadiradi Vati Used For?
Khadiradi Vati is an Ayurvedic tablet mainly used for oral and throat health. Benefits include:
Relieves sore throat, cough, and hoarseness of voice.
Helps with bad breath and mouth ulcers.
Provides relief in tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and other oral infections.
It works best when slowly dissolved in the mouth rather than swallowed directly.
8. Is Khadirarishta Safe for All?
Generally, Khadirarishta is safe for all healthy adults and teenagers above 12 years.
For children below 12 years, it should only be given if prescribed by an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Not recommended for infants or toddlers.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specialising in tailoring personalised diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasising the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics, including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Antibacterial activity and mechanism of action of an ayurvedic formulation Khadirarishta,Acharya Balkrishna,Ashish Kumar Gupta , Antriksh Gupta,Priya Singh, Kanchan Singh ,Meenu Tomar , D. Rajagopal
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210803321000890
https://rjptonline.org/HTML_Papers/Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacy%20and%20Technology__PID__2019-12-2-13.html
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