Botanical: Acacia catechu
Family: Leguminosae (legume)
Other common names:  Indian Gum Arabic, Wattle Bark, Black Wattle, Babul, Babool

Acacia Bark is an ancient treatment used mainly for digestive disorders and diarrhea.  It is an astringent that is rich in tannic acid that checks bleeding, discharges and excess mucus. Recent research has discovered that an extract from this highly astringent herb may block the body's pain triggers.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History:
A native of Australia, Acacia is one of more than seven hundred species of Australian Wattles, and it has been prized for its significant pharmacological, nutritive and toxicological associations in herbal medicine since before recorded history, an interplay that continues to the present day.   Acacia is also highly valued commercially, in addition to its medicinal applications.  Also known as Wattle Bark, Black Catechu and Black Wattle, it is collected from wild or cultivated trees that are seven years or older. It thrives in well-drained, neutral-to-acid soil in full sun at a minimum 45 degrees Fahrenheit.  For medicinal purposes, the bark must be allowed to mature for a year, and it is often substituted in its medical applications for Oak Bark.  Although they are different in appearance, both have an astringent taste.  When boiled, the foliage and bark of the tree produces a dark brown, sticky substance known as gum or "catchou" or" cutch."  Acacia Bark is hard and woody with a rusty, brown color, and because it contained large amounts of tannin and gallic acid, its powerful astringency made it the backbone of the Australian and New Zealand tanning industry. The outer surface of older pieces is covered with thick blackish periderm, rugged and fissured. The inner surface is red, longitudinally striated and fibrous. The timber itself was highly valued commercially as a fuel wood, and the bark, also known as Babul, became a mainstay in the area's tanning and dyeing industries (source for khaki dye). That same astringency has special use when employed medicinally.

Beneficial Uses:
When used mainly in the form of a decoction, Acacia Bark is well known for its treatment of diarrhea and digestive ailments, and the decoction is also used as an astringent, mouthwash and lotion.  Acacia Bark has also been used in the treatment of dysentery.

Acacia is commonly used in maintaining dental hygiene. The fresh twigs have long been employed for the protection of gums and teeth, and recent studies indicated that Acacia's antiseptic qualities was found to inhibit the growth of germs in the oral cavity. The herb is useful as an external application for mouth ulcers. Further, extract of Indian gum Arabic tree has been found to reduce gingival (gum) inflammation occurring as a consequence of plaque reduction.   

In India, Acacia Bark has long been administered for its astringent properties, and there are current reports that, in combination with other herbs and barks, traditional Indian healers use it in the treatment of leprosy in rural areas. The healers also claim that it aids in the treatment of stomachache and is used as an aid to digestion.

There are current reports claiming that Acacia Bark extract appears to block the body's pain trigger mechanisms. It is highly regarded by Australian Aborigines for the treatment of headaches.

Used externally, Acacia Bark's astringency checks bleeding, nose bleeds, hemorrhoids, skin eruptions, bed sores, mouth ulcers, sore throats and dental infection.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Currently, there are no known warnings or contraindications with the use of Acacia Bark.

Capsule Size:
We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose "00" capsules for all of our encapsulated products. (click here for size comparison)

• Acacia Bark - Botanical Powder -- Approximately 600 mg. each.