Cutch (acacia catechu heartwood)
Synopsis of cutch
Cutch is a concentrated extract derived from the heartwood of the Acacia catechu tree, a thorny legume native to India and Southeast Asia. The extract—often appearing as a dark brown, resinous substance—is rich in tannins, catechins (notably catechuic acid), and flavonoids, and is known for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Cutch is primarily used in herbal and Ayurvedic medicine as:
- An internal astringent for treating diarrhea, dysentery, and digestive irritation
- A topical agent for wound healing, gum disease, and sore throats
- A tonic herb to strengthen mucous membranes and tighten tissues
- A hemostatic, helping to reduce bleeding internally and externally
- A mild antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, often used in oral care products like tooth powders and mouth rinses
The high tannin content gives cutch its strong binding and drying action, making it effective in conditions involving excess mucus, tissue laxity, or weeping lesions. It is usually administered as a powder, extract, or decoction, and is also used in traditional dyes and tanning.
Historical Use
In Ayurvedic medicine, cutch is known as Khadir (Acacia catechu), and its extract is referred to as Khadira Sara. It has been used for centuries to cleanse the blood, treat skin diseases, tighten gums, and alleviate chronic diarrhea. Ayurvedic texts classify it as bitter, astringent, and cooling, with a primary effect on pitta and kapha doshas. It enters the heart, skin, and digestive system, and is commonly included in blood-purifying, skin-clearing, and oral health formulas.
In Unani medicine, cutch is similarly valued for its astringent and drying effects, used to treat leucorrhea, ulcers, and throat infections, as well as intestinal inflammation. It was often mixed with honey, ghee, or herbal pastes and applied topically or taken internally in small amounts.
Cutch was also used extensively in South and Southeast Asian folk medicine, particularly for:
- Gum strengthening and dental hygiene (chewed as part of betel quid or used in powders)
- Healing wounds and sores
- Controlling dysentery and internal bleeding
In traditional Chinese medicine, related Acacia species have been used to cool the blood and stop bleeding, though Acacia catechu itself is not as central as in South Asian systems.
Today, cutch continues to be used in Ayurvedic and natural medicine traditions, especially for oral care, digestive issues, skin support, and minor bleeding, and remains a powerful example of a natural astringent and mucosal tonic.
Cutch is used for these health conditions
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Dyspepsia (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
cutch is used to support these body systems
Blood (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
