Khadira

(Black Catechu)
Sanskrit: खदिर • Botanical: Acacia catechu Willd.

Khadira is one of the most valued trees in Ayurveda. It grows abundantly in forests throughout India. The heartwood extract known as Katha (Catechu) is extensively used medicinally and also in betel leaf preparations. The bark is rich in tannins. The heartwood is red and very hard. It yields the black extract used in skin diseases, oral diseases, and as a blood purifier. The Sara (heartwood) is particularly useful in Kushtha (skin diseases), Prameha (urinary disorders), and Shukra dosha (seminal disorders). The bark decoction is used for gargling in mouth diseases. Khadira is considered one of the best drugs for skin disorders in Ayurveda. The heartwood extract (Katha) contains about 25-30% Catechutannic acid. The wood is extremely durable and resistant to termites. Dose: Kwatha 5 to 10 tola; Katha 1-2 ratti. Verses: 50.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Catechin, Catechutannic acid, Tannins
Also Known As
English: Black Catechu, Cutch Tree
Sanskrit: खदिर, कद्रसारक, रक्तसार, बालपत्र, गायत्री
Hindi: खैर, कत्था

What is Khadira (Khair / खदिर)?

Khadira is one of the most valued trees in Ayurveda. It grows abundantly in forests throughout India. The heartwood extract known as Katha (Catechu) is extensively used medicinally and also in betel leaf preparations. The bark is rich in tannins. The heartwood is red and very hard. It yields the black extract used in skin diseases, oral diseases, and as a blood purifier. The Sara (heartwood) is particularly useful in Kushtha (skin diseases), Prameha (urinary disorders), and Shukra dosha (seminal disorders). The bark decoction is used for gargling in mouth diseases. Khadira is considered one of the best drugs for skin disorders in Ayurveda. The heartwood extract (Katha) contains about 25-30% Catechutannic acid. The wood is extremely durable and resistant to termites. Dose: Kwatha 5 to 10 tola; Katha 1-2 ratti. Verses: 50.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Kusthaghna (anti-dermatosis)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
  • Mukharoga nashaka (cures oral diseases)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

Khadira by Condition

Explore how Khadira is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Khadira for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.