Acacia – Health Benefits, Uses, Research, Preparation, Precautions

Acacia is used as a folk medicine in many countries, in the treatment of a diverse array of afflictions.

There are many different types of acacia. Acacia grows on several continents and islands.

In addition to acacia’s healing benefits, acacia is used to make a wide array of products. The wood is valuable. Acacia flowers possess a mild sweet fragrance which makes them desirable for use in the perfumery business.

Author

This article on acacia farnesiana and its related species was written for Insights-on-Health.com by Patricia Bratianu, RN PhD RH-AHG. Find out more about her at the end of this article.

Common Names

Cassie, Sweet Acacia, Huisache, Popinac

Traditional and Modern Health Uses

Acacia has historically been used to treat scorpion bites. Infusions made from the green pods of the acacia plant soothe skin inflammation. Dried, powdered leaves are used for wound healing. South Americans use the bark in baths to treat typhoid.

Acacia relieves spasms, bloating, and gas. Decoctions from the sap and infusions of pods control loose stools. Root decoctions have traditionally been employed to manage stomach cancer.

The herb is used to treat several disorders of the reproductive system. Acacia has been employed to heal patients suffering from gonorrhea. Women have traditionally used acacia after giving birth. Infusions made from green pod infusions relieve uterine pain and discharge.

Decoctions of the pods are employed to soothe sore throats. Sore throat pain is diminished by chewing acacia roots. Decoctions made from the gummy sap and pod infusions are also employed to decrease discomfort due to sore throats. Root decoctions have traditionally been used to treat tuberculosis.

Acacia is utilized topically in many forms to provide comfort. Traditional practitioners recommend binding acacia bark to arthritic joints in order to relieve pain. Folk healers make poultices to soften and decrease the size of tumors. Acacia flowers can be made into an ointment that is rubbed on the forehead for headache relief. Juice expressed from acacia bark is used in Nepal to relieve swelling.

Acacia has traditionally been used to relieve anxiety; yet it possesses mild stimulating compounds. Some people believe that the herb possesses aphrodisiac qualities. Acacia can be used to lower fevers.

One type of acacia is used by the pharmaceutical industry to make gum Arabic. Gum Arabic is often used as a binder for preparing syrups and emulsions. It is also used by the food industry in the production of candy and other sweets.

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