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

Current Research about the Healing Benefits of Acacia

Cheryl McCutchan, PhD reported that American researchers conducted a study comparing the use of acacia and Chinese skullcap with a drug commonly prescribed for the treatment of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis. According to McCutchan, participants taking the herbal supplement reported reductions in pain levels and joint stiffness at rates comparable to participants in the control group who received the pharmaceutical drug. Participants were able to walk further than they previously could.

McCutchan also notes that two other studies produced similar outcomes. Further studies are recommended.

How to Prepare Acacia for Medicinal Use

Acacia is generally prepared by individuals or herbalists as commercial preparations are not readily available in commercial forms.

Acacia pods, leaves, or flowers are prepared as an infusion.

To prepare acacia as an infusion, place one teaspoonful of dried pods, leaves, or flowers in a cup. Pour one cup of boiling water over the herbs. Cover the cup. Let the mixture infuse for twenty minutes. Strain out the solids. Drink 1 cupful of the infusion 1-3 times each day. If you are using fresh plant material, use one tablespoonful of the leaves, pods, or flowers and prepare as above.

To make a decoction of the sap or roots, place one teaspoonful of dried sap or roots in a small pot. Cover the herb with one cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Place a lid on the pan. Reduce the heat and let the decoction simmer for twenty minutes. Strain out the solids and drink the tea as directed above.

For topical use, prepare the infusion or decoction as directed above. Apply the infusion or decoction directly to the skin three to four times daily.

Precautions

Acacia is generally a safe herb. Do not use acacia if you are allergic to it.

Main Reference

http://abc.herbalgram.org

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com in 2015 by Patricia Bratianu RN PhD RH-AHG. Patricia has been a Registered Nurse for almost forty years in a wide variety of settings. As a Registered Nurse, she realized that conventional healthcare was not meeting the needs of all patients. She became an herbalist and obtained a PhD in Natural Health. Patricia is a professional member of the American Herbalist’s Guild, passing the stringent peer reviewed process to become a Registered Herbalist.

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