Acacia: properties, use, contraindications



Curated by Maria Rita Insolera, Naturopath

Acacia ( Robinia pseudoacacia ) is a medicinal plant of the Fabaceae family with marked healing properties. Thanks to its astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action, acacia is used against dyspepsia accompanied by diarrhea and enteritis. Let's find out better.

Properties and benefits of Acacia

Acacia has the following properties: astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. These properties are conferred by the presence of active ingredients such as catechic tannins, flavonoids and flavan and mucilage derivatives.

Acacia is prescribed in the treatment of dyspepsias accompanied by diarrhea, enteritis and as a balsamic expectorant in the catarrhal forms of the respiratory system .

For external use, the acacia is used instead to treat gingivitis, stomatitis, pharyngitis . The presence of catechol and quercetin confer vitaminoP-like properties that can justify its topical use aimed at soothing inflamed mucous membranes .

Method of use

The use of acacia is typically pharmaceutical, as it is used for the production of emulsions and tablets. However, it can also be used as a herbal remedy for its astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory action.

Acacia, being a highly nectar plant, also has great importance in beekeeping. Acacia honey is in fact among the most known and appreciated.

The light color, the fact that it remains liquid regardless of the temperature, its light odor, its delicate flavor and its very low acidity are the basis of the appreciation that consumers receive. no other monoflora honey possesses all these qualities simultaneously.

Moreover it has a high fructose content (this is why it does not crystallize). However, it has a low content of mineral salts and enzymes. Acacia honey contains large amounts of chrysin, a powerful flavonoid.

Among the various uses that can be made of acacia there is cough with phlegm, difficult digestion, diarrhea. For external use, it is used in case of gingivitis, stomatitis, halitosis, sore throat.

Contraindication of Acacia

Acacia does not have secondary and toxic effects at therapeutic doses, unless there is a particular individual sensitivity.

Possible side effects (gastric irritation and drug interactions) are due to the presence of tannins.

The properties of local wild herbs

Description of the plant

Acacia ( Robinia pseudoacacia) is a plant of the Fabaceae family, also known as Leguminosae, native to North America and naturalized in Europe and other continents.

Acacia is a plant with arboreal habit (up to 25 meters high). The bark is light brown and very wrinkled. The leaves are imparipinnate, open during the day while at night they tend to overlap.

The flowers are white or cream, gathered in hanging clusters of very pleasant perfume. It has the presence of numerous thorns, long and solid, on the younger branches.

Habitat of Acacia

The acacia distribution area extends from southern Himalaya (Pakistan, India) to Burma and Thailand . Among the numerous qualities, the most valuable is the Catechu of Bombay.

Acacia prefers a dry and well-drained, non-calcareous soil, in full sun, sheltered from cold winds; in places with cold climate they can be cultivated in pots to be repaired in suitable rooms in the winter months.

Background

The name of the acacia derives from the Greek akakia, candor and innocence, probably referring to its flowers. Because it resists desiccation, it is a symbol of immortality . In the Middle East it is a sign of good luck.

Discover also how to cook acacia flowers

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