- Region
- Africa
- Origin
- Africa, Asia (west and south)
- Sanskrit
- Babhoola
- Other names
- Arabische gomboom
Africa · Herb · № 398
Acacia nilotica
Herb · Africa
Babul tree
Acacia nilotica
Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, soothing, aphrodisiac, nourishing, expectorant; for cough, diarrhoea and dysentery, sore throat and spongy gums, wounds and skin diseases, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, prolapse of anus and uterus.
Safety notes
Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Leaves 2–4 g; decoction of the bark 28–56 ml; seed powder 1.5–3 g; gum 2–6 g; gargle and wash externally.
Use in traditions
In India people clean their teeth with babul twigs (datun), and the gum is eaten and used. In ancient Egypt the tree (shonet) provided wood for boats, gum and tanning material, and its leaves are mentioned in wound remedies. In Unani medicine it is called aqaqia; in the Sahel the pods and bark are used for diarrhoea and for tanning leather. Sanskrit name: Babhoola.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Astringent, soothing, aphrodisiac, nourishing, expectorant; for cough, diarrhoea and dysentery, sore throat and spongy gums, wounds and skin diseases, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, prolapse of anus and uterus.
Preparation and amount
Leaves 2–4 g; decoction of the bark 28–56 ml; seed powder 1.5–3 g; gum 2–6 g; gargle and wash externally.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionPowder and kitchen