Description
Catechu, also known as cutch, is an extract derived from the heartwood of Acacia catechu, a deciduous tree native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The extract is obtained by boiling the wood in water and evaporating the resulting liquid to a thick paste, which is then dried and ground into a powder. Catechu has been used for various purposes for centuries, including as a dye for textiles and leather, as a wood preservative, and as a traditional medicine. In traditional medicine, it has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, sore throat, and skin diseases. It has also been used as an astringent and to stop bleeding. Catechu contains several active compounds, including catechins, flavonoids, and tannins. These compounds are responsible for its various medicinal properties.
