White Khadira (Khadira (Somavalkala, Kadara))

Properties

Antihyperglycemic, Antihyperlipidemic, Wound healing, Antimicrobial

Dosage

The appropriate dosage of Khadira varies based on the individual's age, appetite, severity of the condition, and overall health. It's best to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for a specific dosage. General dosage guidelines: * **Khadir Powder (Churna):** 2-3 grams twice a day after meals with lukewarm milk or water. Some sources suggest 3-6 grams daily. Another source suggests 1-2 gm twice a day. * **Capsule:** 1 capsule twice a day, or as directed by a physician. * **Tablet:** 1 tablet twice a day, or as directed by a physician. Each tablet may contain 250 mg. * **Decoction (Kwath):** 5-10 grams of heartwood chips boiled in 200 ml water, reduced to 50 ml, sipped warm, 1-2 times daily. 10-20 ml twice a day after meals. * **Extracts/Tinctures:** 1 ml (about 20 drops) of 1:5 hydroalcoholic extract, twice a day. * **Khadir Oil/Extract:** Follow the product label or a doctor's prescription; usually applied topically for skin or oral use. * **Mouthwash:** A 1% solution of Khadira in water.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Kashaya (Astringent)
• Virya: ["Shita (Cooling)"]
• Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]

Benefits

• Kusthaghna (Alleviates skin diseases)
• Vranaropana (Wound healing)
• Krimighna (Antimicrobial)

Traditional uses

• Kustha (Skin diseases)
• Kasa (Cough)
• Arsha (Hemorrhoids)
• Vrana (Wounds)

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Khadira Powder: The powder can be swallowed with lukewarm water or honey.
• Decoction (Kwath): Boil 5–10 g of heartwood chips in 200 ml of water, reduce to 50 ml, strain, and drink warm once or twice daily.
• Topical Paste: Mix Khadira powder with rose water or aloe gel and apply to acne or wound sites once daily.
• Khadirarishta: Khadirarishta is a liquid Ayurvedic medicine that contains 5 – 10 % of self generated alcohol in it. Ingredients from Khadira to Amalaki are taken in coarse powder form, boiled with the specified quantity of water, reduced to a quarter part to get a decoction, filtered, added with sugar, and mixed well, filtered again, then the rest of the ingredients are added and kept in an airtight container which is smeared from the inside with ghee for fermentation. After a month, it is taken out and filtered.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before using Khadir due to its heating effect.
• Excessive Use: Can lead to dryness and irritation of the digestive system or skin due to its hot potency.
• Allergies: Individuals with known allergies to the Fabaceae family should be cautious or avoid Khadir.
• High Pitta Conditions: Use carefully if you have a Pitta constitution or imbalance, as it may worsen conditions like acidity or ulcers.
• Potential Side Effects: Constipation may occur. A very high dosage than prescribed may cause a burning sensation in the stomach.
• Interaction with other medicines: Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.

Side effects

• Generally safe when taken in recommended doses.
• Astringent Effects: Due to its strong astringent nature, Khadira can cause gastric discomfort or constipation if overused. It may also cause mucosal dryness, leading to irritation in sensitive individuals.
• Skin Dryness/Dehydration: Chronic overuse, especially externally, might lead to dry skin or dehydration.
• Allergic Reactions: Khadira may cause allergic reactions in some people. A skin allergy test should be done before using.
• Other Side Effects: High dosages than prescribed may cause a burning sensation in the stomach.

Interactions

• Antibiotics: Khadira may reduce the absorption of certain oral antibiotics. If taking antibiotics, take Khadira 2 hours apart from medications.
• Antidiabetic and Antihypertensive Agents: Khadir may interact with antidiabetic and antihypertensive agents.
• Blood-Pressure-Lowering Drugs: Khadir may show moderate interaction with blood-pressure-lowering drugs. Monitor blood pressure regularly while taking Khadir with other blood pressure-lowering drugs.
• Surgery: Khadir may interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery; it should be avoided 2 weeks before surgery.
• Liver: Khadir may cause harm to the liver in certain people, so it is advisable to consult a physician before use.
• Other Medications & Supplements: Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking Khadira along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine. Generally, Khadira goes well with most dietary supplements.

Clinical evidence

Preliminary studies, mainly in animal models, suggest that Acacia suma possesses antidiabetic and wound healing properties. Further clinical trials are needed to validate these effects in humans.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Kusthaghna (Alleviates skin diseases)
• Vranaropana (Wound healing)
• Krimighna (Antimicrobial)

Classical clinical indications

• Kustha (Skin diseases)
• Kasa (Cough)
• Arsha (Hemorrhoids)
• Vrana (Wounds)