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Acacia as an Herb
(Acacia vera, A. arabica, A. senegal)
The bark of acacia is used to make a gum, commonly known as Gum Arabic. It is used to treat a sore throat, relieve clogged bronchial passages, and is often mixed with water to make a paste to soothe and heal external injuries.
Koflet is an all-natural formula that helps soothe bronchial mucous membranes and sore throats. It also supports the body's normal immune function against common allergens.
Mucilage of Acacia is a nearly transparent, colorless or scarcely yellowish liquid, having a faint odor and an insipid taste. It is used as a soothing agent in inflammatory conditions of the respiratory, digestive and urinary tract, and is useful in diarrhea and dysentery. It may be diluted and flavored to suit the taste.
Gum Acacia is highly nutritious. During the time of the gum harvest, the Moors of the desert are said to live almost entirely on it, and it has been proved that 6 ounces is sufficient to support an adult for 24 hours. It is related that the Bushman Hottentots have been known in times of scarcity to support themselves on it for days together. In many cases of disease, it is considered that a solution of Gum Arabic may for a time constitute the exclusive drink and food of the patient.
The water-soluble gums made from acacia are used as a thickening agent in your favorite frozen dessert. In addition, acacia also provides with beautiful hardwood floors.
In addition to its use in foods, hand lotions and soaps, it is used in fine water colors and inks. It also produces the water-soluble adhesive on postage stamps and the "lace curtain" on the sides of your beer glass.
Culinary
If you enjoy soft drinks, marshmallows and hard gummy candies, then you undoubtedly have consumed gum arabic. It is used in many flavoring syrups of beverages and confections.
Photo of Acacia
DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.