Herb of the Week

Herb of the Week: Acacia

This week’s herb is: Acacia

 Acacia [Acacia nilotica] [acacia. spp] Family: Fabaceae~Other Names Acacia catechu, Acacia farnesiana, gum acacia, mimosa bush, scented wattle, gum arabic, fever tree, sweet acacia, wattle, Jerusalem thorn,
Gender: Masculine, Element: Air, Planet: Sun

 Acacia has over 800 species. The acacia, which closely resembles the lotus tree, is also called the gum Arabica tree. All the gum-yielding Acacias exhibit the same habit and general appearance, differing only in technical characteristics. They are spiny shrubs or small trees, preferring sandy or sterile regions, with the climate dry during the greater part of the year. The gum harvest from the various species lasts about five weeks. About the middle of November, after the rainy season, it exudes spontaneously from the trunk and principal branches, but the flow is generally stimulated by incisions in the bark, a thin strip, 2 to 3 feet in length and 1 to 3 inches wide being torn off. In about fifteen days, it thickens in the furrow down which it runs, hardening on exposure to the air, usually in the form of round or oval tears, about the size of a pigeon’s egg, but sometimes in vermicular forms, white or red, according to whether the species is a white or red gum tree.

Herbal and Healing:

Healing Properties: anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anthelmintic

Acacia spp. parts used, are bark, leaves, flowers, pods, seeds, or roots, which are rich sources of bioactive secondary metabolites such as amines and alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, cyclitols, fatty acids, seed oils, gums, non-protein amino acids, terpenes, tannins, and other flavonoids and simple phenolics. Acacia has been used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments, such as diabetes, worm infection, dysmenorrhea, eczema, malaria, gout, jaundice, abdominal pain, kidney problems, constipation, leprosy, piles, pneumonia, rheumatism, and fever. This herb possesses other important healing properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and anthelmintic. Acacia Fiber is derived from the gum of the acacia tree. In addition to being a fiber supplement, it is also a prebiotic, which promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut for digestion. Acacia fiber adds bulk to the stool and does not cause excessive gas and bloating. Food manufacturers use acacia fiber to thicken beverages and enhance flavor and texture in breakfast cereals. Because it’s rich in soluble fiber, acacia fiber is also added to food as a source of dietary fiber. Gum Arabic is not only edible but highly nutritious. During the time of the gum harvest, the denizens of the desert are said to live almost entirely on it, and it has been proved that 6 oz is sufficient to support an adult for 24 hours. It is rumored that the Bushman Hottentots have been known in times of scarcity to support themselves on it for days. In addition, the food industry has been using it as a demulcent, stabilizer, and flavor fixative, for years. It is an important ingredient in chocolates and hard gummy candies such as gumdrops and marshmallows. It is also used as an emulsifier and a thickening agent in icing, fillings, chewing gum, and other confectionery treats. More generally, it gives body and texture to processed food products.

 MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Protection, Psychic abilities, Spirituality, Abundance

Acacia is generally bought as a resin, although you can buy it in powdered form as Gum Arabic. If you find a box made of its wood, write all your hopes, dreams, and prayers on small slips of paper and place them inside. Take a moment to give thanks for the magic that is about to occur, and know your request will be granted. To ensure financial abundance, sprinkle the powder on your money.

If you combine Acacia resin with equal parts of Sandalwood, you can wear them in an amulet or burn them as incense to facilitate your psychic abilities and deepen your meditation.  The scent will also bring harmony to your home, clear your mind, and stimulate your mental process.

Recipe: Bath Tea~ 2 tablespoons of dried Thyme to two cups of boiling water. Allow the mixture to steep for about 10 minutes before straining it and adding it to your bathwater.