Catechu (Acacia Catechu) Herb Liquid Tincture

Both are liquid extracts of the same Acacia catechu (black catechu / cutch); only the solvent differs. This tincture uses organic alcohol with vegetable glycerin and water, the classic conventional method that yields a concentrated extract with a long shelf life. The alcohol-free version is a glycerite made with vegetable glycerin and purified water instead, for those who prefer to avoid alcohol. Both are very astringent. Choose the tincture for a traditional alcohol-extracted format; choose the glycerite if you prefer no alcohol. The catechu inside is identical - and so are the safety cautions, which apply to both.

No - the name "catechu" is shared by more than one plant, so it helps to be clear. Ours is Acacia catechu (Senegalia catechu), a legume-family tree that gives black catechu or cutch. Areca catechu is a completely different plant - the betel nut palm, which we list separately as Bing Lang - and it only happens to share the species word "catechu." There is also "pale catechu" or gambir, which comes from yet another plant, Uncaria gambir. And within the acacias, ours is different from Shikakai (Acacia concinna), Acacia bark (Acacia arabica) and Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal). We label ours clearly as catechu / black catechu (Acacia catechu) so it is not confused with any of these.

Shake well first. Use the number of drops and the frequency shown on the label, in a little water, tea or juice, or as directed by your practitioner. It is very astringent (drying) and tannin-rich, so dilute it well and do not exceed the suggested serving - large amounts of tannins can upset the stomach and, over time, reduce iron absorption. To help protect iron levels, it is best not taken with meals or iron supplements. Because this is an alcohol tincture, adding it to water also softens the taste. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light.

Please read this carefully. Catechu has been used for centuries and is generally well tolerated in small amounts, but its high tannin content brings some specific cautions. Dose and tannins: large amounts can cause nausea, vomiting and stomach upset, and there is a real risk of harm from very high tannin doses - keep strictly to the suggested serving and to short-term use; taken in excess or for long periods it can reduce your absorption of iron and other minerals. Blood pressure: catechu may lower blood pressure, so use caution if you already have low blood pressure or feel faint. Blood thinning: it has mild blood-thinning (antithrombotic) properties and may add to the effect of anticoagulant medicines (such as warfarin) or blood-thinning supplements like ginkgo or garlic - if you take any of these or are due to have surgery, consult your practitioner first. Pregnancy and nursing: food amounts are considered fine, but do NOT use concentrated medicinal amounts during pregnancy or while breastfeeding without professional advice. Allergy: allergic reactions to acacia are rare but possible. Do not use it to self-treat any medical condition - see a qualified doctor instead. Do not give it to infants or young children. If you take any medication or have a medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use. Keep out of reach of children. This tincture contains alcohol and should be stored in a cool, dark place. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Made in the USA by Hawaii Pharm LLC, Honolulu, HI, with domestic & imported ingredients.

We offer a 30-day return policy. Returns are free and accepted by mail.

U.S. delivery takes 1 to 5 business days by USPS Priority Mail, UPS or FedEx; USPS Ground Advantage can take 10+ days.