Acacia

This small tree or shrub can reach the height of 40 ft. The trees bark produces a thick gum~like sap which turns into small tear shaped globuls. The bark of this tree contains a large amount of the chemical compound tannin. It has small pale yellow flowers with a multitude of petals radiating from the center and a very small group of 6 stamens and pistils. The leaves of this plant radiate singularly from the stem and reach approximately 6 cm. in lenth they are narrow and sharp and slightly pointed. The flowers grow in clusters of 6 to 8 flowers per cluster and are closely grouped.


A very large genus of 800 to 1,000 species of shrubs and trees, found throughout the subtropical and tropical regions, particularly of Africa and Australia (where they are known as wattles). They are mainly shubs, but several species reach tree size. The leaves are often bipinnate. The flowers are usually yellow and appear in small, rounded heads, mostly in winter or spring. The fruits are ovate to linear legumes.
The common acacia (A. raddiana) grows 16-26ft (5-8m) high, and its leaves divide bipinnately into small oblong to elliptical leaves. The main flowering season is in spring, with many seeds, which, after falling from the tree, are eaten by various animals. A. abssinica is native to Ethiopia and has 3-5in (7.5-12.5cm) long fruits.
The locust tree or false acacia (Robinia pseudocacia) is not a species of this genus, but, like the true acacias, a member of the pea family (Leguminosae).
Common Name:
Acacia
Folk Names:
Cape Gum, Gum Arabic Tree, Egyptian Thorn
Botanical Names:
Acacia senegal, Acacia arabica, Acacia vera, Acacia decurrens
Other Names:
Gum Arabic, Egyptian Thorn, Gum Acacia, Tamarisk, Catechu
Habitat:
This plant is found primarily in Northern Africa, Egypt, and throughout the Middle East. It requires very little water and considerable sunshine, and is particularly abundant in the desert regions.
Practical Uses:
The Acacia was of great importance in ancient Egypt, both practically and spiritually. Of the native trees, it was the most widespread and also the most useful.
  • Roof timbers up to 12 cubits (17ft 9in/5.4m) long could be cut from low hanging branches.
  • The wood was strong enough to form the main timbers of the hulls and ribs of small ships.
  • Shorter pieces of wood were used to make the common Nile Cargo Barch, which was constructed from pieces 2ft (6cm) long, fitted together like bricks.
  • It was also used to make furniture, chests, coffins, and bows.
  • In Hawaii, the wood of the koa (A. koa) was used to make canoes.
Medicinal Uses:
The gum sap from this plant has a soothing and softening effect upon skin and other mucuous membranes when applied to them. It also acts as an astringent, and a nourishing agent. This lends to each of the various medicinal purposes that will be listed below.
  • Burns: Due to it's high tannic acid concept it is widely used for treatment when applied to burned areas. It has a soothing effect and also prevents air from contacting the burned area thus preventing blistering and healing the tissue more effectively.
  • Ulcers: due to the saps astringent effects, which causes tissue to contract and to arrest discharge of puss. Acacia is an excellent treatment for ulcerations of tissue in the mouth, gums, or other areas. Simply applying this gum to the area aids in the contraction of ulcerous tissue and allow it to close preventing affection.
  • Loose Teeth: Placing the gum from this root into boiling water creates a highly adhesive mucilage, and the astringent affect as well as the adhesive effect of the acacia sap is an excellent way to fasten loose teeth, as well as to heal the gum tissue surrounding the tooth or teeth.
  • Diarrhea:Again because of the ability of the gum sap of this tree to constrict open wounds as well as ulcerations drinking a small amount of water mixed with acacia it can be used to control extreme cases of dysentary which is often caused by ulceric eruptions of the bowel and intenstinal tract, and it will tend to heal the intenstinal wall as well. It's also used in conjunction with an enema with a small amount of acacia in it.
  • Coughs: Acacia is often used in cough medicines for the treatment of cough and inflammation of the throat because of it's ability to sooth the mucus membranes and reduce inflammation.
Specific Uses:
Burn with Sandalwood during meditation to seek illumination, and to develop psychic powers. Carry the wood as a protective amulet.
Culinary Uses:
In Southwestern USA, the Cahuilla and the Pima tribes eat the pods or seeds of Catclaw Acacia (A. greggii) either raw, or ground and cooked in cakes.
Natural Healing:
Hawaiians apply koa ashes to the insides of infant's mouths to give them physical strength. They also place the leaves on a person's sickbed to encourage perspiration.
:
Magickal Representation:
The acacia has ancient roots in magick as a representative of the vernal equinox, purity and innocence, immortality and regeneration, and as an emblem of ancient knowlege and mysteries.
Basic Powers:
Protection, Clairvoyance
Energy:
Hot
Planet:
Sun
Element:
Air
Direction:
East
Deities:
Diana, Ishtar, Osiris, Astarte
Preparation and Dosage:
1 tbsp. of gumsap for every one 1oz of water. taken orally 2 times a day for most ailments.
1 tsp. of sap applied directly to the burn site or burns as astringent and sauve.
Parts Used:
Gum Sap from the Bark of the Tree, Twigs, Wood
Location:
North Africa, Egypt, Middle East
Classification:
Tree
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Medicinal Herbs ~ Joseph Kadans, N.D. Ph. D. © 1975 Arco Publishing Co.Inc. pps 17-19
The Secret Teachings of All Ages ~ Manly P Hall. © 2003 Philosophical Research Society. pp 298.
Magical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham Copyright © 1982 Llewellyn Publications pp 130-131