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.

Common Name:	Acacia
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.
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.
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.
Direction:	East
Deities:	Diana, Ishtar
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.
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.