What is Katha Powder Made of? Exploring the Acacia Catechu Tree

December 20, 2025 •

3 min read

Katha powder is a 100% natural and pure powder made from the heartwood of the Acacia catechu tree. This extract has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, as a natural dye, and as an essential ingredient in South Asian 'paan'.

Quick Summary

Katha powder, or catechu, is an extract from the heartwood of the Acacia catechu tree, prized for its astringent and therapeutic properties. Its uses include hair conditioning, natural dyeing, oral health remedies, and as an ingredient in paan.

Key Points

Source: Katha powder is made from the heartwood of the Acacia catechu (Khair) tree, a species native to Southeast Asia.
Production: The process involves boiling wood chips to extract and concentrate the potent catechins, which are then solidified and ground into a fine powder.
Hair Care: Often combined with henna, katha powder is used as a natural hair conditioner and to achieve richer, darker brown tones.
Traditional Use: It is a key ingredient in 'paan' for its astringent properties and cooling effect.
Other Uses: Katha also serves as a natural dye for textiles and leather and has applications in Ayurvedic medicine for oral health and other ailments.
Properties: The powder is rich in antioxidants and offers astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits.

What is Katha Powder Made Of?

Katha powder is derived from the heartwood of the Acacia catechu tree, also known as the Cutch tree or Khair tree. This heartwood is a core component, prized for the potent, water-soluble compounds it contains, which are extracted through a traditional boiling process. The resulting dark, solid extract is then processed into a fine powder, which is the katha powder sold commercially.

The Extraction Process: From Tree to Powder

The manufacturing process for katha powder is straightforward and typically follows a traditional method to preserve its potency.

Harvesting: The heartwood from mature Acacia catechu trees is harvested. Sustainable practices are crucial to ensure the health and longevity of the forest. The outer bark is scraped away, leaving only the inner heartwood.
Chipping: The heartwood is chopped into small, manageable chips to increase the surface area for extraction.
Boiling: The wood chips are boiled in water for an extended period. This process extracts the rich, dark compounds, including catechin and catechuic acid, from the heartwood.
Concentration and Crystallization: The resulting liquid is strained and allowed to cool. As it cools, the concentrated extract, known as catechu, solidifies into a resinous, crystalline mass.
Drying: The solid catechu is then dried, often by sun-drying, to remove any remaining moisture.
Grinding: The dried extract is ground into a fine, reddish-brown or dark brown powder, ready for use.

The Versatile Uses of Katha Powder

The unique properties of katha powder lend themselves to a wide range of applications, from personal care to industrial uses.

For Hair Care: When mixed with henna, katha powder helps to deepen the red tones to a richer, darker brown color. It also functions as a natural hair conditioner, promoting hair growth, strengthening roots, and adding shine.
In Traditional Paan: It is a core ingredient in 'paan,' a preparation of betel leaf and areca nut, where it is used for its flavor and astringent qualities.
Ayurvedic and Oral Health: In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, katha is used for its astringent and antimicrobial properties to address oral health issues like mouth ulcers and gingivitis.
As a Natural Dye: Due to its rich color, catechu is used as a natural brown dye in the textile and leather industries.

Comparison: Katha vs. Henna Powder

To better understand katha's role, particularly in hair care, here is a comparison with henna, a common pairing.


Feature	Katha Powder (Catechu)	Henna Powder	Effect when Combined
Source	Heartwood of the Acacia catechu tree	Leaves of the Lawsonia inermis shrub	Color-enhancing properties are combined.
Primary Function	Conditions, strengthens hair; deepens color	Colors hair red/orange	Katha adds cool, brown tones, mellowing henna's red.
Dyeing Ability	Acts as a natural pigment; does not dye on its own significantly	Contains lawsone, a strong red dye	Together, they create a range of brown to auburn shades.
Conditioning	Excellent conditioner; adds shine and volume	Also conditions hair, strengthening strands	The combination provides superior conditioning and nourishment.
Processing	Boiling wood chips to extract and solidify	Grinding dried leaves into a powder	Simply mix both powders with water to form a paste.

Industrial and Medicinal Applications

Beyond its well-known cosmetic and culinary uses, katha powder has several lesser-known, yet equally important, applications. Its astringent nature makes it a valuable component in industrial settings. It has been used as a vegetable tanning material and as an additive to drilling mud in oil drilling operations. Historically, it has also been used for the preservation of sailing rods, fishing nets, and mail bags due to its ability to protect against decay. This multifaceted utility is a testament to the powerful, inherent properties of the Acacia catechu heartwood.

Conclusion

In conclusion, katha powder is a versatile and potent extract derived from the heartwood of the Acacia catechu tree. Its journey from tree to powder involves a meticulous boiling, concentration, and grinding process that preserves its beneficial properties. With its diverse applications ranging from enhancing hair color and conditioning to serving as a key ingredient in traditional remedies and paan, katha powder stands as a significant natural product with a rich history. Understanding what is katha powder made of highlights the resourcefulness and traditional knowledge behind this valuable herbal extract. For those interested in natural alternatives for hair care, dyeing, or traditional oral remedies, exploring katha powder offers a time-tested solution. For further reading, consult resources on traditional Indian herbs and Ayurvedic practices, as these fields provide extensive information on katha's historical and therapeutic uses.

Ayurvedic Plants: Acacia Catechu

Frequently Asked Questions

Katha powder, also known as catechu, comes from the heartwood of the Acacia catechu tree, which is commonly found in parts of Southeast and South Asia.

The extraction process involves boiling small chips of the heartwood in water, concentrating the resulting liquid, and then allowing it to cool and crystallize into a solid extract before it is dried and ground into a powder.

Yes, edible grades of katha powder are used in traditional preparations like 'paan' and for oral health. However, it's important to ensure it is food-grade and consumed in moderation.

Katha is an extract from tree heartwood that deepens hair color to brown tones and conditions it, while henna is a leaf powder that primarily imparts red color. They are often mixed to achieve specific brown shades.

While katha can be used as a conditioning treatment, it has limited coloring ability on its own. It is most effective when mixed with henna to achieve deep brown colors and enhance its conditioning benefits.

Traditionally, katha is valued for its astringent, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and has been used in remedies for digestive issues, oral health problems, and skin conditions.

Some katha powders may have a scent, though experiences can vary. Some users have noted an unpleasant and persistent smell, while others report it as unscented or with a distinct earthy odor.