What is the Other Name of Katha Powder?

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

Historically, kattha, or catechu, has been a significant component in traditional medicine and cultural practices for centuries. The botanical name, Acacia catechu, is the source of many of its alternative names, including cutch and black catechu. The powder is derived from the heartwood of the khair tree and has a long history of use for both its medicinal properties and its function as a natural dye.

Quick Summary

Katha powder is also known as catechu, a dark, resinous extract from the heartwood of the Acacia catechu tree. It is used in traditional medicine, as a natural brown dye, and as an ingredient in paan.

Key Points

Catechu: The most common alternative name for katha powder, derived from its botanical source, Acacia catechu.
Source: Katha is an extract made from the heartwood of the khair tree, which is another common name for the Acacia catechu species.
Other Names: Depending on the region and context, katha can also be called black cutch, cachou, or khadira.
Two Varieties: There are red and white varieties of catechu, used differently in traditional practices.
Versatile Uses: Traditionally used for medicinal purposes in Ayurveda, as a natural brown dye, and as an ingredient in paan.
Medicinal Properties: Valued for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties for treating various ailments.

Catechu: The Most Common Alternative Name

The most prominent alternative name for katha powder is catechu. The name 'catechu' itself is a Latinization derived from the Malay word 'kachu'. This extract is produced by boiling the heartwood of the Acacia catechu tree and then evaporating the resulting liquid to a concentrated, resinous substance. This process yields the potent powder used for a variety of applications.

A List of Other Names for Katha Powder

Katha powder has accumulated numerous names over time and across different regions, often reflecting its source or appearance. A comprehensive list includes:

Black Cutch: Refers to the dark color of the extract.
Cachou: A French term for catechu.
Cashoo: An anglicized version of the French name.
Khair Chhal: Directly translates to 'khair tree bark' in Hindi, as the extract is sourced from the khair tree.
Khayer: Another regional name for the tree and its extract.
Khadira: The name for the tree and its extract in Ayurvedic medicine.
Terra Japonica or Japan Earth: Historical names given to the extract, likely referring to its trade origins and earthy appearance.

The Extraction Process and Varieties

Katha powder, or catechu, is extracted from the heartwood of the khair tree (Acacia catechu). The wood is boiled to release the extract, which is then concentrated and solidified. The final product can come in a few forms, including a brown resinous substance or a pale crystalline form. The color difference gives rise to two main varieties, each with slightly different uses.

Comparison: Red Catechu vs. White Catechu

The two primary types of catechu, red and white, have distinct uses based on their processing and properties.


Feature	Red Catechu (Laal Kattha)	White Catechu (Safed Kattha)
Appearance	Dark reddish-brown, more resinous.	Pale, crystalline substance, less common.
Primary Use	Chewing agent for paan and tobacco mixtures, providing color and flavor.	Medicinal and Ayurvedic applications.
Production	Processed to retain its darker, concentrated properties.	The concentrated extract is allowed to crystallize.
Key Compounds	Rich in tannins and other compounds that impart a dark color.	Higher concentration of certain medicinal properties.

The Diverse Applications of Katha Powder

Beyond being a chewable additive, katha powder has been used for centuries across various fields. In traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, it is used for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is applied topically to address skin ailments and wounds, and ingested to aid with digestive issues like diarrhea.

Industrially, the tannin-rich nature of catechu has made it a valuable asset. It was historically used as a natural brown dye for textiles and leather and as a preserving agent for fishing nets and sails. In contemporary contexts, it is still used in some niche applications, including as a food additive and for cosmetic purposes.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Powder

What is known as katha powder is a versatile extract with a rich history and a multitude of names. Whether called catechu, cutch, or khadira, this product of the Acacia catechu tree has served a variety of purposes from traditional medicine to natural dyeing. Understanding its different names helps in recognizing its diverse applications and its significance in both cultural and historical contexts.

Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd.: A Review on Bioactive Compounds, Traditional Uses, and Pharmaceutical Potential

Frequently Asked Questions

The botanical name for the tree that produces katha powder is Acacia catechu, also previously known as Senegalia catechu.

Yes, black cutch is another name for katha powder. The name refers to the dark, resinous extract obtained from the heartwood of the Acacia catechu tree.

Red katha (laal kattha) is used primarily as an ingredient in paan, while white katha (safed kattha) is typically used for medicinal purposes in Ayurvedic practices.

In traditional medicine, katha powder is valued for its astringent and antimicrobial properties, and is used to treat oral problems, digestive issues like diarrhea, and for healing wounds.

Yes, katha powder is sometimes used as a natural hair dye, often mixed with other herbs like henna to achieve a brown shade.

The name 'catechu' is a Latinized term derived from the Malay word 'kachu,' which referred to the same extract.

Yes, katha powder is famously used as a key ingredient in paan, a traditional betel leaf chew popular in India and Southeast Asia, to impart flavor and a reddish color.