ACACIA
Acacia
Acacia auriculiformis
MEDICINAL BENEFITS
Multiple parts
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Treatment of diarrhoea, internal bleeding, treat wounds and skin problems, and haemorrhoids
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Heals wounds such as ulcers
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Soothes coughs and sore throats
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Can be used as a mouthwash to prevent gingivitis, and powdered acacia can be used in a type of herbal toothpaste
Root
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Treatment of treat aches, pains, and sore eyes
Gum
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Has a naturally sticky texture this is often used to reduce irritation and inflammation
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Effective in easing stomach and throat discomfort
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
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In times of drought the species can concentrate high levels of the toxin hydrogen cyanide in their foliage which can be dangerous for herbivores to eat
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It has ability to grow in a variety of dry season and in many soils including clay to sands and poor fertility soils
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The plant has a densely matted root system, which makes it stabilizing for eroded land
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It’s rapid growth on infertile sites and ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and tolerance of highly acidic and alkaline soils makes for stabilizing and revegetating mine spoils
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Its phyllodes provide a long-lasting mulch
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The dense dark green foliage which remains throughout the dry season makes it an excellent shade tree
OTHER USES
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It can be used as a natural dye which is also extracted from bark, harvest for tannin should be taken from mature stems
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The wood is used for paper pulp