Botanical Index No. 591

Khat

catha edulis

Medicinal Actions

Anorectic, Antiulcer, Astringent, Cardiotonic, Cardiotoxic, Carminative, CNS-Stimulant, Euphoriant, Hypertensive, Inebriant, Insecticide, Mutagenic, Mydriatic, Myodepressant, Narcotic, Neurotonic, Stimulant, Sympathomimetic, Tonic

Primary Conditions Treated

Anorexia Asthma Boil Cold Cough Cramp Depression Diarrhea Dysentery Dysmenorrhea Fatigue Fever Flu Gas Gastrosis Glaucoma Gonorrhea Headache Hunger Impotence Infertility Low Blood Pressure Plague Pulmonosis Respirosis Ulcer Aperitif Aphrodisiac

Safety & Contraindications

Chewing leaves can cause constipation, periodontal disease, mucosal lesions, and increased risk of esophageal cancer. Mutagenic effects reported. Although I do not believe it, I quote WBB, “Fifty milligrams of khat has a sedative effect but 300 to 400 mg produces hyperexcitability, mydriasis, spinal convulsions, and death from respiratory paralysis”. I chewed several grams in Kenya.

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