Clearing Nut (Kataka)

The clearing-nut tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree of the strychnine family, growing up to about twelve metres. It grows in dry forests across India, including the south, and in Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Its seeds have long been rubbed inside water pots to clear muddy water.

In Ayurveda the seed is known as Kataka and is mentioned in classical texts. It has traditionally been used in general wellness preparations and eye-care preparations.