Environment
Fact-checked

At AllThingsNature, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Khat?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Khat is a flowering evergreen shrub native to East Africa. Fresh leaves have been chewed by Africans to take advantage of their stimulant properties for centuries, and khat is also exported to other regions of the world. Due to concerns about its potential addictive qualities, it is considered a controlled substance in many nations, and some have an outright ban to restrict imports.

Africans have been chewing the oval dark green leaves of khat since at least the 11th century CE, when Muslim travelers in Africa wrote about its use as a social drug in the regions they visited. Khat appears to have originated in Ethiopia or Yemen, and because the leaves must be consumed fresh for their effects to be felt, it probably spread slowly across Africa, with people bringing back plants to grow and then introducing their regions to it.

Khat is an East African evergreen shrub known for its stimulant effects.
Khat is an East African evergreen shrub known for its stimulant effects.

Several compounds in khat appear to be responsible for its stimulant effects, the most potent of which is cathinone. Cathinone has a similar chemical structure to amphetamine, and like other stimulants, khat causes feelings of euphoria and high energy; it can also cause hallucinations. Historically, people took it to stay alert while traveling and working, and the leaves were also chewed after heavy nights of drinking to dispel headaches. In some parts of Africa, the leaves are consumed by groups of men as a social activity.

Africans have been chewing the oval dark green leaves of khat for centuries.
Africans have been chewing the oval dark green leaves of khat for centuries.

When people chew khat, they crush the leaves and then tuck them into their cheeks, periodically chewing them again to release more of the active ingredients. It can also be turned into tea or sprinkled on food. As a general rule, the leaves are only good for around 48 hours after harvest, which explains why it was largely restricted to Africa until the late 20th century, when advanced air transport made it possible to overnight the drug to other regions.

Khat appears to have originated in Ethiopia.
Khat appears to have originated in Ethiopia.

Catha edulis, as khat is formally known, has not been studied as extensively as some other controlled substances. Its effects are clearly documented, but researchers are not as sure about its addictive properties. It certainly shares enough traits with amphetamine to be potentially addictive, and long term users do seem to experience some addictive symptoms, but some people feel that further study is needed.

Khat may cause hallucinations.
Khat may cause hallucinations.

In nations where khat is a controlled substance, African immigrants are sometimes permitted to apply for permits to import it, under the argument that it is an important part of their cultural traditions. In regions with bans, smuggling can be a profitable business, when the smugglers don't get caught.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is khat and where is it commonly used?

Khat is a flowering plant native to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It contains cathinone, a stimulant that can cause euphoria and excitement when chewed. Khat is commonly used in countries like Yemen, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti, where chewing the leaves is a social activity with deep cultural roots.

What are the effects of chewing khat?

Chewing khat leads to the release of cathinone and cathine, which are stimulants similar to amphetamine. Users may experience increased alertness, euphoria, and a sense of well-being. However, it can also result in negative effects such as insomnia, anorexia, increased heart rate, and hypertension. Chronic use may lead to psychological dependence.

Is khat legal to use and possess?

The legality of khat varies by country. In some nations in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, khat is legal and widely accepted culturally. However, in countries like the United States, Canada, and most of Europe, khat is classified as a controlled substance and its use and possession are illegal.

How is khat consumed?

Khat is primarily consumed by chewing the fresh leaves and young stems of the plant, which releases the active stimulant compounds. Users typically retain a ball of partially chewed leaves in their cheek, occasionally chewing to extract more juice. Less commonly, khat can be dried and made into tea or a chewable paste.

What are the potential health risks associated with khat use?

Long-term khat use can lead to a range of health issues, including dental problems, gastrointestinal disorders, and liver damage. It can also exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions, potentially leading to anxiety and depression. According to the World Health Organization, khat can be associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction.

Can khat use lead to addiction?

Yes, khat use can lead to psychological dependence, with habitual users experiencing a strong desire to continue using the substance. Withdrawal symptoms, such as lethargy, mild depression, and irritability, can occur when a regular user stops consuming khat, indicating the potential for addiction.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

discographer

@simrin-- I don't agree with you guys. Khat is a drug. It causes delirium, laughing, a feeling of loss of sense and time. I'm not saying that there aren't other stimulants that have similar affects. But khat definitely acts like any other recreational drug out there.

My husband said he tried this once when he was in South Africa and he doesn't understand why people like it. Apparently, it tastes like a house plant and isn't very pleasant.

It's interesting because it's so popular in some countries, it's almost like a staple. I read that 80% of people in Yemen use khat. I think that's an unbelievable number.

ZipLine

@nextcorrea-- Sorry, you can't get it in the US, it's illegal. It's allowed in the UK, but I don't think that you can order it from there either. You could get into a lot of trouble bringing khat to the US.

SteamLouis

@ZsaZsa56-- That is true. The World Health Organization actually labeled khat as moderately addictive. So it's not even as addictive as alcohol and cigarettes. Cigarettes are classified as a stimulant and alcohol is classified as a drug.

If some countries are so keen on banning khat, I suggest that they ban alcohol and cigarettes first. Those two are more dangerous for society than khat can ever be. Millions of people die every year due to kidney failure from alcoholism and lung cancer from cigarette smoking.

nextcorrea

Where can I buy khat? I have a friend from Somalia that has been searching for it ever since he got to the states but he can't find it anywhere. If I can, I would like to give him some as a gift.

ZsaZsa56
@vigilant - I spent some time in North Africa and I tried khat myself on a few occasions. You are right, it is ridiculous to think of this as a drug. In fact, most westerners will probably notice no effect from the leaves because we are so hopped up on other stimulants.
vigilant

Has anyone ever tried chewing khat before? What does it feel like? This is just one of many natural stimulants that I have heard about native populations chewing.

We have unfortunately labeled these things as drugs when they are better thought of as natural remedies. What do you think is better for you, chewing on a handful of leaves or guzzling a giant can of energy drink filled with caffeine and sugar?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Khat is an East African evergreen shrub known for its stimulant effects.
      By: Swapan
      Khat is an East African evergreen shrub known for its stimulant effects.
    • Africans have been chewing the oval dark green leaves of khat for centuries.
      By: Ruslan Olinchuk
      Africans have been chewing the oval dark green leaves of khat for centuries.
    • Khat appears to have originated in Ethiopia.
      By: imageoptimist
      Khat appears to have originated in Ethiopia.
    • Khat may cause hallucinations.
      By: pathdoc
      Khat may cause hallucinations.