What is khat and why is it important in mental health?

By Rajnish Mago, MD (bio) Khat (also known by many other names including qat, Abyssinian tea, African salad, Catha, etc.) is a plant (Catha edulis) whose leaves are chewed to obtain a stimulant effect and euphoria. These effects are due to substances called cathinone and cathine present in khat. The effects of these chemicals are…