Haritaki fruit is famously known as“the King of medicines” Because of its versatility to be useful in almost every health problem. This fruit is one among Triphala, a combination of the 3 best rejuvenator fruits according to Ayurveda.
What is Haritaki?
Haritaki is a fruit of the deciduous Myrobalan plum tree, Cultivated from the seeds of the Terminalia chebula tree. It is a Sanskrit word that is formed of two different words
- Harati – One thing that can effectively eliminate diseases
- Takati – One thing that can make the body shine
Scientific name – Terminalia Chebula
In the Regional Kannada language, there is a proverb ‘Alalekayi Vaidya’ which means
- Alalekayi means Haritaki fruit
- Vaidya means Doctor
Here it means an uneducated person can also become a doctor by prescribing Haritaki and get effective results. That’s the efficacy of of this fruit. Normally this proverb is used to make fun of quacks.
According to Ayurveda, more than 80% of All diseases occur due to Vata [ether and air] Aggravation. It can easily pacify vata and get rid of the health issue
Other Names
A few Other names for Haritaki are
- Harad
- Harade
- Kadukkai
- Alale Kayi
- Kayakalpa etc.
Harad Qualities According to Ayurvedic Science
- Taste – Sweet, Sour, Pungent, Bitter, Astringent [all 5 tastes except salt]
- Main Quality – Lightness, Dryness
- Potency – Hot potency
- Vipaka – Convert into sweet taste after digestion
- Helps to improve skin complexion
- Hot in nature
- It helps to Improve Intelligence
- Helps to improve bowel movements
- Helps to improve memory
- It helps to improve concentration for scholars who study
- Reduces inflammation
- Scraps out unnecessary fat
- Acts as a natural detoxifier
- Promote digestive capacity
- Improves digestion
- Improves vision
- Helps to relieve the Eye disorders
- Helps to normalize the bowel movement
- It helps to Nourish the body
- It can help to improve the weight of the body
- It helps to increase physical strength
- Access and anti-ageing supplement
- Helps to rejuvenate the complete body
- Helps to improve life expectancy
Vedio
Varieties
According to a study in 2018, there are seven types of haritaki. These are the varieties of this fruit, We won’t go deep about them.
- Vijaya
- Chetaki
- Rohini
- Putna
- Jayanti
- Abhaya
- Amrita
Nutritional value
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Amino acids
- Magnesium
- Antioxidants
- Flavonoids
- Potassium
- Iron
- Copper
Chemical constituents
- Chebulic acid
- Chebulagic acid
- Ethyl gallate
- Tannic acid
- Palmitic acid
- Stearic acid
- Behenic acid
- Ellagic acid
- Chebulinic acid
- Corilagin
- Chebulanin
- Terflavin A
- Punicalagin
- Terchebulin
- Casuarinin
- Hydroxy quinones glycosides
Medicinal uses according to Ayurveda
Chebulic myrobalan is used for many ailments some of them mentioned in ayurvedic scriptures as follows.
- Abdominal tumour
- Skin diseases
- Bloating of abdomen
- Anaemia
- Initial stages of liver disease
- Haemorrhoids
- Delirium
- Inflammation
- Headache
- Diseases of head
- Anorexia
- Dysentery
- Diarrhoea
- Cough cold
- Difficulty for breathing
- Urinary tract disorder
- Diabetes
- Early stages of ascites
- Splenomegaly
- Bloating
- Jaundice
- Hoarseness of voice
- Worm infestation
- Inflammation, Edema
- Asthma
- Vomiting
- Impotency
- Full body pain
- Constipation
- Stiffness or heaviness of the chest
- Skin discolouration
- Chronic recurrent fever
- Heart diseases
- Eye diseases
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Abdominal distinction
- Thighs stiffness
- Gout
- Dysuria
- Heals wound
- Hiccups
- Itching
- Renal disorder
- Retention of urine
- Liver disorder
Pharmacological properties
These are the properties of this fruit, from a Study in 2017
- Anticarcinogenic
- Antibacterial
- Antidiabetic
- Antifungal
- Antioxidant
Haritaki Benefits
Diabetes
- It is an excellent natural medicine to reduce blood glucose levels. It stimulates the Islet of Langerhans Beta cells of the pancreas to produce insulin naturally.
- It is also well known to decrease the insulin sensitivity of the body. Regular usage of this fruit, may help to reduce the symptoms of Diabetes like frequent urination, Weight loss, excessive thirst etc.
Skin
- For many centuries Harithaki has been used to treat a vast variety of skin diseases. A study from the Indian Journal of Medical Science and Technology describes that this fruit, can help to cure many skin diseases.
- It helps to fight against skin allergies, and this fruit, powder is best for this problem.
- Its powder can be used for any skin infection by mixing it with cold water or Rose water and applied as a mask, leaving it for some time up until the mask becomes 70-80% dry. don’t leave it to dry completely because it may lead to the drying of your skin.
- If your skin is the dry type you can add oil to the this fruit, face mask
Hair
- It has been used for many centuries for the beauty of hair, a paste made with this fruit, powder Hibiscus flower and Henna powder has been used as a healthy natural hair color.
- It doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals and it can Naresh the scalp and also gives black, elegant and soft hair.
- It also helps to prevent dandruff and lice infections.
Acne
- It contains anti-microbial properties Which help to reduce the infections that are the main cause of acne.
- Take one spoonful of haritaki powder then mix it with a sufficient quantity of boiled water and apply it over the acne-affected area. It will gradually reduce the Acne which is frequently popping.
Constipation
- It is helpful for those who are having trouble pooping. It is a natural laxative that can help the moment of waste products out of the body easily. It also helps to digest the ingested food properly.
- Take one teaspoon of this fruit, powder with water, this will act as a laxative for constipation.
Weight loss
- It is a good blood purifier, it also has the property to scrap out the fat from adipose tissue and It has the properties to reduce the bad cholesterol LDL.
- It helps to regulate the hunger of the person, by this property, it enables the body to reduce body weight naturally.
- this fruit, mixed with warm water when taken regularly at night can help to reduce body weight.
Immunity
Haritaki when taken with ghee can improve the immunity of a person who gets sick frequently.
Cognitive functioning
- It is a potent drug to boosts brain activities. It contains powerful antioxidants and flavonoids which help to quickly function the brain,
- It increases the Memory capacity concentration focus alertness and calmness of the person
- It is helpful in neurodegenerative diseases Like dementia, and parkinsonism.
Sexual health and stamina
- It is a potent herbal medicine to increase the sexual potential of both males and females.
- It is also a good rejuvenator that helps to nourish all the tissues of the body
- Is a natural aphrodisiac to reduce anxiety and stress because of sexual problems.
- Haritaki helps to increase libido by enhancing the hormones in the body.
- It helps to increase the quality of sperm, virility, and fertility of reproductive organs.
Wounds and Infections
It has strong antibacterial antiviral and antifungal properties that help to fast wound healing. The best examples are it is extensively used to treat skin infections, fungal infections etc.
Eyes
In India, Haritaki is used to treat a wide range of eye problems like conjunctivitis, dry eyes, inflamed eyes, watery eyes, and stye infections.
Haritaki Dosage
- Adults – 5 to 10 grams of haritaki powder One or two times a day before or after the food, please consult your doctor for specific treatment.
- Children – 2 to 3 grams of haritaki one or two times a day before or after the food as directed by the doctor.
- Harde can be taken along with milk, Both combined act as a laxative.
- Haritaki murabba – It is like a condiment prepared by dipping Haritaki fruit in sugar syrup. Consume Harar murabba with a glass
of water or milk
Side effects
- Generally, it is well tolerated by almost everyone.
- Consuming this without a doctor’s suggestion is not recommended
- Consuming more than the suggested dose may cause the following side effects
- Dehydration, Stomatitis, diarrhoea, Acute fever, malnutrition, Fatigue stiffness of the jaw.
- It has the property to reduce blood sugar levels, So contact a doctor before consuming this medicine for more information and safety.
- Harithaki is not recommended to pregnant women without a doctor’s opinion
- In lactating mothers, it is not advised without a doctor’s suggestion.
Research and references
- Haritaki for diabetes by PubMed
- The renoprotective activity of Haritaki by PubMed
- Anti-cancer activity of Haritaki by PubMed
FAQ
What is haritaki used for?
Harithaki is used for a large number of health problems some of them are, diabetes, heart problems, Sexual problems, constipation, acne, parkinsonism, delirium, skin diseases etc.
How to take Haritaki?
Haritaki can be taken in the form of powder or it is available in the market as tablets/pills, capsules, emulsions and condiments.
How long should I take Haritaki?
It is a fruit with multiple benefits, you can consume this as long as you wish with a doctor’s supervision.
Is Haritaki helpful in joint pain?
It contains chebulic acid, a phytochemical and anti-inflammatory Antioxidant property that helps to reduce infectious joint pains.
Is Haritaki helpful in Cancer?
Haritaki contains abundant phenolic compounds which are Highly Effective against the self proliferation and apoptosis. So it is helpful to avoid cancer cells growing. Please contact your doctor for more information.
Conclusion
Haritaki is one of the most extensively used drugs in Ayurvedic medicinal drugs and is a health supplement all over the world. It is useful to treat skin diseases, hair, detoxification, weight loss, sexual disorders, infections and many more. It can be used in any kind of disease with the proper adjuvant that is specifically suggested by the doctor. Reach your healthcare provider to know more and get all the benefits of this amazing fruit.
