Haritaki (Terminalia
Chebula)
Botanical Name:
Terminalia chebula, Combretaceae
Common Name: Harre (H), Chebulic myrobalan
Origin
of Herbs:
Grows Throughout India.
Terminalia Chebula is a tree whose trunk towers from 40 to 70 feet, its
verticillate branches giving the tree a symmetrical head. The leaves are
short-petioled, alternate, or slightly dentate, arranged on the ends
of the branches (hence the name Terminalia), coriaceous and spotted.
The 10-stamened flowers are white or yellowish, and borne in racemes or
spikes. The fruit is a drupe about the size of a large plum.
Healing
power:
Terminalia chebula is a tree with a rounded crown
and spreading branches. Its principle constituents contain chebulagic,
chebulinic acid and corilagin. Its fruits have laxative, stomachic, tonic and
alterative properties. It is also known as an adaptogen and hepatoprotective
drug. Haritaki is one of the best Ayurvedic
herbs for Vata detoxification and digestive balancing. It
can be used for abdominal distention, constipation,
flatulence, and hiccups. Supports
proper function of the colon, lungs, liver and
aids in elimination of parasites. Should be taken with Triphala.
Constipation :
It is very much useful in
chronic constipation. Haritaki increases the frequency of
stools and has got the property of evacuating the bowels
completely.
Stomach
Disorders:
Digestive upset or
dysentery caused by parasites or infection (Shigella spp,
Salmonella typhi)1, inflammation of mucus membranes,
flatulence, etc. Indicated in ulcers. It
increases the digestive enzymes and clears undigested
residues. Potential
benefit in intestinal permeability and 'leaky gut syndrome'.
Cholesterol:
Reduces lipid deposits in the blood and Liver. Use with
honey to help reduce cholesterol.
Piles:
Haritaki is very effective in piles, fistula and any other
anorectal diseases.
Lungs:
kapha-type coughs are cleared. It sends accumulated vata downwards
and helps to clear wheezing, weak voice and asthma.
Eyes:
Used in all sorts of eye disorders- inflammation,
conjunctivitis. Use as a wash.
Mucus Membranes:
Gargle in sore throat, stomatitis & gingivitis with water this encourages its
astringent nature
Common
Cough:
Historical
Ayurvedic uses suggest Haritaki to be used in cough
conditions, asthma.
Ayurvedic
supplements That contains Haritaki:
Consti Guard
Abhyarishta
Kabz Care
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