Abstract

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) has great therapeutic properties and is widely used in India up to an altitude of 1500 meters. Haritaki is known as 'the King of Medicines'. This dried fruit is known as Chebulic myrobalan which has various health properties and is used in a wide range. Haritaki is a marvellous herb with many versatile effects which is popularly known for its rejuvenating property. Haritaki is one among the three, which constitute Triphala belonging to the Combretaceae family. In this article, we are going to discuss the various properties, Types and other nutritional values of Haritaki in detail.

Introduction

Ancient Ayurveda has a treasure of herbs which has many health benefits and the most precious gem is Haritaki (Harad). It is known by a variety of names in every part of India. Haritaki tree is 50-80 feet long in height and has dark brown bark whose leaves are ovate 3-8 inches long with 2-4 inches wide. Flowers are small, yellowish-white colors which grow in clusters. Each fruit has a seed inside it and the leaves get shed in the months of February and March. Haritaki rips its fruits in the month of January to April. Commonly grows in India, especially in the lower Himalaya region and various parts of Assam up to an altitude of 5000 feet. This is considered an important herb in Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine. Is externally used in wound healing, fungal infections and inflammations of mucous membranes. Depending upon the variety of Haritaki the color varies as it turns green-blackish in color when ripe. As per Charak Samhita, Ritu haritaki is the most important Rasayan which can be used in Every Season.

Types Of Haritaki (Harad)

1. VIJAYA HARITAKI
2. CHETAKI HARITAKI
3. ROHINI HARITAKI
4. PUTNA HARITAKI
5. JAYANTI HARITAKI
6. ABHAYA HARITAKI
7. AMRITA HARITAKI

1. VIJAYA HARITAKI

It cures most of the ailments which are mainly found in the Vindhya mountains.

2. CHETAKI HARITAKI

It is three layers of skin fruit which is used for purgation and is mostly found in the regions of Himachal.

3. ROHINI HARITAKI

This fruit is round in shape and is mainly used for healing wounds and mostly grows in the Sindh Regions.

4. PUTNA HARITAKI

This variety of fruits is small in size with big seeds and is mostly used for external applications. Found in Himalayan Regions.

5. JAYANTI HARITAKI

This tree has yellow-coloured flowers, which cures all types of disorders and is mostly found in the Saurashtra regions of Gujrat.

6. ABHAYA HARITAKI

This is five-layer fruit skin which treats various vision problems and is mostly cultivated in the Champa regions of Chattisgarh.

7. AMRITA HARITAKI

This variety of Haritaki has a thick pulp which is used in Panchkarma and found in the Champa regions of Bhagalpur Regions.

Seasonal Adjuvants For Haritaki

ऋतु हरीतकी: सिन्धूत्थ शर्करा शुण्ठी कणा मधू गुडैः क्रमात् ।

वर्षादिष्वभया प्राश्या रसायन गुणैषिणा ॥३४॥

Reference - Bhava Prakash, Haritakyadi Varga

1. DAKSHINAYAN KALA - (VISARGA KALA)

It is the southward movement of the sun. It includes Varsha Rutu, Sharad Rutu and Hemanta Rutu and here the moon becomes more powerful than the Sun.

• Varsha Ritu - It is the rainy season, it can be mixed with Saindhav Lavan (rock salt) to cure various disorders such as Fever, Cold, flu and strep throat.
• Sharad Ritu - Sharad Ritu means the Autumn season, in this Haritaki is taken with Sugar to heal the common cold, flu and sore throat, and various other respiratory problems.
• Hemant Ritu - Hemant Ritu indicates Early winter, in this Shunthi (ginger) is taken with Haritaki to cure various infections, allergies and all ailments.

2. UTTARAYAN KALA - (ADANA KALA)

It is the northward movement of the Sun. This season reduces the strength of human beings which reduces the mild qualities of the Earth. The intensity of Sun rays is high and strong which increases dryness.

• Shishira Ritu - It denotes the Winter season, Here Haritaki is taken along with Pippali which treats various colds, flu and various Other Respiratory infections.
• Vasant Ritu - Vasant Ritu Indicates Spring Season, here Haritaki is taken along with Honey which cures Asthma, strep Throat and various other allergies.
• Greeshma Ritu - Greeshma Ritu indicates Summer Season, Haritaki is mixed with Jaggery which treats various Food poisoning, dehydration and Typhoid.

In Ayurveda, There are various seasonal changes and there is an imbalance in Doshas and it gets an imbalance in the Chaya and Prakopa (accumulation and Aggravation). In Varsha Ritu (monsoon season) where the Bala (strength) gets the least and has vitiation of Tridoshas and weakened Agni (state of digestion process) which causes disease in human beings. To improve the Dosha Vitiation and improve the Agni by improving Vyadhikshamatva (immunity) by using Haritaki as a Rasayan (anti-ageing).

Effect Of Haritaki On Doshas

Balances Tridoshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas and uplift the overall health.

Physical Properties

• Rasa - Panch Rasa (Katu, Tikta, Kashay, Madhur and Amal)
• Guna - Laghu and Ruksha
• Virya - Ushna
• Vipaka - Madhur

The Fruits of Haritaki Contain Five Pulp

1. Madhur (sweet) - The pulp of the fruit
2. Amla (sour) - Bulky portion
3. Tikta (bitter) - Seed
4. Katu (pungent) - Covering of fruit
5. Kashaya (astringent) - Hard portion of the seed

Nutritional Value Of Haritaki

• The ingredients of Haritaki contain various properties which include AntiCancer, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties.
• It is a rich source of Vitamin C which contains various vitamins, minerals and proteins.
• Also contains plant-based chemicals such as Tannic Acid, Gallic Acid, Stearic Acid and Behenic Acid. Haritaki has the potential to boost immunity which is very much effective in Vata Imbalances.

Potent Medicinal Properties Of Haritaki

• Antibiotics - Haritaki has strong antibacterial properties against bacterial diseases.
• Antidiabetic - Rich in chebulic acid which increases insulin secretion and thus controls blood glucose level.
• Antifungal - Inhibits the growth of fungus which eliminates toxins from the urinary tract and reduces the risk of infections.
• Antiviral Actions - Inhibits the immunodeficiency virus.
• Gastrointestinal Aid - It cleanses the digestive system and treats constipation. Helpful in detoxification and cleansing.
• Hepatotoxic Shield - Damages the liver cells, so averts hepatotoxicity.
• Boosts metabolism - Detoxifies the gastrointestinal tract which absorbs absorption of nutrients.

Health Benefits Of Haritaki

• Prevents Diabetes - Has Hypoglycemic property which plays an important role in maintaining the sugar levels of the body. Reduces the breakdown of the starch into glucose. Regular use of haritaki controls the various symptoms such as Frequent urination, excessive thirst and weight loss.
• Improves Cognitive Functioning - Has brain-boosting properties, which improves concentration and alertness. Relieves tension from the brain.
• Boosts Sexual Health and Stamina - Promotes the sexual health in males and females. Has Rasayan properties which reduce mental stress and anxiety. Increases Virility and stamina in men.
• Aids In digestion -  Improves gut health and treats various gastrointestinal disorders. Eliminates the abdominal gas which reduces gaseous cramps and bloating.
• Promotes weight Loss - Haritaki plays an important role in burning excess fat and removing excess Ama toxins which reduces the accumulation of LDL Cholesterol in the body, thus improving metabolism and helping in shedding the weight.
• Heals Wounds and Infections - Due to its anti-viral, antibacterial properties it is helpful in removing wounds and germs from the body.
• Nervous System - Helpful in the weakness of the nerves and balance Vata disorders and diminished vision.
• Circulatory System - Haritaki s Raktagami (exhibit action on Rakta dhatu) which is helpful in the weakness of the heart and other disorders of blood.
• Skin - It prevents the accumulation of pus in various skin disorders and it acts as a Rasayan and is useful in the healing of wounds.
• Respiratory System - Haritaki is helpful in reducing congestion and treats dyspnoea and hiccups.

What Is Haritaki Good For

• For Eyes - It is useful as a cleanser to get rid of various eye infections and vision disorders. Various Eye problem includes Dry Eyes, Watery Eyes and Stye Formation.
• Face Masks - Boosts the health of the skin and treats various skin issues.
• Pore-Reducing Pack - Haritaki has an astringent property which is helpful in reducing pores and inhibiting the production of melanin and reducing wrinkles, pigmentation.
• For Hair - Treats various scalp infections like dandruff and gets rid of dandruff impurities. Prevents breakage and loss of hair.

There are many varieties of Haritaki which can be taken in various formulations-

• Haritaki Powder
• Abhayarishta
• Triphala Capsules
• Vara Churna
• Agastya Haritaki

Planet Ayurveda is an ISO 9001:2015 Certified and US-FDA registered Ayurvedic Company which adheres to the objectives of Ayurvedic norms. Formulations made by planet ayurveda are without any preservatives and chemicals which do not cause any side effects. As these products are pure and free from gluten and do not cause any side effects and are highly beneficial in this. Our Haritaki Powder is useful for many health problems and acts as Rasayan, maintains healthy digestion and balances all tridoshas of the body. Our products are prepared in a completely hygienic environment and pass a complete quality check before reaching you.

Conclusion

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) has great therapeutic properties and is widely used in India up to an altitude of 1500 metres. Haritaki is known as 'the King of Medicines'. This dried fruit is known as Chebulic myrobalans which has various health properties and is used in a wide range. Haritaki rips its fruits in the month of January to April. Commonly grows in India, especially in the lower Himalaya region and various parts of Assam up to an altitude of 5000 feet. In Ayurveda, There are various seasonal changes and there is an imbalance in Doshas and it gets an imbalance in the Chaya and Prakopa (accumulation and Aggravation). Further, we discussed Haritaki Powder from planet Ayurveda which is helpful for boosting immunity and metabolism.