HARITAKI

Introduction:

Haritaki trees go high up to 100 feet and has strong timber wood, dark brown bark, leaves are ovate, cluster of flowers are small yellowish white. Fruits are green in colour, on getting ripe the colour changes to yellowish brown. The fruits have medicinal value and used in Ayurveda extensively. In most of the Tibetan herbal formula you will find Haritaki. Based on shape of fruit Ayurveda described seven varieties of Haritaki i.e. Vijaya, Rohini, Putana, Amruta, Abhaya, Jivanti and Chetaki.  Haritaki is one of the components of “Triphala” churna, a traditional Ayurvedic formula which is mixture of powdered Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amala. Haritaki is used as powder, decoction and paste externally as well as internally.

Uses:

1. Haritaki with Ginger powder or decoction is useful to improve digestion, relieve gas, bloating and constipation.

2. Haritaki has rasayana, or rejuvenate quality and increases energy, intelligence, awareness and enhance immunity.

3. To remain healthy and counter ageing effect, Haritaki powder with worm milk to be taken before going to sleep.

4. Haritaki and Ginger powder decoction is useful in hiccups, asthma, and diarrhea.

5. Decoction of Triphala is used to wash eyes for eye ailments.

6. Decoction of Haritaki powder is useful as mouthwash to prevent cavities in teeth and bleeding gums also pacify mouth ulcers.

7. Decoction of Haritaki powder relieves pain and blooding in piles.

8. Haritaki paste is useful to cure wounds, burns and to reduce swelling and pain.

9. For weight reduction Triphala decoction may be taken with honey.

10. Haritaki powder and decoction is useful in improving cardiac health.

Side Effects:

1) Should not be taken by persons having debility, exhaustion, observing fast and having weakness or underweight.

2) During Infection in throat

3) Women during pregnancy and nurturing mothers should avoid using Haritaki.

4) People with cardiovascular problem should use only under medical supervision.