This fruit commonly called Haritaki | Harad in Hindi, Kadukkai in Tamil, Karakkaya in Telugu, Harde Whole | Ink Nut in English, Katukkai in Malayalam, Alalekaayi in Kannada, Harade in Gujarati, Hirada in Marathi, Horitaki in Bengali and Har in Punjabi is trulya medical wonder and has many health benefits and medicinal uses. It’s botanical name is Terminalia Chebula.
It treats a wide variety of diseases and is an ingredient that we first resort to for treating most of the small ailments at home. Haritaki has been regarded very highly from ancient times by traditional healers and it is rightly called the mother of herbs. It is widely used in ayurvedic medicine and it is also one of the three ingredients of the famous triphala which by itself signifies it’s importance in ayurvedic medicine. Haritaki has got anti inflammatory, analgesic, antiulcerogenic, antioxidant, anti bacterial, anti fungal, anti carcinogenic, anti viral, astringent, anti aging, anti arthritic, anti microbial, hypoglycemic, anti pyretic and hypolipidemic properties.
Actually the amount of diseases haritaki can cure is astonishing, it is used for treating arthritis, dental problems like caries and bleeding gums, skin problems like acne andeczema, for healing wounds, for neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s, for constipation and shrinking hemorrhoids when used externally, for treating ulcers very effectively, for treating and preventing kidney stones, for improving digestion, for treating cough, sore throat and headache, for treating eye inflammations when used as an eye rinse, for improving immunity, for treating fever along with reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels! No wonder it is called the mother of all herbs :).
I always have haritaki at home and we use it extensively in my home remedies. Last week, my brother in law was suffering loss of sensation in the tongue. He was complaining that he couldn’t feel any taste at all in his mouth and this problem was going on for almost a month. I made a mouth rinse with haritaki and asked him to rinse his mouth with it twice daily for 10 days. Within a few days, he said he was feeling better and by the end of the 10 days, he had completely gotten back his sense of taste.
How To Use Haritaki: You can take haritaki internally in the form of haritaki powder | haritaki churna | kadukka podi, you can easily buy the powder from the markets or make your own at home. Externally you can apply the paste of the fruit or you can make an infusion by boiling the pounded fruit with water and use.
Haritaki Dosage: Usually 5 grams of haritaki powder is the daily dosage for adults but I would suggest slowly increasing the dosage overtime. Haritaki can be taken for long duration’s without any side effects as it has low toxicity but if you are on any medications please consult an ayurvedic doctor for the correct dosage.
Haritaki is one ingredient that everyone should have in their home, it will always come in handy. While buying haritaki make sure to buy matured ones and sun dry it till crisp and then store in an airtight box. Haritaki stores well and can be stored in an airtight box for almost 6 months to 1 year….
1. HARITAKI FOR WEIGHT LOSS:
Haritaki is known to remove toxins from the body and keeps the digestive system in peak order. It prevents bloating sensation, acidity and helps in proper assimilation of food. Haritaki is a natural blood purifier and it helps to remove the toxins in the body. Consuming haritaki will regulate the hunger and combined together with a sensible diet and exercise will aid in weight loss naturally.
2. HARITAKI FOR HAIR LOSS:
In certain parts of India, haritaki oil is used on the hair to prevent lice infection and dandruff. They use it as a daily application hair oil. To make this oil, heat a cup of coconut oil in a pan and add the 3 haritaki pods. Once it has turned brown and the outer shell cracks, switch off the flame, let cool and store it in a glass bottle. Use this oil regularly to prevent lice infection and dandruff. This oil effectively treats hair loss too. Haritaki can also be used in hair packs, it can be ground along with curry leaf powder, amla powder and yogurt to form a paste and then applied on the hair.
3. HARITAKI FOR COUGH IN INFANTS & ADULTS:
Haritaki is amazing for treating cough in both adults and infants. Powder haritaki finely and mix it with honey and give it to the babies for 2 to 3 days. Some infants might vomit when they consume haritaki for the first time, that is normal and one need not worry about it. They will get used to it very soon. A big pinch (around 2 gms) for children around 3 to 6 years. A small pinch (around 1 gm) for children between 1 to 3 years. This remedy will treat cough very effectively. Try not to use haritaki powder continuously for children without medical supervision.
4. HARITAKI FOR CONSTIPATION:
A study was conducted regarding the effect of herbs on diabetic patients. They found that haritaki decreases insulin sensitivity and helps to regulate the blood sugar levels in the body effectively. The interesting thing was many of the diabetic medicines had some side effects along with regulating the blood sugar levels whereas haritaki did not have any side effects at all. But diabetic patients should consult a medical professional before taking haritaki daily on a regular basis.
9. HARITAKI FOR MOUTH ULCERS:
HARITAKI SIDE EFFECTS:
Pregnant women should be cautious taking haritaki as they might cause certain complications. As mentioned earlier diabetic patients also should be careful before taking haritaki regularly as it reduces blood sugar levels so the blood sugar levels should be monitored closely. For young children haritaki should only be given under medical supervision if planning on giving it for longer duration……
