Haritaki Herb Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients

Pregnancy : Use of Terminalia Chebula is not recommended during Pregnancy. Terminalia Chebula may reduce the production of Breast Milk. It is not recommeded for lactating mothers.
Haritaki is not to be taken in excess, if already suffering from Debility, Depression, Indigestion, early stages of Fever.
People with a lean body, weak immunity, low strength, excessive sexual activity, fasted for long, had long exposure to the Sun should not take Terminalia Chebula.
Haritaki is astringent. It may worsen the condition if already having Dryness or feeling lack of water in the body. It is also not recommended in alcoholics.
Avoid Haritaki in following Symptoms :
Tired
Hungry
Dry Mouth
Dry throat
Stiff Neck
Severe Thirst
Increased Pitta
Do not give to children below 5 years of age.

Terminalia Chebula is a tree.
It is deciduous.
It grows in a sub tropical climate.
It grows up to 30 M.
Best used for Obesity.

In TCM :
Terminalia Chebula Fruit : He Zi
Meridians associated : Lung, Stomach and Large Intestine.

Cancer Treatment : Useful in treating Lungs Cancer, Stomach Cancer and Cancer of Intestines.

Terminalia Chebula fruit ( Haritaki ) is used for medicinal purpose. The medicinal effect is strongest when the fruit is ripe.
Types of Terminalia Chebula
Ayurveda has described seven different types of Terminalia Chebula. These are:
Vijaya is found in the Vindhya mountains. It is useful in treating almost all diseases.
Rohini is used for healing the wounds. It is found in the Pratishtanaka. Rohini fruit is circular in shape.
Putana fruits are small with big seeds. It is found in the Sindh area and mostly used for external applications.
Amruta is found in the Bhagalpur area. The fruits have a thick pulp. The detoxicant effect of Amruta is useful in Panchakarma therapy.
Abhaya is also available in Champa, Bhagalpur area. Best used for eye problems. Identify Abhaya by checking the fruit skin. It is made up of five creases.
Jivanti is found in Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The fruit is yellow in colour and treats all the diseases.
Chetaki fruit has three creases in the skin. It is found in Himachal Pradesh and best used for its purgative action.
Note : Among all the varieties of Haritaki, Vijaya is considered the best.
Terminalia Chebula is a good herbal method for nourishing the Digestive system. It improves digestion and enhances appetite.
It is effective in treating inflammation of the Gut and fighting parasites. It cures the Diarrhea, Piles, and infections of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a remedy for constipation, vomiting, and IBS.
Haritaki fruit has strong laxative effects. The unripe fruit is more laxative than the ripe fruit. To reduce the laxative effect, it is consumed in the dried or boiled form. Suffering from food poisoning? Eat Haritaki fruit after meal to eliminate toxins due to food poisoning.
Eating a paste made of Haritaki fruit is useful in clearing disturbed the bowel movement.
Boiling enhances the absorption power of Haritaki. It is useful a person with Malabsorption syndrome.
Terminalia Chebula stops the bleeding in Piles. It reduces the pile mass and eases the bowel movements.
It promotes healing and reduces swelling.
Haritaki is useful in balancing all the doshas. No matter which dosha is imbalanced, try fried Haritaki. It is useful in balancing any doshas.
The bitter, astringent and pungent taste of Haritaki balances Kapha. Take Haritaki with Salt for balancing the Kapha.
The bitter, sweet, and astringent taste is useful in balancing Pitta. Haritaki is taken with Sugar for balancing Pitta.
The sour taste of Haritaki balances Vata. Haritaki is taken with Ghee for balancing Vata.
How to take in Seasons
For best results Terminalia Chebula is combined with other Herbs. The choice of herb depends on the present season.
In the rainy season, Terminalia Chebula is given along with Rock Salt (Sendha namak).
Haritaki is recommended with Sugar in Autumn season.
In the early winter season, Haritaki is given with Ginger.
In the winter season, Haritaki is combined with Long Pepper (Pippali).
During the Spring season, Haritaki is given along with Honey.
Haritaki is combined with Jaggery in summers.
Terminalia Chebula is helpful as a Memory Enhancer. It improves intelligence.
It is a good herbal remedy for refining the complexion of the skin and minimizing the signs of aging. It is useful in treating Skin diseases.
Terminalia Chebula is good for aching Eyes.
It provides relief from Cough, Cold, Sore Throat, Asthma, and Inflammation.
Haritaki has a healing effect. It helps in the treatment of Bleeding and Loose Gums.
The seeds of Terminalia Chebula are sweet. The fruit rind is bitter in taste. The fiber part is sour. The skin is pungent and seeds are astringent.
It is detoxicant and helps in neutralizing the Cholesterol level in the body.
Terminalia Chebula is used for treating Dysentery. It is also helpful in treating Vaginal and Urinary Tract Infections.
It cures the problem of Delusion.
Terminalia Chebula helps in improving and maintaining the correct Body weight.
It should be avoided by Pregnant and Nursing women. It should not be consumed by patients suffering from Diabetes or Hyperglycemia as it lowers the Blood sugar level.
Dosage
Haritaki powder is recommended in dosage between of 1 to 6 grams daily. It should be taken with another herb depending upon the disease and season. The dosage can be taken singly or divided into parts. Prior discussion with a qualified Healthcare Practitioner is must before use.

Some herbs increase the functionality or activity of an organ or a metabolic activity of the body. Conversely others decrease the functionality. But an Adaptogen balances the actions of the Metabolism. For example some herbs increase Blood Pressure, others decrease it, but Withania somnifera will correct Blood Pressure whether it is high or low.
There are some herbs that are the best in this field. When combined together, and consumed in moderation, they can prevent disease, improve the quality of life and prolong it.
Powder the following herbs. Mix them in equal quantities. Preserve the mixture, ( Churan in Hindi ) in an air tight jar. Consume a little every other day.
Tinospora cordifolia, Giloy in Hindi
Asparagus racemosus, Shatawari in Hindi
Emblica officinalis, Amla in Hindi
Withania somnifera, Ashwagandha in Hindi
Piper longum, Pipali in Hindi
Terminalia chebula, Harad in Hindi
Ocimum sanctum, Tulsi in Hindi
Tribulus terristris, Gokhru in Hindi