Harad | Harar | Haritaki | Abhaya | Pathya | Kayastha | Ink nut | Chebulic Myrobalan | Terminalia chebula Retz.
Part used – Dried fruits without seeds
A classic brain, nerve, digestive and energy tonic. It also helps regulate the colon and is good for both constipation and diarrhoea. Haritaka is the basis for Triphala. Balances: Vata, Pitta and Kapha
Haritaki powder is a simple formulation made of its dried ripe fruits. The plant is also named as Pathya, owing to its beneficial effect for the channels (patha) of the body. It is not only used for constipation but for various gastrointestinal and systemic problems. Judicious use of Haritaki with necessary dietary and lifestyle changes can treat constipation successfully as well as improve the physiological status of the gut.
Therapeutic Properties Haritaki has laxative, carminative, digestive, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, anti-microbial, anti-stress and endurance promoting properties.
Indication and uses Haritaki is useful in constipation, haemorrhoids, stomatitis, hyperacidity and associated gastrointestinal disorders.
Dose and mode of administration for constipation- To achieve laxative action of Haritaki, adult dose of powder is 3 to 6 grams and for children, the dose of Haritaki is 500 mg to 1 gram, to be taken with lukewarm water once a day on an empty stomach. It is preferably taken early in the morning or minimum three hours after dinner.
Uses: It used as an alternative, digestive, laxative, anti-emetic, anti-tussive and as a rejuvenator.