HARITAKI - Terminalia Chebula

Haritaki is a common herbaceous plant, which is very extensively used in the pre
paration of many ayurvedic medicines. Ayurvedic treatment is the traditional Ind
ian system of treatment followed by the ancient scholars of medicine for many th
ousands of years. This type of medicinal treatment involves the practice of holi
stic methods of treatment that involves maintaining and promoting health through
diet and regulated life style.
Medical Purposes
Many ayurvedic medicinal formulations are prepared from the fruits of the Harita
ki plant. The extract obtained from Haritaki fruit contains a substance which ha
s antibacterial and anti fungal properties. This substance inhibits the growth o
f bacteria and fungi such as E. coli. Escherichia coli is the most common organi
sm, which is responsible for many types of infections such as infections of the
urinary tract. Haritaki extract is very useful in the treatment of infections ca
used by E.coli. Haritaki is also believed to have powerful effect on parasites s
uch as Amoeba giardia and many others.
Sources
The extract for the Haritaki plant is used widely in many ayurvedic formulations
. It is used in the preparation of medicines for the treatment of infectious dis
eases like leucorrhoea, chronic ulcers, pyorrhea and other types of fungal infec
tions of the skin. Many research studies indicated that the oil obtained from th
e kernel of the Haritaki plant had certain substances, which increased the motil
ity of the gastro intestinal tract. This type of action was similar to that of c
astor oil. Haritaki is used as a natural cleanser of the digestive system. It im
proves the functioning of the liver spleen and the colon and hence it is widely
used as a digestive tonic.
Many clinical trials were undertaken on patients with chronic constipation probl
em. From these studies it was evident that the extract obtained from Haritaki ha
s the property of evacuating the bowel and increasing the frequency of stools. H
aritaki is also used in combination with other herbs to prepare a formulation ca
lled Triphala. This medicine is widely used as Anti aging formula. It is also us
ed for increasing the immunity of the body.
Haritaki is also used as a purgative in ayurvedic treatments. It is also used as
a tonic and expectorant. Haritaki is also known to pocess strong anti-mutagenic
properties. Haritaki is used in the treatment of mouth ulcers, stomatitis, ast
hma, cough, candidiasis, gastroenteritis, skin diseases, leprosy ect. It is also
used for treatment of intermittent fever, rheumatic pain and fever, wounds and
arthritis. Haritaki is one of the best herbs for treatment of Vatadosha. It is u
sed as a natural remedy for Vata disturbances like flatulence, indigestion ect.
Haritaki is contradicted in person with weak digestion and also in pregnancy. Ha
ritaki is also believed to improve intelligence and alertness in a person.