Haritaki is one of the miraculous ayurvedic herbs that forms the Triphala formulation along with Amalaki and Bibhitaki. Fondly termed as Chebulic myrobalan, Haritaki comes from the Terminalia chebula tree, popularly known as Indian walnut or Indian hog plum in English. Imbued with potent laxative, astringent, purgative, anti-bilious and antioxidant properties, the holistic science of Ayurveda suggests the use of this herb for various health anomalies including indigestion, gastritis, obesity, impotence, cough, cold, asthma, lung disease, vision defects, urinary tract infections and hair, and skin problems
Types Of Haritaki
Haritaki is categorized into five types:
- Chetaki Haritaki: Grows in the Himalayan regions
- Vijaya Haritaki: Found In Vindhya mountain ranges
- Putna Haritaki: Also found growing in Himalayan mountain ranges
- Rohini Haritaki: Widely present in the Sindh regions
- Jayanti Haritaki: Mostly found in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat
- Abhaya Haritaki: Usually cultivated in the Champa regions of Chhattisgarh
- Amrita Haritaki: Found in the Champa Bhagalpur regions
Haritaki’s Effects On Doshas
This miraculous fruit characterizes five distinct tastes which are Madhura (sweet), Amla (sour) Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), and Kashaya (astringent taste). It intrinsically shows Rukshna (dry) and Laghu gunas (light), Ushna Virya (hot potency) and Madhura Vipaka (sweet metabolic property). Being a powerful Tridoshic herb, it balances all the three doshas which are Vata (air), Pitta (fire and air) and Kapha (earth and water) doshas and hence balances overall health and wellness.
Health Benefits Of Haritaki
Regulates Diabetes
Blessed with incredible hypoglycaemic property, haritaki plays a significant role in alleviating the blood sugar levels in the body. The production of insulin from the β-pancreatic cells becomes active in taking this fruit powder. Regular consumption stimulates the body to reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose.
Enhances Brain Functioning
Presence of powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in haritaki improves the memory capacity, concentration, focus, calmness, and alertness of an individual. Being a brain tonic and stimulator, regular use of haritaki effectively improves memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities. The powerful neuroprotective components in Haritaki also arrests loss of memory and relieves tension from the brain.
Bolsters Sexual Health And Stamina
Thanks to its powerful rasayana and aphrodisiac properties, it helps in alleviating mental stress and anxiety and stimulates the hormones for increasing libido. It effectively enhances fertility in both men and women, treats several reproductive issues and increases virility and stamina in men.
Promotes Digestion
This traditional herbal remedy is the absolute answer for a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders like esophagitis, diarrhoea, flatulence, heartburn, peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, indigestion, constipation, and stomach pain. Presence of potent carminative qualities, haritaki actively helps in breaking down the food particles in the stomach and intestine, triggers the secretion of the digestive juices and therefore increases the absorption of essential nutrients through the intestines.
Facilitates Weight Loss
This chebulic myrobalan plays a quintessential role in burning excess fat. Not only does it detoxify the body by removing AMA toxins but also diminishes sudden hunger pangs and a craving for unhealthy dietary choices. By improving metabolism, it helps the body to shed weight faster.
