The Haritaki tree, scientifically known as Terminalia chebula, is a deciduous tree indigenous to Southern Asia, from India to Nepal and China. The tree is revered in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine, thanks to the valuable therapeutic properties of its fruits. It reaches up to 30 meters high, sporting a rounded crown with drooping branches. Its bark is dark brown, with longitudinal cracks. Its leaves are oval and have a pointed tip. It blooms during spring, bearing small, white, fragrant flowers clustered in spikes at the end of branches. By late summer, the tree yields hard, yellowish-green fruits known as Haritaki. These fruits, when ripen, turn a brownish-black shade and have a unique sweet, sour, and slightly astringent taste. Due to its significant health benefits, such as boosting digestive health, improving skin conditions, and enhancing heart health, Haritaki is often referred to as the “king of medicines” in Ayurveda.
Uses of Haritaki In Diabetes
Haritaki, a cornerstone in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, offers potential benefits in managing diabetes. Primarily, it is lauded for its hypoglycemic properties, which can aid in regulating blood sugar levels. A study conducted by Sabu, M. C., & Kuttan, R. (2002) titled “Anti-diabetic activity of medicinal plants and its relationship with their antioxidant property,” published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, examined the impacts of Haritaki on diabetes. This study showed that Haritaki extract can help in reducing blood glucose levels, suggesting its utility in diabetes management. Besides, it could potentially enhance the performance of pancreatic cells, stimulating insulin production. Haritaki also contains a significant amount of dietary fiber, which slows down the absorption of glucose in the body, thus preventing sudden spikes and drops in blood sugar. In addition to these direct benefits, it aids in mitigating common diabetic complications, such as infections and cardiovascular diseases, due to its robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
When this fruit is used along with other herbs like Jamun Fruit, amla, gudmar, vijaysar and fenugreek seeds, it effectively helps in the management of blood sugar levels. Moolika Ayurveda Diasol Capsules contain all these herbs and it is the best ayurvedic medicine for diabetes.
Haritaki for Weight Loss
Haritaki, a key herb in Ayurveda, can play a pivotal role in weight management. This traditional remedy is known for its ability to balance the three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, thereby promoting overall health. It specifically aids in weight loss by stimulating natural digestion and effectively eliminating waste from the body.
This herb boosts metabolism and helps reduce lipid accumulation in the body. Its natural laxative properties help in detoxification, a crucial step in shedding extra weight. It also suppresses the appetite, reducing unnecessary food cravings, and thereby helping in weight loss. The fruit’s rich nutrient composition, including fiber, can promote a feeling of fullness and prevent overeating.
Moreover, Terminalia Chebula also influences the production of certain enzymes that signal the body to convert stored fat into energy. It ensures the proper digestion of food, thus preventing fat storage in the body.
For more details, you may refer to Bhattacharya SK, et al. “Antioxidant activity of Terminalia chebula fruit extract” (2005), which discusses how this wonderful herb impacts the body’s overall function, including weight management.
Haritaki benefits for liver
Research has shown that the extract from the fruit of the Terminalia chebula tree can have substantial benefits for liver health. It plays a protective role, helping to shield this vital organ from damage caused by toxins. The hepatoprotective properties are primarily attributed to its antioxidant properties that combat oxidative stress, a major contributor to liver disease. The fruit extract further demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects that can ease liver inflammation. One study published in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” (2010) reports that the extract can significantly reduce liver damage in rats induced by the toxin carbon tetrachloride, suggesting potential benefits in humans as well. In addition, its ability to promote healthy digestion indirectly supports liver health by ensuring the proper elimination of waste and reduced toxin accumulation. Therefore, the inclusion of this fruit extract in a balanced diet can be an effective strategy to foster liver health.
Reference: Rajesh Arora, et al. “Potential of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Preventive Management of Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Pandemic: Thwarting Potential Disasters in the Bud.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 130, no. 1, 2010, pp. 1-15.
Haritaki-Terminalia Chebula in Ayurveda
Ayurveda scholars praise the medicinal properties of this fruit by coining names according to its health benefits. Few are given here.
Haritaki – as it defeats almost all diseases.
Abhaya – This fruit is also known as Abhaya as its use promises a good health.
Pathya- Terminalia Chebula has another name Pathya as it can be used as food in many diseases.
Types of Haritaki – Texts of ayurveda have classified this fruit based on the region it grows and its usefulness. The following types of Haritaki are recognized.
- Vijaya – helps to cure almost all diseases. – Grows in Vindhya region.
- Rohini – more useful in curing wounds – Available in Paitani region
- Poothana – used in cooling skin packs – Found in Sindh region.
- Amrita – detoxifies body – Grows in forests of Champa region forests
- Abhaya – useful in diseases of eyes – Grows in forests of Champa region
- Jeevanthi – used to treat almost all diseases – Available in Sourashtra
- Chetaki – very useful to treat constipation – found in Himachal.
Haritaki – Ayurveda Medicinal Properties
According to ayurvedic pharmacopeia, the properties of haritaki are as follows. This fruit is light to digest (laghu) and tend to dries up the tissues (rooksha ). It tastes sweet (madhura rasa), bitter (tikta rasa) , astringent (Kashaya rasa ), pungent (katu rasa) and Sour (amla rasa). But it is devoid of salt taste (lavana rasa). After digestion the sweet taste becomes predominant. Haritaki is hot in potency ( ushna veerya).
Who should not use Haritaki ?
Persons who are suffering from severe depression, weakness, and low body weight or are willing to gain weight should not use this fruit. It is strict no for pregnant ladies. People who are on fasting or have acute fever are barred from using this. Never consume this fruit when you are thirsty.
