'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAUACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABeAAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABxAAAwABBQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDAAQFBgchEiJBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAFEQEAAwACAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABAhEhABITUWH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AIBv3b3INXumzPKM4LqigRFpVh8WA8sWYmp/SfMqB7z53L6UppaunjUK0BcjwsQHxjA/FC+4VKdskUvfnHyctjiRQBBrD3z/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The benefits of haritaki are innumerable. Haritaki, also known as the king of medicine, is incredibly useful and offers some prominent health benefits.
Some of the most common benefits of haritaki include preventing dandruff and hair loss, treating constipation, easing cough and cold, getting rid of acne, fighting skin allergies and improving immunity. This ayurvedic herb can also be identified by a few local names, like harad, kaddukki, haradey and kayakalp.
Read on to learn more about this ancient herb.
What is a haritaki herb?
Haritaki, sometimes also known as the Indian Hog Plum, is an ayurvedic herb derived from the seeds of the Terminalia Chebula tree. The herb is considered among the three restorative herbs of the Triphala composition and is one of the most important herbs in Siddha and Ayurveda.
A fruit of the deciduous myrobalan plum tree, haritaki is small, oval in shape and less than an inch in size. Depending on the fruit’s variety, though, it can turn black or greenish when ripe and taste sour, bitter or sweet. The fruit is then collected, dried and powdered for Ayurvedic remedies.
While the most common and versatile form of haritaki is powder, the herb is also available in paste, oil and tablet form. Different forms can be used based on the individual’s preferences and needs.
Is haritaki nutritional?
Yes, this ancient herb is incredibly nutritional and consists of several important ingredients, which have antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties.
Additionally, it consists of essential proteins, minerals and vitamins, including vitamin C, potassium, selenian, manganese, copper and iron. Haritaki herbs are also rich in plant chemicals like gallic acid, tannic acid and behenic acid.
What are the benefits of haritaki?
This important ayurvedic herb offers plenty of health benefits:
Benefits of haritaki for hair
Some of the most common haritaki powder benefits include its ability to reduce dandruff and cure scalp infections.
Mixing haritaki powder with water and applying the paste to the scalp helps reduce sebum production and prevents dandruff. The paste cleanses the scalp, prevents scalp infection and promotes hair growth too. With regular use of haritaki hair packs, you will notice a great reduction in oily scalp, dandruff, inflammation and hair fall.
Benefits of haritaki for skin
The incredible benefits of haritaki also include its properties to rejuvenate the skin. The excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties of haritaki help treat multiple skin infections, leading to a younger-looking and clearer skin.
The herb works great on acne, rashes and pigmentation and even helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines. All these skin benefits make haritaki an increasingly popular and most-used ingredient for skin care remedies.
Haritaki benefits for the brain
This ancient herb is rich in brain-boosting properties, which helps improve overall functioning of the brain and works great on cognitive function too. Essential flavonoids and antioxidants found in haritaki are known to improve focus, concentration, memory capacity and alertness, as well as calmness.
Studies suggest that regular intake of haritaki in the form of tablets and supplements prevents neurodegenerative problems like dementia and Parkinson’s and improves cognitive abilities.
Benefits of haritaki for stress
Haritaki reduces stress by alleviating mental anxiety, tension and improving mood. Additionally, it improves production of libido hormones and prevents certain types of fertility problems in women. It enhances endurance and improves female fertility too.
Benefits of haritaki for digestion
Haritaki is known as a very effective traditional cure for treating a variety of gastrointestinal problems. These include heartburn, flatulence, indigestion, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea and esophagitis.
Thanks to the carminative properties of the haritaki fruit, it breaks down food particles in the intestine and improve secretion of digestive juices. That allows the intestine to absorb essential nutrients, eliminating bloating, gas, cramps and all types of gut issues.
Can I take haritaki daily?
Generally, the herb is considered safe for regular use when taken in small doses, but excessive consumption can sometimes lead to certain side effects. Some common haritaki side effects may include stomatitis, diarrhea, fatigue, acute fever, stiffness of the jaw and weakness.
Who shouldn’t take haritaki?
While it's considered safe for all, patients taking sugar-reducing medicines should avoid the herb or consult a healthcare provider before taking it, as it reduces blood sugar and might interfere with the medicine.
You must also avoid haritaki if you:
- are pregnant or lactating
- have an ongoing stomach problem, like diarrhea, constipation or cramps
- are severely dehydrated
- have recently donated blood
- taking insulin or any other anti-glycemic medications
- have weakness or fatigue
Before taking any herbal supplements, like haritaki, it's best to consult a doctor to learn about the correct dosage and its effects on health.
