All you need to know about Haritaki

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is a miraculous fruit that is used in a wide range of traditional remedies. It is cultivated from the seeds of Terminalia Chebula Tree, a member of Combretaceae family native to high altitude areas of India, Nepal, and other surrounding countries. Often referred as the “king of medicines”, Haritaki shares a long history of use in ayurveda. For instance, the holistic science of ayurveda backs the ingredient and advocates its use as a potent laxative, astringent, and an anti oxidant.  

Interestingly, Haritaki is believed to support Vata Dosha and is one of the three main ingredients used in making of one of the best ayurvedic medicines for constipation, Triphala. The herb’s properties are known to encourage healthy bowel movements and support good gut health. Thus, it is used as a major ingredient in best laxatives for constipation like KABZEND.

How Haritaki aids digestive health?

Ancient ayurveda suggests using Haritaki as a rejuvenating agent for the digestive system. It induces a mild laxative effect and in fact, is a clinically proven and time-tested remedy for all digestion related issues and gastrointestinal disorders like constipation, flatulence, heartburn, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. For instance, it is also referred as “Tridoshic”, given its capabilities of balancing all three Dosha - Vata, Pita, and Kapha.

Haritaki boasts a carminative nature. It helps in breaking down of food in the stomach, enhances secretion of digestive juices, and increases absorption of essential nutrients. It also helps in eliminating trapped gas and reducing abdominal distension, bloating, and gaseous cramps. Moreover, it is also helpful in cleansing of intestines and removal of waste products from the body.

How to consume Haritaki?

Haritaki is typically available in powdered form and can be consumed in a variety of ways. You can simply take it with warm water or can infuse it with herbal teas. However, ayurveda suggests consuming it in specific ways in order to maximise its benefits. For instance, Ayurveda defines the process of taking Haritaki powder with various adjuvants in different season as “Ritu Haritaki”.  It explains that our mental and physical behaviours alter as per environmental changes and thus, requires different diet and approaches.  

Here are some of the best ways of consuming Haritaki season wise:

1. Consume Haritaki with Desi Khand or Misri in autumns.

2. Consume Haritaki with jaggery in summers.   

3. Consume Haritaki with rock salt in monsoon.

4. Consume Haritaki with ginger in early summers and with long pepper in late winters.

5. Consume Haritaki with natural or flavoured honey in spring.

However, if you’re unable to follow an entire regime, you can decide on consuming the herb with honey and long pepper all throughout the year.

Apart from promoting good digestive health, Haritaki is also helpful in promoting weight loss, diabetes management, and good oral hygiene. Moreover, it is loaded with anti-bacterial and anti-oxidative properties which make it highly beneficial for our hair and skin health.