Haritaki {Terminalia Chebula}
Haritaki or Yellow or Chebulic Myrobalan is good for Vata. Haritaki is also one of 3 key ingredients in the popular Ayurvedic Medicine known as Triphala.
Ayurvedic Characteristics and Uses
- Effect on doshas – Balancing all doshas but mainly Vata
- Taste – All except salty, mainly astringent
- Energetics –Cooling
- Main Traditional Action – Rejuvenative, laxative
- Other Traditional Uses – Works as a Rasayana to open the channels, remove malas from the Dhatus, and cleanse all of the Dhatus. Works as an anti-aging agent. . It is useful in weakness in the nervous system. Useful in many gastrointestinal conditions, including weak digestion (agnimandya), constipation, hemorrhoids, gas and/or bloating. Used in Kaphaja skin diseases and diabetes. Stimulates intelligence and strengthens the sense organs by decreasing excess Kapha and Meda Dhatu. Used for respiratory colds, cough, hoarseness of voice, hiccups and asthma. Topically: The paste is used to alleviate swelling, joint and muscle pain.
Modern Research
Research on Haritaki has shown it is: antiamoeba, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. Studies have also show it has anticancer properties, as well as significantly reducing serum cholesterol, protecting against ulcers, improving digestion, promoting the absorption of nutrients, and regulating colon function.