Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is held in high regard in Ayurveda, and in Tibet referred to as “The King of Medicines”. It is a medicinal tree native to South Asia with thick black cracked bark, unpleasant smelling flowers in short panicles, and sour ovoid yellow-orange fruits.
Throughout a number of traditional medicine systems, including Unani, Tibb, Ayurveda and Siddha, it is predominately used as a carminative, laxative (unripe fruit), nervine, expectorant, digestive, analgesic and antimicrobial and for gut, liver, cardiovascular and skin health.
Haritaki is not only well-known and used on its own, but is one of the three dried fruits of the well-known multipurpose polyherbal formula from Ayurveda called Triphala. It is also included in another famous rasayana Ayurvedic formula called Amrit Kalash.
The fruits of Haritaki are utilized in both raw and prepared formats, and distinguished as seven different types which are associated with specific regions, color and shapes. The fruit is often consumed pickled or fried and is a main ingredient in a spice blend called chat masala.
The fruits of Haritaki are also used in the manufacture of black salt, as well as calico dyeing and printing due to the presence of tannins. The seed is consumed as a snack with a flavor similar to almonds or filberts, and used for the production of an edible oil.
Haritaki contains a number of bioactive compounds, notably chebulic acid, chebulinic acid, chebulaginic acid, corilagin, gallic and ellagic acids. Through scientific investigations Haritaki has been found to display antioxidant, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, proapoptotic, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, and antiepileptic activities.
*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
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