Medicinal Herb – Haritaki

Haritaki, also known as the king of medicines, is listed on top of the Ayurvedic Medicare. It is said to possess miraculous powers to heal, and helps in destroying and eliminating all toxins or “ama” from the body purifying it from within. Haritaki is one of the three main ingredients in the Ayurvedic super formula Triphala along with Amalaki and Bibhitaki.

The fruit is highly nutritious as it contains various vitamins, minerals and proteins. An excellent source of vitamin C, Haritaki is also rich in several minerals including selenium, potassium, manganese, iron and copper. The deciduous Haritaki tree grows at an altitude of 1,800 meters and can be found in the sub Himalayan tracks and the deciduous forests of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Assam and Maharashtra.

Haritaki has laxative, rejuvenative, astringent and dry properties and comprises of all the fives tastes - sweet, bitter, sour, pungent and astringent, which makes it ideal to pacify all the doshas. In summers, equal quantity of jaggery and Haritaki keeps the body cool and agile. Similarly, in early winter, a mixture of Haritaki, ginger and honey can do wonders in keeping the body protected from all seasonal diseases.

Benefits of Haritaki:

• Respiratory system: Haritaki removes all blockages in the channels of the body, curing it from respiratory diseases like bronchitis and asthma.
• Longevity: The qualities of Haritaki help in enhancing the longevity of tissues, muscles and bones in the body, making the body fitter and increasing its agility.
• Central Nervous System: It helps in keeping the mind active and increases concentration and focus.
• Mouth Ulcers and Cancer: Gargling with Haritaki helps in preventing mouth ulcers and helps in having fresh breath as well.

It is to be noted that besides all the benefits it has, Haritaki is considered unsafe for pregnant women and people who are intoxicated. People who have increased hunger or thirst should also avoid consuming Haritaki.

Now that you know the three most important herbs of Ayurveda - Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki and each of their medicinal properties, next up, we talk about Triphala or the combination of all the three herbs and its Tridoshic properties.