Essential Facts About Chebulic Myrobalan Fruit (Haritaki)
Names
- Botanical name: Chebulic Myrobalan, Terminalia chebula
- Sanskrit name: Haritaki
- Hindi name: Harad
- English names: Indian hog plum, Indian walnut
Energetics
- Rasa (taste): Pungent, bitter, astringent, sweet, and sour
- Guna (qualities): light, dry
- Virya (action): warming
- Vipaka (post-digestive effects): Sweet
- Doshic effect: Tridoshic
Habitat
Haritaki is one of the many fruits that are native to India, though it also grows in China, Nepal and parts of Sri Lanka. In India, the tree is particularly fond of regions in the sub-Himalayas, such as Assam.
The tree is now grown through cultivation in countries like Fiji, Pakistan, and the Philippines.
Description
The haritaki plant is a mid-to-large-sized deciduous tree. It can grow between 25 and 30 meters high, and the trunk can grow up to a meter in diameter. As it grows, the tree develops many branches and has a round crown.
The bark of the plant is generally a dark brown and has a number of cracks that travel vertically up and down the tree.
Parts Used
The fruits are certainly the most commonly used part of the haritaki plant, however, the roots and bark are also used for different purposes.
Nutrients
The Chebulic myrobalan fruit contains a number of nutrients, but the most prominent nutrient in the fruit is vitamin C. Haritaki also contains a number of important amino acids that can help support the body through the production of proteins.
Medicinal Uses of Chebulic Myrobalan Fruit
Haritaki has a large number of benefits for the human body.
Enhancing Sexual Health
Haritaki has long been used as an aphrodisiac in India. Haritaki is a powerful Rasayana herb, and can be used to bring balance to the different energetic channels of the body ensuring good reproductive health and virility. It is also a potent libido booster.
Helps Fight Diabetes
Another popular use of haritaki is to help ward off diabetes. It has been used in India for many years to help reduce blood sugar spikes and to regulate the entire mechanism of blood sugar maintenance.
Enhances Cognitive Ability
Another function of haritaki is enhancing cognitive ability by functioning as a nootropic. It has been known to help enhance both short- and long-term facets of memory, and can also encourage the ease at which an individual learns something.
The reason that it excels as a nootropic is because it helps promote the flow of oxygen throughout the brain and body. This allows the neurons in the brain an opportunity to function more effectively.
Usage and Dosage of Haritaki
Haritaki is available in many different forms. One of the most popular formulations of haritaki is found in the Ayurvedic formula of triphala, or “Three Fruits,” a very potent detoxification formula that can be used daily to encourage good health. It also found in chyawanprash formulas.
Powdered haritaki fruit can also be used on its own, generally at dosages between 3 and 6 grams daily. Decoctions made from the fruit or from the bark should be made to a strength that requires no more than 30 ml daily.
Reviewed by Dr. Jayant Lokhande, MD (Botanical Drugs), MBA (Biotechnology)
