Herb × Condition

Haritaki for Anorexia

Sanskrit: Haritaki | Terminalia chebula Retz

How Haritaki helps with Anorexia according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

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Haritaki for Anorexia (Loss of Appetite): Does It Work?

To be clear up front, this page is about classical Aruchi, the loss of appetite and aversion to food described in Ayurveda, not the modern psychiatric diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. If food has stopped tasting good, if you feel "off" after meals, or if your appetite has not returned after fever or stomach upset, Aruchi is the right frame.

Does Haritaki (Abhaya, Terminalia chebula) actually help? Yes, and Ayurveda is unusually direct about why. Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists two of Haritaki's core actions as Deepani (kindles digestive fire) and Rochani (restores taste and appetite). The same passage adds Anulomani, gently moving stagnant Vata downward, so old Ama sitting in the gut finally clears.

Classically Haritaki is called Sarva Roga Prashamani, the pacifier of all diseases, and it is one of the three fruits in Triphala. For Aruchi rooted in sluggish Agni, Ama, or post-illness fatigue, this single herb addresses all three drivers, kindling fire, scraping Ama, and restoring downward Vata flow.

Haritaki is astringent, sweet at the end of digestion, easily digestible, and kindles hunger.

Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6

How Haritaki Helps with Anorexia

Aruchi, in Ayurvedic terms, is a failure of the appetite signal. Either Agni has gone cold (Mandagni), Ama is coating the gut and blocking taste perception, or Vata has stopped moving food downward, leaving you full, gassy, and uninterested. Haritaki addresses all three.

Deepana and Pachana, kindling and digesting

Haritaki carries five of the six tastes (everything except salty), with astringent (Kashaya) dominant. Unusually for an astringent, its potency (Virya) is described as warming, which is exactly why Ashtanga Hridaya singles it out as the one Kashaya herb that is not cold and obstructive. That warming, scraping quality directly performs Dipana and Pachana, lighting the fire and burning off Ama.

Anulomana, restoring downward flow

When Vata reverses upward (Udana Vayu disturbance), the appetite shuts down and food sits heavy. Haritaki is a classical Anulomani, gently encouraging downward movement without the harsh purgation of stronger laxatives. As the gut empties, hunger naturally returns.

Rasayana support

Post-illness or post-fever Aruchi often comes with depleted tissues. Haritaki, together with the other two fruits in Triphala, is classified as a Rasayana, rebuilding while it cleans. That dual action (mild clearing plus tissue rebuilding) makes it suited to the depleted, post-illness presentation that other appetite stimulants are too harsh for.

How to Use Haritaki for Anorexia

For Aruchi specifically, the preparation form matters. Ashtanga Hridaya is precise about which form does what, and for appetite restoration the answer is clear.

Best form for Aruchi: Charvana (chewed)

When the goal is kindling Agni and reviving appetite, Bhavaprakash Nighantu identifies Charvana, simply chewing the fruit rind, as the form that performs Agni Deepana most directly. The astringent contact with the tongue and saliva triggers the digestive cascade before food even arrives. If chewing the raw fruit is not practical, a fine powder (Churna) is the next-best form.

Dosage and timing

FormDoseTimingAnupana (vehicle)
Haritaki Churna (powder)1 to 3 g (about a quarter to half teaspoon)15 minutes before lunchWarm water
Haritaki Churna (chronic, with Ama)3 to 5 gBefore bedWarm water
Triphala Churna3 to 5 gBefore bedWarm water
Haritaki capsule500 mg, 1 to 2 capsulesBefore mealsWarm water

Seasonal anupana

Classical texts pair Haritaki with different vehicles by season to match the body's needs. In Hemanta (early winter) take it with Shunthi (dry ginger) for cold-driven Aruchi. In Vasanta (spring) take it with Madhu (honey) for Kaphaja Aruchi with mucus and heaviness. In Sharad (autumn) use sugar for Pittaja heat residue from summer.

Duration

For acute post-illness Aruchi, expect appetite to return within 5 to 10 days of consistent use. For chronic Mandagni with Ama, a 6 to 8 week course is more realistic. Stop and reassess if no change after 3 weeks.

When to avoid

Bhavaprakash Nighantu names specific contraindications: pregnancy, severe emaciation, fasting, exhaustion from walking, intense thirst, and Pitta excess with dryness. If Aruchi is from severe depletion rather than Ama, switch to a building herb first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Haritaki take to restore appetite?

For acute Aruchi after illness or stomach upset, most people notice taste and hunger returning within 5 to 10 days of taking Haritaki Churna before lunch. For chronic Mandagni with thick tongue coating and Ama, plan on 6 to 8 weeks of consistent use. If there is no change after 3 weeks, the cause may be depletion rather than blockage, and a building herb is more appropriate.

Haritaki or Triphala for appetite loss?

Haritaki alone is more warming and more directly Deepani (appetite-kindling). Triphala, which blends Haritaki with Bibhitaki and Amla, is cooler, more balanced, and better suited when Aruchi comes with Pitta heat or constipation alongside poor appetite. For pure Kapha-Ama Aruchi with a heavy white tongue coating, Haritaki alone wins. For mixed presentations, Triphala is safer for long-term use.

What is the best form of Haritaki for Aruchi?

For appetite specifically, the classical answer is Charvana, chewed fruit rind, because the astringent contact directly stimulates Agni at the tongue. Capsules are convenient but bypass this trigger. If raw fruit is hard to source, fine Churna (powder) taken with warm water before meals is the practical second choice.

How does Haritaki compare to other appetite herbs?

For Kaphaja Aruchi with Ama, Neem is the bitter-deepana specialist. For Pittaja Aruchi with heat, Coriander and Guduchi cool and restore appetite without aggravating Pitta. For Vata-driven loss with anxiety, Tulsi warms and steadies. Licorice is the right choice when Aruchi comes from tissue depletion rather than blockage. Haritaki sits at the intersection of clearing and rebuilding, useful in most patterns except pure Pitta heat.

Safety & Precautions

Haritaki is a powerful herb, more so than Amla or most common daily tonics, and the classical texts are unusually explicit about when not to use it. This is one of the few herbs in Ayurveda with a formal list of contraindications in the primary texts.

Contraindications (Classical)

The Bhavaprakasha Nighantu lists seven conditions in which Haritaki should be avoided:

  • Pregnancy: Haritaki has a downward-moving, uterine-stimulating action. It is contraindicated through all trimesters.
  • Dehydration or diarrhea from depletion: Its purgative tendency can worsen fluid loss.
  • Severe exhaustion or emaciation: The body is already depleted; Haritaki's cleansing action would deplete it further.
  • Fasting or very weak individuals: Its pungent, hot potency needs food to buffer it.
  • Extreme thirst: Often a sign of Pitta or fluid imbalance that Haritaki will aggravate.
  • Immediately after Raktamokshana (bloodletting): A classical post-procedure rule.
  • Dry, fiery Pitta constitutions: The hot potency can aggravate already-burning tissues.

Pregnancy and Nursing

Haritaki is contraindicated throughout pregnancy. Its Anulomana (downward-moving) action can stimulate the uterus, and its strong purgative tendency at higher doses is inappropriate during gestation. For constipation in pregnancy, gentler options like soaked Amla or fennel-based remedies are preferred. During nursing, small culinary doses in formulations like Triphala are generally considered safe, but isolated Haritaki is best avoided until weaning.

Dose-Dependent Effects

Haritaki is one of a handful of herbs where dose changes direction:

  • Low dose (1-2 g): Astringent, helpful in diarrhea, IBS, hemorrhoids.
  • Standard dose (3-5 g): Toning, carminative, mildly laxative.
  • High dose (6-10 g): Strongly laxative. Appropriate only for short-term constipation relief, not daily use.

Sustained high-dose use can cause loose stools, cramping, and electrolyte loss. If you use Haritaki daily, stay in the 3-5 g range and drop the dose if stools become watery.

Drug Interactions

Haritaki may enhance the effect of oral diabetes medications (monitor blood sugar), blood thinners, and diuretics. Because of its tannin content, take it at least two hours apart from iron supplements and prescription medicines to avoid absorption interference. Consult your doctor before combining with laxatives or stool softeners.

Signs of Overuse

Watch for: loose stools more than twice daily, abdominal cramping, lightheadedness, increased thirst, or worsening dryness of skin and lips. These indicate the dose is too high or the constitution too dry for daily use. Drop the dose, switch to a formula like Triphala that buffers Haritaki with Amla, or pause and restart at a lower level.

Other Herbs for Anorexia

See all herbs for anorexia on the Anorexia page.

Classical Text References (6 sources)
  • Prameha (urinary disorders/diabetes)
  • Kushtha (skin diseases)
  • Shotha (edema/swelling)
  • Udara Roga (abdominal diseases)
  • Krimi (worms/parasites)
  • Gulma (abdominal tumors)
  • Arsha (hemorrhoids)
  • Grahani (malabsorption syndrome)
  • Vibandha (constipation)
  • Atisara (diarrhea)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Haritaki कषाया मधुरा पाके ा वलवणा लघुः १५३ द पनी पाचनी मे या वयसः थापनी परम ् उ णवीया सरा आयु या बु ीि यबल दा १५४ कु ठवैव यवै वयपुराण वषम वरान ् शरो अ पा डु ोगकामला हणीगदान ् १५५ सशोषशोफातीसारमेदमोहव म मीन ् वासकास से काशः ल हानाहगरोदरम ् १५६ वब धं ोतसां गु ममू त भमरोचकम ् हर तक जये त ् या धं तां तां च कफवातजान ् १५७ Haritaki is astringent, sweet at the end of digestion, dry (causes dryness) devoid of lavana (possesses the remaining five tastes) easily digestable, kindles hunger

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food

कटु पाके हमं के यम मीष च त गुणम ् Aksha (vibhitaka) is pungent at the end of digestion, cold in potency, good for hairs and possesses properties similar (to haritaki and amalaka) but slightly less (in degree).

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food

158 Triphala benefits: इयं रसायनवरा फला अ यामयापहा । रोपणी व गद लेदमेदोमे हकफा िजत ् ॥१५९॥ Thus, the Triphala (haritaki, amalaki and vibhitaki), together is a best rejuvenator of the body, cures diseases of the eyes, heals wounds and cures skin diseases, excess moisture of the tissues, obesity, diabetes, aggravation of kapha and Asra (blood) 159.

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food

- 1-3 Qualities and health benefits of rice – which one is best? वाद ुपाकरसाः ि न धा व ृ या ब ा पवचसः कषायानुरसाः प या लघवो मू ला हमाः ४ Svadu rasa – sweet taste Swadu paka – sweet taste conversion after digestion Snigdha – unctuous Vrushya – natural aphrodisiac Baddhalpavarchasaha – causes mild constipation, causes lesser volume of faeces Kashaya anurasa – mild astringent taste Pathya – suitable for daily consumption Laghu – light to digest Mutrala – diuretic, increases urine volume Hima – co

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food

15 Godhuma – Wheat benefits – व ृ यः शीतो गु ः ि न धो जीवनो वात प तहा १५ स धानकार मधुरो गोधूमः थैय कृत ् सरः प या न द मुखी शीता कषायमधुरा लघुः १६ Wheat is Vrushya – natural aphrodisiac Sheeta – cold Guru (Heavy to digest) Snigdha – unctuous, oily Jivaniya – enlivening Vatapittaha – balances Vata and Pitta Sandhanakari – heals fractures and wounds Madhura (sweet) Sthairyakrut – increases body stability Sara – promotes bowel movements Pathya – can be had on daily basis Nandimukhi variety of w

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food

Pathya – food that can be consumed habitually (on daily basis, for a long time) – शीलये छा लगोधूमयवषि टकजा गलम ् सु नष णकजीव तीबालमूलवा तुकम ् प यामलकम ृ वीकापटोल मु गशकराः घत ृ द योदक ीर ौ दा डमसै धवम ् Shali (rice), Godhuma (wheat), Yava – Barley – Hordeum vulgare, Shashtika (rice maturing in sixty days), Jangala (meat of animals of desert like lands), sunisannaka, Jivanti – Leptadenia reticulata, Balamulaka (young radish), Pathya (Haritaki) Amalaka (Amla – Indian gooseberry), Mridwika – dr

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 8: Food habits &

Pathya – food that can be consumed habitually (on daily basis, for a long time) – शीलये छा लगोधूमयवषि टकजा गलम ् सु नष णकजीव तीबालमूलवा तुकम ् प यामलकम ृ वीकापटोल मु गशकराः घत ृ द योदक ीर ौ दा डमसै धवम ् Shali (rice), Godhuma (wheat), Yava – Barley – Hordeum vulgare, Shashtika (rice maturing in sixty days), Jangala (meat of animals of desert like lands), sunisannaka, Jivanti – Leptadenia reticulata, Balamulaka (young radish), Pathya (Haritaki) Amalaka (Amla – Indian gooseberry), Mridwika – dr

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 8: Food habits &

Kashaya Varga (Gana) – group of astringents: वगःकषायः प या ं शर षः ख दरो मधु कद बोद ु बरं मु ता वाला जनगै रकम ् बालं क प थं खजूरं वसप ो पला द च Group of astringents consists of Pathya – Chebuic Myrobalan (fruit rind) – Terminalia chebula, Aksha – Terminalia bellirica, Shireesa, Khadira – Black catechu (heart wood extract) – Acacia catechu, Madhu (honey), Kadamba, Udumbara, Mukta (Pearls), Pravala (Coral), Anjana – Aqueous extract of Berberis aristata (antimony), Gairika – Purified Red Ochre, B

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 10: Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their

Kashaya कषायं ायशः शीतं त भनं चा यां वना Astringents are usually cold (in potency) and obstructive – except Abhaya – Chebulic Myrobalan (fruit rind) – Terminalia chebula.

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 10: Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their

20 Treatment for over nourishing त मेदो नल ले मनाशनं सव म यते कुला थजूण यामाकयवमु गमधूदकम ् म त ुद डाहता र ट च ताशोधनजागरम ् मधुना फलां ल या गुडूचीमभयां घनम ् रसा जन य महतः प चमल ू य ग ु गल ु ोः शलाजतु] योग च साि नम थरसो हतः वड गं नागरं ारः काललोहरजो मधु यवामलक चूण च योगो अ त थौ यदोशिजत ् Treatments which reduce Medas- fat, Anila- Vata and Kapha are desirable; Use of Kulattha – horse gram – Dolichos Biflorus, Jurna, Shyamaka, Yava – Barley – Hordeum Vulgare, Mudga – green gram – Averr

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 14: Dvividha Upakramaneeya

Snehavyapat Cikitsa – treatment of bad effects :ु त ृ णो लेखन वेद ापाना नभे षजम ् त ा र टखलो ालयव यामाकको वम ् प पल यथा वं फला ौ प यागोमू गु गुलु तरोगं च नेह याप द साधनम ् Kshut, Trushna – Producing hunger, thirst, Ulleka, sveda – vomiting and perspiration, administering foods, drinks and medicines which are dry (cause dryness), use of Takrarista (fermented medicine from buttermilk), Khala – menu prepared from curds, Uddala, Yava (barley), Shyamaka, Kodrava, Pippali (long pepper), Triphala

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 16: Snehavidhi oleation therapy

Snehavyapat Cikitsa – treatment of bad effects :ु त ृ णो लेखन वेद ापाना नभे षजम ् त ा र टखलो ालयव यामाकको वम ् प पल यथा वं फला ौ प यागोमू गु गुलु तरोगं च नेह याप द साधनम ् Kshut, Trushna – Producing hunger, thirst, Ulleka, sveda – vomiting and perspiration, administering foods, drinks and medicines which are dry (cause dryness), use of Takrarista (fermented medicine from buttermilk), Khala – menu prepared from curds, Uddala, Yava (barley), Shyamaka, Kodrava, Pippali (long pepper), Triphala

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 16: Snehavidhi oleation therapy

फला प पल प यागु गु वा द वपा चतान ् नेहान ् यथा वमे तेषां योजयेद वका रणः In these conditions, fats boiled with Triphala, Pippali, Pathya, Guggulu, etc.

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 16: Snehavidhi oleation therapy

Such as Castor oil mixed with Haritaki.

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 18: Vamana Virechana Vidhi

Pathya - apathya याव यहा न यु जीत व ततो हतमांभवेत ् मालतीमि लकापु पैब ा ो नबसेि नशाम ् Those who have undergone tarpana and putapaka should adhere to - healthy foods and activities for double the number of days of these therapies; during nights, he should bind the eyes with a pad of flowers like malati, mallika etc.

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 24: Tarpana Putpaka Vidhi

Source: Astanga Hridaya, Ch. 6, Ch. 6, Ch. 6, Ch. 6, Ch. 6, Ch. 8, Ch. 8, Ch. 10, Ch. 10, Ch. 14, Ch. 16, Ch. 16, Ch. 16, Ch. 18, Ch. 24

Haritaki कषाया मधुरा पाके ा वलवणा लघुः १५३ द पनी पाचनी मे या वयसः थापनी परम ् उ णवीया सरा आयु या बु ीि यबल दा १५४ कु ठवैव यवै वयपुराण वषम वरान ् शरो अ पा डु ोगकामला हणीगदान ् १५५ सशोषशोफातीसारमेदमोहव म मीन ् वासकास से काशः ल हानाहगरोदरम ् १५६ वब धं ोतसां गु ममू त भमरोचकम ् हर तक जये त ् या धं तां तां च कफवातजान ् १५७ Haritaki is astringent, sweet at the end of digestion, dry (causes dryness) devoid of lavana (possesses the remaining five tastes) easily digestable, kindles hunger

— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food

कटु पाके हमं के यम मीष च त गुणम ् Aksha (vibhitaka) is pungent at the end of digestion, cold in potency, good for hairs and possesses properties similar (to haritaki and amalaka) but slightly less (in degree).

— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food

Pathya – food that can be consumed habitually (on daily basis, for a long time) – शीलये छा लगोधूमयवषि टकजा गलम ् सु नष णकजीव तीबालमूलवा तुकम ् प यामलकम ृ वीकापटोल मु गशकराः घत ृ द योदक ीर ौ दा डमसै धवम ् Shali (rice), Godhuma (wheat), Yava – Barley – Hordeum vulgare, Shashtika (rice maturing in sixty days), Jangala (meat of animals of desert like lands), sunisannaka, Jivanti – Leptadenia reticulata, Balamulaka (young radish), Pathya (Haritaki) Amalaka (Amla – Indian gooseberry), Mridwika – dr

— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Food habits &

Snehavyapat Cikitsa – treatment of bad effects :ु त ृ णो लेखन वेद ापाना नभे षजम ् त ा र टखलो ालयव यामाकको वम ् प पल यथा वं फला ौ प यागोमू गु गुलु तरोगं च नेह याप द साधनम ् Kshut, Trushna – Producing hunger, thirst, Ulleka, sveda – vomiting and perspiration, administering foods, drinks and medicines which are dry (cause dryness), use of Takrarista (fermented medicine from buttermilk), Khala – menu prepared from curds, Uddala, Yava (barley), Shyamaka, Kodrava, Pippali (long pepper), Triphala

— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Snehavidhi oleation therapy

Such as Castor oil mixed with Haritaki.

— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Vamana Virechana Vidhi

Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food; Food habits &; Snehavidhi oleation therapy; Vamana Virechana Vidhi

Powders of haritaki, rock salt, amalaka, jaggery, vacha, vidanga, haridra, pippali and dry ginger should be taken with hot water by adequately oleated and fomented individuals.

— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 1: Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana Chikitsa / रसायन चिकित्सा)

Haritaki has five tastes without saltiness, is hot, wholesome, carminative, light, appetizer, digestive, life-promoting, tonic, excellent sustainer of youthfulness, relieves all diseases and affords sense-organ strength.

— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 1: Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana Chikitsa / रसायन चिकित्सा)

only bio-potency differs (haritaki is hot;

— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 1: Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana Chikitsa / रसायन चिकित्सा)

Mixture of haritaki, dried ginger and devadaru taken with lukewarm water, or punarnava mixed with all the above drugs taken with cow‘s urine relieves swelling produced by all the three dosha.

— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)

Take 100 pala each of kashmarya, amalaki, black pepper, haritaki, vibhitaki, pippali and grapes, add to it 100 pala of old jaggery and two drona of water, then put the mixture in a vessel lined with honey for 7 days in summer or for 14 days in winter for fermentation.

— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)

Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 1: Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana Chikitsa / रसायन चिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)

That which digests the waste materials and, breaking their bonds, moves them downward — that is Anulomana (carminative/mild laxative), like Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.)

That which destroys aging and disease is called Rasayana (rejuvenative), like Amrita/Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Rudanti (Capparis moonii), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.)

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is Shoshani (desiccating to semen).

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.)

Pathyadi Kvatha: Pathya (Haritaki — Terminalia chebula), Nimba (neem — Azadirachta indica), Nidigdhika (Solanum xanthocarpum), Kiratatikta (Swertia chirayita), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), and Chandana (sandalwood — Santalum album) decoction alleviates Pitta Jvara (fever caused by Pitta).

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)

Pippali (long pepper — Piper longum), Maricha (black pepper — Piper nigrum), Shunthi (dry ginger), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Abhaya (Haritaki — Terminalia chebula), Katuka (Picrorhiza kurroa), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), and Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum) — this decoction alleviates Jvara (fever).

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 2: Kvathakalpana (Decoction Preparations)

Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 4: Dipana-Pachana Adikathanam (Digestive Actions etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 2: Kvathakalpana (Decoction Preparations)

Madhuka (licorice), rajani (turmeric), pathya (haritaki), and devadaru (cedar) should be ground.

— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)

Then washing of both eyes with pathya (haritaki) decoction, either fresh or aged.

— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)

With flowers of kubjaka (rose), ashoka, shala (sal tree), amra (mango), priyangu, nalina (lotus), and utpala (blue lotus), combined with haritaki, krisna (black pepper), pathya (haritaki), and amalaka (gooseberry).

— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)

Manashila (realgar), abhaya (haritaki), vyosha (trikatu), bala (Sida), and kalanusariva (dark Sariva).

— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)

A Lehya (confection) of ghee, honey, Abhaya (Haritaki), and oil cures all-dosha fever.

— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha

Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.