Haritaki for Arthritis: Does It Work?
Does Haritaki help with arthritis? Yes, but indirectly, and that is exactly why it works. Classical Ayurveda does not list Haritaki as a direct joint herb in the way it lists Guggulu or Eranda. Instead, Haritaki addresses the deeper cause of most arthritis presentations: poor digestion, Ama (metabolic toxins), and obstructed downward movement of Vata in the colon.
Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls Haritaki Sarva Roga Prashamani, the pacifier of all diseases, and lists it as Tridosha Shamaka, balancing all three doshas. For arthritis specifically, three of its classical actions matter most: Anulomani (restoring downward movement of Vata, which is critical in Sandhivata), Deepani (kindling digestive fire to stop fresh Ama production), and Bhedini (mild purgation to clear accumulated toxins).
This makes Haritaki most useful for the Ama Vata pattern of arthritis, the rheumatoid-type presentation where joint pain is driven by digestive toxins rather than wear-and-tear degeneration. It is also a key ingredient in Triphala, the classical first-line preparation for clearing Ama from the gut before any joint-nourishing herbs are introduced.
Haritaki is astringent and sweet at the end of digestion, kindles hunger, kindles the digestive fire, possesses Anulomana action, is Rasayana, and pacifies the diseases born of Kapha and Vata.
Astanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana 6
If your arthritis comes with a thick tongue coating in the morning, heavy fatigue, sluggish digestion, or constipation, Haritaki is one of the most effective single herbs to begin with. If your joints are simply dry and crackling without any digestive component, Haritaki is helpful as a supporting Rasayana but should be paired with stronger Vata-pacifying joint herbs such as Bala or Ashwagandha.
How Haritaki Helps with Arthritis
Haritaki's mechanism in arthritis works upstream of the joint itself. To understand why this matters, consider how Ayurveda explains Ama Vata: weak digestive fire (Mandagni) produces undigested metabolic residue (Ama), which is then circulated through the body by aggravated Vata. The Ama lodges in joint spaces, triggers inflammation, and obstructs normal movement. Treat the joint alone and the Ama keeps arriving. Treat the digestion and the joint quiets on its own.
Anulomana: Restoring Downward Vata
The seat of Vata is the colon. When the colon is constipated or sluggish, Vata reverses direction and travels upward and outward, finally lodging in the joints, where it dries the synovial fluid (Shleshaka Kapha) and produces crackling, stiffness, and pain. Haritaki is the foremost Anulomana herb in classical Ayurveda, gently softening stool and re-establishing the downward flow of Vata. Once Vata moves downward again, joint Vata aggravation reduces almost automatically.
Deepana and Ama Pachana
Haritaki kindles Agni through its astringent (Kashaya) and pungent post-digestive effect, stopping fresh Ama production at the source. Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Deepani and Rochani among its primary actions. As part of Triphala, it is the classical first step in the Ama Vata protocol: clear the toxins before introducing any nourishing joint herbs. Adding Ashwagandha or Bala before clearing Ama drives toxins deeper into the joint tissue and worsens the condition.
Rasayana and Tissue Repair
Once Ama is cleared, Haritaki's Rasayana action supports tissue repair, particularly in chronic Ama Vata where joints have been inflamed for years. Astanga Hridaya describes Triphala (with Haritaki at its core) as Rasayana Vara, the foremost rejuvenative, capable of healing wounds and supporting tissue regeneration over a 3-6 month course. This Rasayana effect is gentle and slow, but it is the reason Haritaki appears in long-term arthritis protocols even after the acute Ama phase has resolved.
How to Use Haritaki for Arthritis
For arthritis, Haritaki is rarely used alone. It is most effective either as part of Triphala or paired with a specific anupana (vehicle) that targets your dosha pattern. The form and timing matter more here than the dose.
Best Form for Arthritis
Powder (Churna) is the classical form for arthritis applications. Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Chetaki variety, prepared as churna, as the preferred type for general therapeutic use. Capsules work for convenience but lose the direct contact with the tongue and mouth that initiates the digestive cascade Haritaki is designed to trigger. For Ama Vata specifically, the powder form is preferred.
Dosage by Arthritis Type
| Type | Form & Dose | Anupana | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ama Vata (RA-type) | Triphala churna, 3-5g | Warm water | Bedtime, on empty stomach |
| Sandhivata (OA-type) | Haritaki churna, 2-3g | Warm water with 1 tsp ghee | Bedtime |
| Constipation-driven joint stiffness | Haritaki churna, 3-5g | Warm water | Bedtime |
| Long-term Rasayana | Triphala churna, 2-3g | Honey (room temperature) | Morning, empty stomach |
Seasonal Anupana
Bhavaprakash Nighantu specifies different vehicles for different seasons. For arthritis sufferers, the most relevant pairings are: Hemanta (early winter), Haritaki with Shunthi (dry ginger) is the most warming and anti-arthritic combination; Shishira (late winter), with Pippali (long pepper) intensifies the warming, joint-clearing effect; Varsha (monsoon), with rock salt counters seasonal Vata aggravation that triggers joint flares.
Duration and What to Expect
For Ama clearance (Ama Vata), 1-2 weeks of Triphala at bedtime, paired with light diet, usually produces noticeable reduction in morning stiffness and tongue coating. Joint pain reduction follows in 4-6 weeks as inflammation settles. Full Rasayana benefit (chronic arthritis) requires a 3-6 month course.
Safety Notes
Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists clear contraindications: avoid Haritaki during pregnancy, in severe emaciation or fatigue, with excessive thirst, and during fasting. The herb's mild purgative (Bhedini) action can cause loose stools at doses above 5g, reduce dose if this occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Haritaki take to work for arthritis?
For Ama-driven arthritis with morning stiffness and tongue coating, you should see reduction in stiffness and improved digestion within 1-2 weeks of taking Triphala at bedtime. Actual joint pain typically takes 4-6 weeks to ease as inflammation settles. Chronic arthritis benefits from a 3-6 month Rasayana course. Haritaki is not an acute pain reliever, it works upstream by clearing the toxins that drive joint inflammation, so it is slower but more lasting than herbs that block inflammation directly.
Should I take Haritaki alone or as Triphala for arthritis?
For arthritis, Triphala is almost always the better choice. The classical Ama Vata protocol calls for Triphala specifically, the combination of Haritaki, Amla, and Vibhitaki covers all three doshas and clears Ama more completely than Haritaki alone. Take pure Haritaki only when constipation and Vata stagnation are the dominant features, or in specific seasonal pairings (with dry ginger in winter, with long pepper in late winter) for joint complaints.
Can I take Haritaki with arthritis medications?
Haritaki is generally safe alongside common arthritis medications including NSAIDs and DMARDs. The one caution is its mild purgative action, if you take medications that should not be paired with rapid bowel transit (e.g. some extended-release formulations), space Haritaki at least 2-3 hours away. Always inform your rheumatologist before adding Haritaki if you are on biologics or methotrexate. Do not stop prescription arthritis medications based on Ayurvedic herb use; Haritaki is complementary.
Haritaki vs Guggulu for arthritis: which is better?
They do different jobs and are often used together. Guggulu is the direct anti-arthritis herb, formulated as Yogaraj Guggulu for Vata/OA and Kaishore Guggulu for Pitta/RA, it acts at the joint to reduce inflammation and improve synovial fluid quality. Haritaki acts at the gut, clearing the Ama that feeds joint inflammation. The classical sequence is: Haritaki/Triphala first to clear Ama (1-2 weeks), then introduce the appropriate Guggulu formulation. Skipping the Haritaki step and starting with Guggulu alone is the most common reason classical arthritis protocols underperform.
Recommended: Start Haritaki for Arthritis
If you want to start using Haritaki for arthritis today, here's the simplest starting point: do the tongue test first. Check your tongue in the morning before brushing. If it has a thick white or yellowish coating, your arthritis has an Ama (toxin) component, and Haritaki, ideally as part of Triphala, is one of the most effective single interventions you can begin.
Best form: Triphala churna (powder), 3-5g (roughly 1 teaspoon) stirred into a small cup of warm water at bedtime on an empty stomach. The powder form is preferred over capsules because the astringent taste itself initiates the digestive cascade. Take this for 1-2 weeks to clear Ama, then continue at a lower 2-3g dose as long-term Rasayana support.
Kitchen version: 1 teaspoon Triphala churna in warm water at bedtime. That's the entire protocol. No fancy preparation, no expensive product.
Dosha fork:
- Vata-type (Sandhivata, dry crackling joints): Add 1/2 teaspoon ghee to the warm water with Haritaki. The ghee counters Haritaki's drying tendency and amplifies joint nourishment.
- Kapha-type (swollen, heavy joints): Pair with warm ginger tea in the morning. Ginger plus Haritaki is the strongest combination for Kapha-Vata joint stagnation.
Find Triphala Powder on Amazon ↗ Find Haritaki Powder ↗
Safety: Avoid Haritaki during pregnancy, in severe emaciation, and during fasting. If you experience loose stools, reduce the dose. Consult your rheumatologist if you take biologics or methotrexate for autoimmune arthritis.
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 Arthritis
See all herbs for arthritis on the Arthritis 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.