Haritaki for Asthma: Does It Work?
Does Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan) help with asthma (Tamaka Shvasa)? Yes, but as a foundation herb rather than a frontline bronchodilator. Haritaki sits in the asthma protocol the same way it sits in most chronic disease protocols: it clears the gut-Ama and Kapha-Vata mismatch upstream, and it carries lung-relevant indications directly in the classical record.
The Astanga Hridaya lists Haritaki as the herb that subdues a long line of Kapha-Vata diseases including shvasa (asthma) and kasa (cough). The Bhavaprakash Nighantu opens its herbal compendium with Haritaki and titles it Sarva Roga Prashamani, the pacifier of all diseases, and Tridosha Shamaka, balancer of all three doshas. Asthma in Ayurveda is precisely a Kapha-Vata disorder of the chest channels (Pranavaha Srotas), so a Tridosha Shamaka herb that the classical text names directly for shvasa earns its place.
Haritaki carries five of the six tastes (all except salty), with astringent (Kashaya Rasa) predominant; hot in potency (Ushna Virya), sweet in post-digestive effect (Madhura Vipaka). Its core actions (karma) for the asthma picture are Anulomani (regulates downward movement of Vata), Deepani (kindles Agni), and Rasayana (rejuvenates and strengthens Ojas). Asthma classically begins with weakened Agni producing Ama, which becomes the Kapha that lodges in the lungs; Haritaki addresses this upstream chain. As the Vata third of Triphala, it is also the herb most often used for the chronic, recurrent, Vata-Kapha pattern of adult asthma where dryness, anxiety, and exercise triggers dominate alongside the mucus picture.
How Haritaki Helps with Asthma
Haritaki's effect on asthma works through three connected layers: a primary action on Agni and the gut-to-lung Kapha pathway, a Vata-regulating effect on Prana Vayu in the chest, and a Rasayana strengthening of Ojas that reduces long-term susceptibility.
Classical Mechanism
The Ayurvedic pathogenesis of Tamaka Shvasa begins in the stomach, not in the lungs. Weakened Agni generates Ama; that Ama becomes the seed of Avalambaka Kapha, which then moves upward through Pranavaha Srotas and lodges in the bronchi, blocking the downward flow of Prana Vayu. The classical treatment goal is not to suppress the Kapha but to redirect it back down to the gut where it can be eliminated.
Haritaki is built for this redirection. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies it as Anulomani, the action of restoring the natural downward movement of Vata. When Vata is moving downward correctly, Kapha cannot stay lodged in the chest; gravity and gut motility together pull it back to the stomach. The same text classifies Haritaki as Deepani (kindles digestive fire) and Bhedini (mild purgative), so the very Ama that produces the Kapha upstream is broken down at source. Its hot potency (Ushna Virya) directly counters the cold-damp quality of Kapha, while the dry quality (Ruksha Guna) reduces the wet, sticky stickiness of the mucus.
Why the Chest Connection Holds
The Astanga Hridaya verse on Haritaki explicitly lists shvasa (asthma), kasa (cough), and shosha (wasting) among the Kapha-Vata diseases the herb subdues. The same text places Haritaki in Triphala, calling the three-fruit combination a foremost rejuvenator that addresses excess moisture (Kleda) and Kapha aggravation. The combination of warming, drying, downward-moving, and Agni-restoring action is precisely the mechanism modern Ayurveda calls on to reverse the gut-to-lung Kapha cascade in chronic asthma.
Haritaki's Rasayana action carries the long-term asthma logic. Asthma is a chronic disease of Pranavaha Srotas, and the Bhavaprakash classifies Haritaki as one of the foremost Rasayanas for the colon, brain, and nerves. The strengthening of Ojas over months is what reduces attack frequency and bronchial reactivity, the same long-arc effect that Turmeric and Ashwagandha deliver in their respective domains. Modern phytochemistry has documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activity for Terminalia chebula extracts, which broadly aligns with this Rasayana role even though Haritaki is not a direct bronchodilator like Pippali or Vasa.
How to Use Haritaki for Asthma
Haritaki for asthma is used in two distinct ways: as the lead Vata-pacifying herb in daily Triphala, and as a standalone evening half-teaspoon when constipation, sluggish digestion, or Vata-pattern dryness accompanies the asthma. Most adult patients benefit from both forms together.
Best Forms for Asthma
| Form | Dose | Anupana (Vehicle) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triphala churna (Haritaki, Amla, Vibhitaki, equal parts) | 3 to 6 g (about 1 teaspoon) before bed | Warm water | The daily background protocol; gut-lung detox; suitable years long-term |
| Haritaki churna (alone) | 1 to 3 g (half to one teaspoon) before bed | Warm water; or pinch of Pippali in late winter | Vata-Kapha asthma with constipation, dryness, or anxiety component |
| Haritaki chewable (Charvana) | 1 small piece, chewed before meals | None | Daily Agni-kindling; classical practice in hill regions for keeping the respiratory tract clear through winter |
| Haritaki tablet or capsule | 1 to 2 tablets (250 to 500 mg each) before bed | Warm water | Convenience form for travel |
Anupana Tailored to Asthma Pattern
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes a seasonal anupana table for Haritaki that translates well to the asthma seasons. For Kapha-type asthma (white mucus, morning congestion, dairy-driven), Haritaki with a small pinch of Pippali in warm water is the late-winter (Shishira) classical pairing and matches the cold-damp picture. For Vata-Kapha asthma (anxious, exercise-triggered, drier wheeze), Haritaki with warm water and a pinch of rock salt (the Varsha-season classical anupana) supports the unctuous-mineral quality the dry tissues need. For Pitta-Kapha asthma with infectious or hot-mucus features, Haritaki should be lightened or replaced by Triphala, where Amla contributes the cooling layer.
Pairing With Direct Asthma Herbs
Haritaki is rarely used as a single asthma herb. The classical pattern is to pair it with frontline bronchodilators and respiratory formulas. Pair Haritaki (or Triphala) with Pippali and honey for Kapha-type productive asthma. Pair Haritaki with Sitopaladi Churna for the dry, hot, mucus-with-irritation presentation. For chronic, severe Vata-Kapha asthma, the classical liquid Kanakasava (which contains Vasa and Pippali) does the active bronchodilation while Haritaki or Triphala in the background clears the gut layer. Ashwagandha is the natural pairing for the anxiety and stress component of adult Vata-Kapha asthma.
Duration and What to Expect
Haritaki and Triphala work on asthma through gut-lung restoration rather than direct bronchodilation. Expect the first benefit to be improved bowel regularity, less morning congestion, and reduced post-meal heaviness within 2 to 3 weeks. Reduced attack frequency and reduced reliever-inhaler use typically appear over 8 to 12 weeks. The deeper Rasayana effect on bronchial reactivity and Ojas accumulates over 6 months and longer; this is the timeframe in which the classical texts expect chronic Tamaka Shvasa to soften.
Critical Safety Note
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu specifically lists weak or emaciated persons, fasting, severe fatigue, excessive thirst, pregnancy, and Pitta predominance with dryness as contexts to avoid Haritaki. Asthmatic patients with significant weight loss, advanced disease, or burning chest signs should prefer Triphala over single Haritaki to soften the action. Avoid Haritaki entirely during pregnancy. Asthma can be life-threatening; use Haritaki as a complement to, not a replacement for, prescribed inhalers and controllers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Haritaki take to work for asthma?
The first benefit you feel from Haritaki or Triphala is digestive: improved bowel regularity, less bloating, less morning congestion, usually within 2 to 3 weeks. Reduced attack frequency and reduced reliever-inhaler use typically appear at 8 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use. The deeper Rasayana effect on bronchial reactivity, Ojas, and overall hypersensitivity accumulates over 6 months and beyond. Haritaki works on asthma by clearing the gut-to-lung Kapha pathway and strengthening the body, not by directly opening the bronchi, so plan for a slow, durable shift rather than fast relief.
Should I take Haritaki alone or as Triphala for asthma?
For most asthmatic patients, Triphala is the better long-term choice. Triphala combines Haritaki's warming, downward-clearing action with Amla's cooling Pitta-balancing action and Vibhitaki's drying Kapha-scraping action; together the three pacify all three doshas and cover the full Tamaka Shvasa picture. Use Haritaki alone (1 to 3 g before bed) when Vata-Kapha pattern dominates, when constipation is prominent, or when chronic dryness and anxiety are part of the asthma. Avoid pure Haritaki in Pitta-type asthma with burning chest or hot mucus.
Can I take Haritaki with my asthma inhaler?
Yes, Haritaki and Triphala are generally safe to take alongside salbutamol relievers, inhaled corticosteroids, and montelukast. They work on different layers: the inhaler manages the bronchial smooth muscle and inflammation directly, while Haritaki addresses the gut-Ama-Kapha cascade upstream. The combination is broadly complementary. Do not stop or reduce your prescribed inhalers on your own; reduction should always happen with your doctor as objective lung function improves. Haritaki is contraindicated in pregnancy, and it can interact with potent oral steroids by altering gut absorption, so coordinate timing with your physician if you are on systemic prednisone.
Haritaki vs Pippali for asthma, which is better?
They do different jobs and the right answer depends on your stage. Pippali is the frontline bronchodilator and expectorant; the Charaka tradition treats it as the single most important herb for acute and chronic asthma, with strong direct action on bronchial smooth muscle and mucus. Haritaki is the metabolic and gut-clearing foundation, restoring Agni, clearing Ama, regulating downward Vata, and protecting Ojas. Pippali is what you take before meals or with honey to handle the active wheeze; Haritaki (or Triphala) is what you take at night to address the upstream cause. Most classical protocols use both: Pippali plus honey twice daily for the lung action, Triphala at night for the foundation.
Can I take Haritaki every day for asthma long-term?
Triphala can be taken daily for years and is one of the safest classical formulations for chronic asthma. Haritaki alone is more tactical: best used in 4 to 8 week courses or as a low maintenance evening dose, not as an aggressive daily purgative for years. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu warns against Haritaki use in weak or emaciated persons, during fasting, in Pitta predominance with dryness, and in pregnancy, all relevant in advanced or steroid-dependent asthma with weight loss or anxiety. If asthma is your primary concern and you want a long-term daily protocol, Triphala is the safer and more classical choice.
Recommended: Start Haritaki for Asthma
If you want to start using Haritaki for asthma today, the simplest classically grounded starting point is Triphala churna (Haritaki, Amla, and Vibhitaki, equal parts) at night. The Astanga Hridaya names this combination as a foremost rejuvenator for Kapha-driven disorders, and Haritaki is the Vata-pacifying third that addresses the chest-channel imbalance directly.
Best form: Triphala churna, 3 to 6 g (about 1 teaspoon) in warm water before bed. Powder is the classical form and outperforms tablets for the gut-to-lung clearing action.
Kitchen version: 1/2 teaspoon Haritaki powder with 1 teaspoon raw honey and a small pinch of Pippali (long pepper), once or twice daily after meals. Honey is the spring-season classical anupana for Haritaki and a frontline anti-Kapha vehicle. Never heat the honey.
Dosha fork: If Vata-Kapha asthma (anxious, exercise-triggered, drier wheeze): Haritaki with warm water and a pinch of rock salt. If Kapha-type asthma (white mucus, morning congestion): Haritaki with honey and Pippali. If Pitta-Kapha asthma (hot, infectious, burning chest): switch to Triphala alone, where Amla cools the formula.
Find Haritaki on Amazon ↗ Raw Honey for Anupana ↗
Asthma can be life-threatening. Use Haritaki as a complement to, not a replacement for, prescribed inhalers; consult a practitioner before starting, and avoid Haritaki entirely in pregnancy.
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 Asthma
See all herbs for asthma on the Asthma 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
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