Haritaki for Brain Fog and Memory: Does It Work?
Does Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan) help with brain fog and memory problems (Smriti Bhramsha)? Yes, but with an important caveat about scope. Haritaki is not a direct nervine like Brahmi or Shankhpushpi. It is the gut-clearing arm of the Ayurvedic memory protocol, the herb you reach for when the fog is downstream of sluggish digestion, chronic constipation, or accumulated Ama clouding the mind through the gut-brain axis.
The classical authority is unambiguous. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu opens its herbal compendium with Haritaki as the first and most important drug, naming it Sarva Roga Prashamani (pacifier of all diseases) and Tridosha Shamaka (balancer of all three doshas). Among its core therapeutic actions (karma), the Bhavaprakash explicitly lists Medhya (improves intellect) alongside Anulomani (regulates downward Vata flow) and Rasayana (rejuvenative). The Ashtanga Hridaya goes further, calling Haritaki buddhi-indriya-bala-prada, the giver of intellect, sense-organ strength, and physical power.
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); and balances all three doshas. The classical preparation form most relevant for cognitive complaints is as part of Triphala, the three-fruit blend in which Haritaki is the Vata-pacifying third (alongside Amla for Pitta and Bibhitaki for Kapha). The Ashtanga Hridaya classifies Triphala as a foremost rejuvenator that "cures diseases of the eyes, heals wounds, and cures skin diseases", and the same gut-clearing logic extends naturally to brain fog driven by digestive sluggishness.
Haritaki is the lead herb when the fog comes with a coated tongue, post-meal heaviness, chronic constipation, or persistent all-day dullness that does not lift with sleep, the classical signature of Ama in the channels. For pure stress-driven Vata fog, pair it with Brahmi. For inflammatory or post-viral fog, the Bhavaprakash contraindications (pregnancy, weak or emaciated states, fasting, Pitta predominance with dryness) apply and direct nervines are usually a better fit.
How Haritaki Helps with Brain Fog and Memory
To understand how Haritaki addresses brain fog, you have to follow the chain backward from the brain to the gut. Classical Ayurveda holds that the mind is nourished by clean Rasa Dhatu, the first tissue layer formed from properly digested food. When digestion is sluggish, that tissue carries Ama, undigested metabolic residue, into every downstream channel including the fine channels of Majja Dhatu (nerve tissue). The fog you feel is the brain trying to function on murky fuel.
Anulomana: Clearing the Gut Channel
Haritaki's signature classical karma is Anulomana, the gentle restoration of downward movement of waste. The Sharangadhara Samhita defines this action using Haritaki as its textbook example: "That which digests the waste materials and, breaking their bonds, moves them downward, that is Anulomana, like Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)." The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Vibandha (constipation) explicitly among Haritaki's primary therapeutic uses and classifies it as both Anulomani and Bhedini (mild purgative).
This matters for brain fog because chronic constipation is one of the most reliable upstream causes of mental dullness in classical Ayurveda. Stool sitting in the colon for days produces continuous Ama reabsorption, which loads the bloodstream and crosses into Majja Dhatu. Clear the colon, and the fog often lifts on its own within days, before any direct brain herb is added.
Medhya: The Direct Cognitive Action
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu names Medhya (intellect-enhancing) as one of Haritaki's core karmas, alongside Rasayana (rejuvenative) and Ayushya (longevity-promoting). The Ashtanga Hridaya describes Haritaki as vayasah sthapani param, foremost among substances that stabilize youthfulness and gives buddhi-indriya-bala-prada, intellect, sense-organ strength, and physical power. The Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 1 places Haritaki at the centre of its Rasayana (rejuvenation) chapter and describes it as "life-promoting, tonic, excellent sustainer of youthfulness, relieves all diseases and affords sense-organ strength."
Translation: Haritaki has direct nervine effects, but they are slower and broader than Brahmi or Shankhpushpi. Its value for cognition is in clearing the obstruction first, then nourishing.
Tridosha Balance and the Five Tastes
Among Ayurvedic herbs, Haritaki is unusual in carrying five of the six tastes (all except salty), which is why the tradition calls it Tridosha Shamaka, a balancer rather than a one-way agent. For brain fog, this matters clinically: the same herb works for the dry, scattered Vata fog (anxiety alongside cognitive scatter) and for the heavy, sluggish Kapha fog (morning dullness, post-meal heaviness). It is less directly useful for active Pitta-inflammatory fog, where cooler herbs are indicated.
The Gut-Brain Triphala Effect
Most readers will end up using Haritaki as Triphala rather than alone. The Ashtanga Hridaya classifies Triphala as Rasayana Vara, the foremost rejuvenator, that "cures diseases of the eyes" (a sense organ governed by the same Vata sub-dosha that governs the mind) and "heals wounds and cures skin diseases" (downstream evidence of clean Rasa Dhatu). The mechanism is the same in either direction: clean gut, clean blood, clean nervous tissue, lifted fog.
How to Use Haritaki for Brain Fog and Memory
For brain fog, Haritaki is most useful as part of Triphala at night. The single-herb form is reserved for cases where chronic constipation is the dominant symptom. The decision tree is simple: if the gut is sluggish but bowels move, use Triphala. If the bowels are stuck, use Haritaki alone first, then transition to Triphala once regularity returns.
Best Form: Triphala at Night
The classical preparation is straightforward. Stir 3 to 6 grams (roughly half to one teaspoon) of Triphala churna into a cup of warm water. Take it one to two hours after dinner, at least an hour before bed. The tannins soften stool overnight and stimulate a clearing bowel movement in the morning. As the colon empties, the post-meal heaviness, coated tongue, and morning fog typically lift within a week or two.
If you prefer the herb alone for stubborn constipation: 1 to 3 grams of Haritaki churna at night with warm water. Drop back to Triphala once regularity is established. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu notes that Charvana (chewing the dried fruit raw) kindles digestive fire (Agni Deepana); the Sahabhojana form (taken with meals) is described as increasing intellect, strength, and sense-organ nourishment.
Pair with Brahmi for Direct Cognitive Effect
Haritaki clears the channel; Brahmi nourishes what flows through it. The classical pairing is Triphala at night for the gut layer, plus Brahmi (3 to 6 grams of powder, or 500 to 2,000 mg of standardised extract) in the morning for the direct mind effect. Brahmi Ghrita (medicated ghee) at bedtime is the deeper-tissue option when fog has been chronic for months or years. Expect first noticeable changes (lighter mornings, clearer thinking after meals) in 2 to 4 weeks; durable cognitive improvement takes 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use.
Anupana (Vehicle)
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes a six-season anupana protocol for Haritaki. For brain fog specifically, warm water at night is the universal default. Adjust seasonally if you want to follow the classical model:
- Hemanta (early winter): with Shunthi (dry ginger) for the cold-driven sluggish-mind pattern
- Vasanta (spring): with Madhu (honey) for Kapha-heavy morning fog
- Sharad (autumn): with Sharkara (sugar) when Pitta fog is in the mix
- Grishma (summer): with Guda (jaggery) to soften the heat of the herb
Dosage Table
| Form | Dose | Timing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triphala churna (preferred) | 3 to 6 g (1/2 to 1 tsp) in warm water | 1 to 2 hrs after dinner | Most cases of brain fog with sluggish gut |
| Haritaki churna alone | 1 to 3 g in warm water | At night | Stubborn constipation driving the fog |
| Haritaki + Brahmi (combined protocol) | Triphala 3 g night + Brahmi 3 to 6 g morning | Split dosing | Chronic fog with both gut and cognitive layers |
| Haritaki tablets / capsules | 500 mg, 2 tablets | At night with warm water | Travel or convenience use |
Duration
Bowel changes show within 2 to 5 days. The post-meal heaviness and morning dullness typically lift in 2 to 4 weeks. The deeper cognitive layer, sustained focus, recall, mental stamina, takes 8 to 12 weeks of daily use, and is best supported by adding a direct nervine like Brahmi to the protocol. Haritaki and Triphala are both safe for years of continuous daily use, unlike stimulant laxatives.
Safety
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu contraindicates Haritaki in pregnancy, fasting, fatigue from walking, excessive thirst, weak or emaciated states, and Pitta predominance with dryness. Skip it if you are dehydrated; pair it with adequate water intake otherwise. If diarrhea appears, halve the dose. Classical texts also caution against Virechana-strength purgation (which Haritaki can produce at high dose) for already-depleted constitutions, the same body that needs nourishment cannot afford additional fluid loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Haritaki take to work for brain fog?
The gut-clearing effect shows within 2 to 5 days, you will notice lighter mornings, less coated tongue, more regular bowels. The cognitive layer (clearer thinking after meals, lifted dullness) typically lifts in 2 to 4 weeks of daily use. Deeper improvements in focus, recall, and mental stamina take 8 to 12 weeks and are usually faster when Haritaki is paired with a direct nervine like Brahmi.
Haritaki or Brahmi for memory, which should I choose?
Different jobs. Brahmi is the direct memory and concentration herb, classified as the supreme Medhya Rasayana in classical texts. Haritaki is the gut-clearing complement, most useful when the fog is downstream of constipation, sluggish digestion, or accumulated Ama. The classical answer is to use both: Triphala (Haritaki-containing) at night for the gut layer, Brahmi in the morning for the direct cognitive effect. If the tongue is heavily coated and bowels are slow, start with Haritaki or Triphala; if the gut is fine but the mind is scattered, start with Brahmi.
What is the best form of Haritaki for brain fog?
Triphala at night is the best form for most people, 3 to 6 grams of churna in warm water, taken one to two hours after dinner. Triphala includes Haritaki alongside Amla and Bibhitaki, which gives broader gut-clearing without the dryness of Haritaki alone. Use single-herb Haritaki churna (1 to 3 grams at night) only when constipation is the dominant symptom and Triphala has not been strong enough.
Can I take Haritaki long-term for cognitive maintenance?
Yes. Unlike stimulant laxatives, Haritaki and Triphala are designed for years-long daily use. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies Haritaki as Pathya (suitable for habitual consumption) and one of the supreme Rasayanas. The classical Abhaya Rasayana protocol involves a single Haritaki fruit daily with a season-appropriate vehicle. Skip it during pregnancy, fasting, dehydration, or active diarrhea. If you take it for more than a few months without medical supervision, periodic gaps (one week off every three months) are sensible practice.
Recommended: Start Haritaki for Brain Fog and Memory
If you want to start using Haritaki for brain fog and memory today, here is the simplest starting point that matches the classical protocol.
Best form: Triphala churna at night. Stir 3 to 6 grams (half to one teaspoon) of Triphala into a cup of warm water, take it one to two hours after dinner. Triphala carries Haritaki in its most accessible form, balanced by Amla and Bibhitaki so it clears the gut without drying you out. Within a week the post-meal heaviness eases and the morning fog starts lifting.
Kitchen version: if you only have Haritaki churna, take 1 to 3 grams in warm water at night. For stubborn morning dullness, add a pinch of dry ginger (Shunthi) to the warm water, the classical winter anupana from the Bhavaprakash.
For deeper cognitive effect, pair with Brahmi. Triphala at night handles the gut layer; Brahmi in the morning (3 to 6 grams of powder, or 500 to 2,000 mg of standardised extract) gives the direct memory and focus action. Together they cover both ends of the gut-brain axis.
Find Triphala on Amazon ↗ Find Haritaki on Amazon ↗
Safety: skip Haritaki during pregnancy, fasting, dehydration, or active diarrhea. The Bhavaprakash also contraindicates it in weak or emaciated states. If you are on prescription medication, space dosing 2 hours apart and consult an Ayurvedic practitioner.
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 Brain Fog & Memory Problems
See all herbs for brain fog & memory problems on the Brain Fog & Memory Problems 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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