Haritaki for Diabetes: Does It Work?
Does Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan) help with diabetes? Yes, and it sits at the intersection of two of Ayurveda's most-cited anti-diabetic frameworks: the single-herb Prameha materia medica and the Triphala formulation. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Haritaki specifically for Prameha (the classical category that includes diabetes), and the Astanga Hridaya names Triphala, of which Haritaki is the lead ingredient, as a remedy that "cures obesity, diabetes, and Kapha aggravation".
"Triphala (Haritaki, Amalaki, and Vibhitaki), together is the 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 blood disorders."
Astanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana Chapter 6.159
The Ayurvedic case for Haritaki in diabetes is built on three classical labels. First, it is Tridosha Shamaka, balancing all three doshas, which means it works across the Kapha-pattern early disease and the Vata-pattern advanced disease without needing to be reformulated. Second, it is Deepani and Anulomani, kindling digestive fire (Agni) and restoring the downward movement of Vata through the gut, both critical because the Charaka view of Prameha pathogenesis begins with weakened Agni and Ama accumulation. Third, it is the foremost Rasayana for the colon, brain, and nerves, the same Rasayana action that protects the long-term tissues diabetes systematically damages.
Practically, Haritaki is rarely used as a single herb for diabetes. The classical pattern is to use it as part of Triphala (Haritaki + Amla + Vibhitaki, equal parts) for the daily protocol, and to use it on its own as an evening half-teaspoon for the constipation, sluggish digestion, and Vata aggravation that diabetic patients commonly carry. For early Type 2 diabetes with Kapha-Ama dominance, sluggish bowels, and a need for gentle metabolic detox, the Triphala-with-Haritaki framework is one of Ayurveda's most accessible starting protocols.
How Haritaki Helps with Diabetes
Haritaki's effect on diabetes works through three layers: a primary action on Agni and Ama clearance, a Tridoshic adaptability that lets it work across the spectrum of Prameha presentations, and a Rasayana protective effect on the tissues most damaged by chronic high glucose.
Classical Mechanism
Haritaki is described as carrying five of the six tastes (all except salty), with Kashaya (astringent) predominant, supported by sour, bitter, sweet, and pungent. Its post-digestive effect (Vipaka) is sweet, its Virya hot, and its qualities are light and dry. It is Tridosha Shamaka, balancing all three doshas, which is unusual for a herb with this much astringency. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Haritaki's actions (Karma) as Deepani (kindles digestive fire), Rochani (improves appetite), Anulomani (facilitates downward movement of Vata), Bhedini (mild purgative), Medhya (improves intellect), Rasayana (rejuvenative), and Sarva Roga Prashamani (pacifier of all diseases).
For diabetes, the relevant chain is Deepani-Anulomani-Bhedini. Charaka's view of Prameha pathogenesis begins with weakened Agni, which produces Ama, which accumulates in Meda Dhatu (fat tissue) and obstructs the urinary channels (Mutravaha Srotas). Haritaki addresses each step. Deepani rekindles the digestive fire that produces Ama in the first place. Anulomani restores the downward flow of Vata through the gut, which clears the channel obstructions Ama creates. Bhedini, the mild laxative action, physically eliminates the Ama from the body. The astringent rasa scrapes accumulated Kapha-Meda from the channels. Together these actions address the upstream cause of Prameha rather than just the downstream blood sugar reading.
Why Triphala Works Better Than Haritaki Alone
Haritaki rarely appears alone in classical anti-diabetic formulations. The Astanga Hridaya repeatedly names Triphala, the equal-parts combination of Haritaki, Amla, and Vibhitaki, as the foremost rejuvenator and as a specific remedy for diabetes. The reason is mechanistic complementarity. Haritaki provides the warming, downward-clearing, Agni-kindling action. Amla provides the cooling, Pitta-balancing, antioxidant, Rasayana action. Vibhitaki provides the additional drying and Kapha-scraping action. The three together pacify all three doshas in a way no single herb can match, and they cover both the active blood-sugar component and the long-term tissue-protection component of diabetes care.
The Astanga Hridaya verse on Triphala explicitly names diabetes (Meha), obesity (Medo), excess tissue moisture (Kleda), and Kapha aggravation in a single line, the four conditions Ayurveda has long recognised as a single metabolic syndrome. Modern research broadly supports this: Triphala has been studied for blood-sugar effects, lipid profile improvements, gut motility benefits, and antioxidant activity, with most clinical trials showing modest but consistent improvements over 8 to 12 weeks. The strongest single-herb anti-diabetic effect comes from Gurmar and Bitter Gourd; Haritaki and Triphala provide the metabolic and digestive foundation that lets those herbs work better.
How to Use Haritaki for Diabetes
Haritaki for diabetes is used in two distinct ways: as the lead ingredient in the daily Triphala protocol, and as a standalone evening half-teaspoon when constipation, sluggish digestion, or Vata aggravation accompanies the diabetes. Most patients benefit from using both forms together.
Best Forms for Diabetes
| 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 foundational daily diabetes protocol; gentle metabolic detox |
| Haritaki churna (alone) | 1 to 3 g (half to one teaspoon) before bed | Warm water; or with a pinch of rock salt for Vata types | Diabetes with constipation, sluggish bowels, gas, or Vata pattern |
| Haritaki tablet or capsule | 1 to 2 tablets (250 to 500 mg each) before bed | Warm water | Convenience form for travel or daily routine |
| Haritaki chewable (Charvana) | 1 small piece, chewed before meals | None | Specifically to kindle Agni before main meals; classical Deepana use |
Anupana Tailored to Dosha Pattern
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes a seasonal anupana table for Haritaki that translates well to dosha-pattern diabetes. For Kapha-type diabetes (overweight, sluggish, high fasting glucose), Haritaki with honey is the classical pairing, the honey is itself listed in Astanga Hridaya as anti-diabetic (Mehakushtahara), and the combination accelerates the scraping action. For Pitta-type diabetes (lean, inflammatory), Haritaki with sugar (or in the modern context, just plain warm water) avoids over-drying. For Vata-type or advanced diabetes (weakness, neuropathy, weight loss), Haritaki with a pinch of rock salt and warm water replaces the lost mineral balance and supports the unctuous action the dry tissues need.
Building the Full Protocol
The classical daily structure for diabetes that includes Haritaki looks like this. Morning, on empty stomach: Amla powder with Turmeric (Nishaamalaki), 3 g of each in warm water. Before lunch and dinner: Gurmar capsule or 3 g powder, plus the most important diet change you can make (replace white rice with barley, add bitter greens). Before bed: Triphala churna, 3 to 6 g in warm water. This stack covers the active blood-sugar action (Gurmar), the antioxidant tissue protection (Amla and Turmeric), and the digestive detox foundation (Triphala with Haritaki). Stay on the protocol for at least 12 weeks before reassessing fasting glucose, lipid profile, and HbA1c with your doctor.
Duration and What to Expect
Haritaki and Triphala work on diabetes through metabolic and digestive restoration rather than direct blood-sugar lowering. Expect the first visible benefit to be improved bowel regularity and reduced bloating within 1 to 2 weeks. Modest changes in fasting glucose appear at 8 to 12 weeks. Improvements in lipid profile (triglycerides, cholesterol) usually show by week 12. The deeper Rasayana protection of nerves, eyes, and kidneys accumulates over months and years.
Critical Safety Note for This Use
Haritaki has classical contraindications that matter for diabetic patients. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu specifically lists weak or emaciated persons, fasting states, severe fatigue, excessive thirst, pregnancy, and Pitta predominance with dryness as contexts to avoid Haritaki. Diabetic patients with significant weight loss, advanced disease, or severe Pitta signs (burning palms, soles, mouth) should use Haritaki cautiously and prefer Triphala over single Haritaki to soften the action. Consult your doctor before stopping or reducing prescription glucose-lowering medication; combining Triphala with insulin or metformin can cause additive blood-sugar reduction. Avoid Haritaki entirely during pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Haritaki take to work for diabetes?
The first benefit you feel from Haritaki or Triphala is usually digestive, improved bowel regularity and reduced bloating, within 1 to 2 weeks. Measurable changes in fasting glucose typically take 8 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use. Lipid profile improvements (triglycerides, cholesterol) usually show by week 12. The deeper Rasayana effects on nerves, eyes, and kidneys accumulate over months and years and are not visible on a meter. Haritaki works on diabetes by restoring digestion and clearing Ama, not by directly lowering glucose, so do not expect dramatic same-week changes; expect a slow, durable shift.
Should I take Haritaki alone or as Triphala for diabetes?
For most diabetic patients, Triphala is the better choice. The classical anti-diabetic verses in the Astanga Hridaya specifically name Triphala, not Haritaki alone, as the formula that "cures obesity, diabetes, and Kapha aggravation". Triphala combines Haritaki's warming, downward-clearing action with Amla's cooling Rasayana action and Vibhitaki's drying Kapha-scraping action; together they pacify all three doshas in a way single Haritaki cannot. Use Haritaki alone (1 to 3 g before bed) when constipation or sluggish bowels are a prominent secondary problem, or when a Vata-pattern presentation needs the warming, descending action specifically.
Can I take Triphala with metformin?
Yes, Triphala and metformin can be combined safely for most patients and address different aspects of diabetes care. Metformin reduces hepatic glucose output; Triphala restores digestion, clears Ama from Meda Dhatu, supports the lipid profile, and provides antioxidant protection. The combination is broadly complementary. Monitor fasting glucose weekly during the first month of starting Triphala because the additive blood-sugar effect can occasionally be larger than expected. Combining Triphala with insulin or sulphonylureas requires more careful medical supervision because the cumulative hypoglycaemic effect can be significant. Do not stop or reduce your prescription medication on your own.
Haritaki vs Java Plum (Jambu) for diabetes, which is better?
They do different jobs and the right answer depends on your pattern. Java Plum (Jambu) is a more direct anti-diabetic herb, the seed in particular is one of the classical first-line drugs for Madhumeha, with documented effects on blood glucose and a long history of single-herb use. Haritaki is more of a metabolic foundation herb, restoring Agni, clearing Ama, supporting elimination, and providing Rasayana protection. Java Plum is what you reach for to lower the blood sugar reading more aggressively; Haritaki (or Triphala) is what you take in the background for years to address the upstream digestive and metabolic dysfunction. Many practitioners combine both: Triphala at night for the foundation, Java Plum seed powder before meals for the active glucose action.
Can I take Haritaki every day long-term?
Triphala can be taken daily long-term and is one of the most widely used Ayurvedic formulations precisely because of its safety in chronic use. Haritaki alone is more tactical: it is best used in courses (4 to 8 weeks at a time) or as a low maintenance dose (1 to 2 g before bed), rather than as an aggressive daily purgative for years. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu warns against Haritaki use in weak or emaciated persons, during fasting, or with Pitta-dryness, all of which can be relevant in advanced diabetes with weight loss or Vata-pattern complications. If diabetes is your primary concern and you want a long-term daily protocol, Triphala is the safer and more classical choice.
Recommended: Start Haritaki for Diabetes
If you want to start using Haritaki for diabetes today, the simplest, most classically grounded starting point is Triphala churna (Haritaki, Amla, and Vibhitaki in equal parts) taken before bed. This is the formulation the Astanga Hridaya specifically names for diabetes and obesity, and it covers more of the metabolic syndrome than Haritaki alone.
Best form: Triphala churna, 3 to 6 g (about 1 teaspoon) in warm water before bed. Powder is the classical form and works better than tablets for the digestive and detox action. Use single Haritaki only if constipation or sluggish bowels are a prominent secondary problem.
Kitchen recipe: Stir 1 teaspoon of Triphala churna into 150 ml of warm water and let it steep for 5 minutes. Drink slowly, ideally 30 minutes after dinner or just before bed. Do this every night for at least 12 weeks before reassessing fasting glucose and HbA1c with your doctor.
Dosha fork:
- Kapha-type diabetes (overweight, sluggish, high fasting glucose): Triphala at night + Haritaki with a pinch of honey before bed for stronger scraping action. Add Gurmar for active blood sugar reduction.
- Pitta-type diabetes (lean, inflammatory, burning sensations): Triphala alone (the Amla in it cools the formula); avoid pure Haritaki, which can be too drying. Pair with Amla separately.
- Vata-type or advanced diabetes (weakness, neuropathy, weight loss): Use Haritaki cautiously and at lower doses, 1 to 2 g with rock salt and warm water. Triphala remains safe.
Find Triphala Churna on Amazon ↗ Find Haritaki Powder ↗
Safety note: Avoid Haritaki entirely during pregnancy and use cautiously in significant weight loss, severe fatigue, or strong Pitta-dryness signs. Consult your doctor before stopping or reducing prescription glucose-lowering medication; combining Triphala with insulin or metformin can cause additive blood-sugar reduction. Monitor fasting glucose weekly during the first month and share the trend with your prescribing doctor.
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 Diabetes
See all herbs for diabetes on the Diabetes 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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