Haritaki for Diarrhea: Does It Work?
Does Haritaki (Terminalia chebula, Chebulic Myrobalan) help with diarrhea (Atisara)? Yes, and the answer surprises people, because Haritaki is also a famous mild laxative. The trick is in the preparation. The fruit rind in decoction form (Kwatha) acts as Grahi, an absorbent that holds back excess fluid in the bowel and settles loose stool. The same fruit chewed raw or taken as fine powder works the opposite way and helps with constipation.
The classical anchor is unambiguous. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu opens its first chapter with Haritaki, calls it Sarva Roga Prashamani (pacifier of all diseases), and lists Atisara (diarrhea) among its named therapeutic uses, alongside Grahani (malabsorption) and Vibandha (constipation). The same text records the rule explicitly: when prepared as Kwatha, Haritaki becomes Grahi and stops diarrhea. Astanga Hridaya notes that astringents are usually cold and obstructive, but Haritaki, the Abhaya, is the one warming exception, an astringent that does not chill the digestion.
Haritaki's profile fits the Atisara picture from several angles. It carries five of the six tastes with Kashaya (astringent) predominant, the rasa that tones and contracts loose tissue. Its virya is heating, which makes it suitable for the cold, frothy, dry pattern of Vataja Atisara and the slimy, sticky Kaphaja Atisara. It is classed as Tridosha Shamaka, balancing all three doshas, and as Deepani-Pachani, kindling digestion and digesting ama, which matters because Atisara very often begins as Aamaatisara, a load of undigested toxin that must first be processed before any holding herb is appropriate.
Caution is real. Haritaki is contraindicated in the weak, the emaciated, those with severe Pitta-dryness, and in pregnancy. For active hot Pittaja diarrhea with burning and bloody stool, cooler astringents like Pomegranate or Kutaja are the better first call.
How Haritaki Helps with Diarrhea
Haritaki's action on diarrhea sits on a paradox: the same fruit can both bind the bowel and loosen it. The classical texts solved this by sorting the action by preparation. As Kwatha (decoction) the fruit is Grahi, an absorbent that holds. As Charvana (chewed raw) it kindles digestive fire. As paste or powder taken on an empty stomach with appropriate anupana, it becomes a mild purgative. For Atisara, the decoction is the form that matters.
Kashaya rasa, astringent toning of the bowel wall
Haritaki's predominant taste is Kashaya (astringent), the rasa that tones and contracts loose, leaking tissue. In the bowel, this is the same physical principle that makes tea or unripe fruit pucker the mouth: tannin and tannin-like compounds bind to mucosal surfaces and tighten them. The Astanga Hridaya places Haritaki in the Kashaya Varga (group of astringents), and notes that astringents are typically obstructive, exactly the action needed to slow the rapid transit of loose stool.
Deepani-Pachani, digesting Ama before holding
Most acute diarrhea begins as Aamaatisara, the body expelling undigested ama. Stopping that process too early traps the toxin inside, which is why classical Ayurveda is firm: digest the ama first, then apply the holding herb. Haritaki uniquely combines both functions. Its warming virya and its classification as Deepani (kindles digestive fire) and Pachani (digests ama) mean it processes the toxin while its astringent rasa simultaneously begins the holding action. This is why Haritaki is one of the few classical herbs that can be used relatively early in the Atisara timeline without risking ama retention.
Anulomani and Tridosha Shamaka, balanced bowel regulation
Haritaki is classed as Anulomani, the action that restores correct downward movement of Vata through the gut. In Atisara, this matters because both extremes, sluggish stagnation and runaway evacuation, are deviations from normal Apana flow. Haritaki nudges the system back to its midline rather than forcing a single direction. Its Tridosha Shamaka (all-three-dosha-pacifying) classification means it suits Vataja Atisara (frothy, cramping), Kaphaja Atisara (sticky, mucoid), and the post-Aamaatisara recovery phase across patterns, with the heat-driven Pittaja picture being the one significant exception.
Modern phytochemistry adds detail. Haritaki fruit is rich in chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, ellagic acid, and other hydrolyzable tannins. These tannins precipitate luminal proteins and reduce intestinal hypersecretion, the same astringent mechanism the classical texts describe in functional language. The fruit also has documented antimicrobial activity against several enteric pathogens, which fits the classical use in Krimi (worms and parasites) and explains its role in infectious loose stool.
How to Use Haritaki for Diarrhea
The single most important rule with Haritaki for diarrhea is: use the decoction, not the powder. The same fruit in different preparations works in opposite directions. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu records this directly: as Kwatha, Haritaki becomes Grahi and stops loose stool; chewed raw or taken as fine churna with warm water on an empty stomach, it is mildly laxative.
Best form for diarrhea
The classical preparation is a decoction of the dried fruit rind. Coarsely crush 5 to 10 g of dried Haritaki fruit (deseeded), simmer in 4 cups of water until reduced to 1 cup, strain, and sip warm. The slow heat extracts the tannins and astringent fraction while the mass of solid fruit is left behind, which is what gives the decoction its specific Grahi action. Roasted Haritaki (Bharjita) is the second best form, also classed as Tridosha Shamaka and gentler on Vata.
Dosage and timing
| Form | Dose | Anupana | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decoction (Kwatha) | 30 to 60 ml | Plain, or with rock salt for Vata | Twice daily, after each major loose stool |
| Roasted fruit (Bharjita churna) | 1 to 3 g | Warm water | Twice daily before meals |
Anupana matched to dosha
The classical seasonal pairings of Haritaki give a useful cross-map for the dosha picture in Atisara. For Vataja diarrhea (dry, frothy, cramping), the rainy-season pairing of Haritaki with Saindhava Lavana (rock salt) is appropriate, the salt warms and holds Vata. For Kaphaja diarrhea (slimy, mucoid, heavy), pair with Shunthi (dry ginger) or Pippali (long pepper), which dry the dampness. Avoid pairing with sugar or honey while loose stool is active.
What to avoid
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists firm contraindications for Haritaki: do not use in the weak or emaciated, in those who are fasting, fatigued, or excessively thirsty, in pregnancy, and in Pitta predominance with dryness. For active hot Pittaja Atisara with burning, yellow or bloody stool, cooler astringents are the right first call. Haritaki can join later in the recovery phase once the heat has settled.
Duration
For acute Atisara, expect noticeable settling within 2 to 4 days of starting the decoction. Continue at a reduced dose for another week to consolidate the gut wall. For chronic loose stool of Grahani type (malabsorption), Haritaki has a longer role, taken daily as part of Triphala or as a single decoction at half dose for 4 to 8 weeks. Stop once stool is consistently formed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Doesn't Haritaki cause loose stools? Why would I use it for diarrhea?
Both are true. The same fruit acts as a mild laxative when taken as fine powder on an empty stomach, and as a stool-binding astringent when prepared as a decoction. The classical rule is recorded in the Bhavaprakash Nighantu: as Kwatha (decoction), Haritaki is Grahi and stops diarrhea. Use the boiled, strained decoction, not the dry powder.
How long does Haritaki take to work for diarrhea?
For acute Atisara, expect noticeable settling within 2 to 4 days of regular decoction use. The decoction works on each major loose stool, so the timing is dose-by-dose rather than days-cumulative. For chronic Grahani (malabsorption with loose stool), give it 4 to 8 weeks as a regulating tonic.
Can I take Haritaki for Pittaja diarrhea with burning?
Not as the first choice. Haritaki is warming, and the classical text lists Pitta predominance with dryness as a contraindication. For hot, burning, yellow-stool Pittaja Atisara, start with cooler astringents like Pomegranate rind or Kutaja bark. Haritaki can join later in recovery.
Haritaki vs Kutaja for diarrhea?
Different jobs. Kutaja is the dedicated Atisarahara herb, the classical specialist for active loose stool, particularly with mucus or blood. Haritaki is the broader Tridosha Shamaka tonic that handles Atisara as one of its many uses, and brings extra value through Ama-digesting and bowel-regulating action. For the recovery and bowel-regulation phase, Haritaki is the better long-term choice.
Recommended: Start Haritaki for Diarrhea
If you want to start using Haritaki for diarrhea today, here's the simplest starting point:
The form that matters is the decoction of dried fruit rind, not the powder. Same fruit, opposite actions: powder loosens stool, decoction binds it. The boiled, strained liquid is what carries the Grahi astringent action that holds back loose stool.
Kitchen version: Coarsely crush 1 to 2 dried Haritaki fruits (deseeded), simmer in 4 cups of water until reduced to 1 cup. Strain. Sip 30 to 60 ml warm after each major loose stool, up to twice a day. For Vataja cramping, add a pinch of rock salt. For Kaphaja sticky stool, add a pinch of dry ginger powder.
Dosha fork:
- Aamaatisara (slimy, undigested food smell): Haritaki is one of the few classical herbs you can use early here, because it digests ama and holds at the same time. Start the decoction promptly.
- Vataja (dry, frothy, cramping): decoction with rock salt; pair with warm rice water.
- Kaphaja (sticky, mucoid, heavy): decoction with dry ginger; avoid milk and sugar.
- Pittaja (yellow, burning, foul): skip Haritaki initially. Use Pomegranate or Kutaja first.
Find Haritaki on Amazon ↗ Oral Rehydration Salts ↗
Skip Haritaki in pregnancy, severe weakness or emaciation, after bloodletting, and in Pitta-dryness. Diarrhea with high fever, bloody stools, dehydration, persistent for 3 or more days, or in infants and elderly needs urgent medical care.
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 Diarrhea
See all herbs for diarrhea on the Diarrhea 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.