Haritaki for Edema: Does It Work?
Does Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) help with edema (Shotha)? Yes, and it sits in a particular niche: edema where the upstream problem is sluggish digestion, accumulated Ama, downward-stuck Apana Vata, or constipation that bloats the abdomen and pushes fluid into the legs. The classical texts list Shotha directly among Haritaki's primary therapeutic uses.
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 1) names Haritaki as Sarva Roga Prashamani (pacifier of all diseases) and Tridosha Shamaka (balances all three doshas), and explicitly lists Shotha (edema) and Udara Roga (abdominal diseases) among its core indications. The Astanga Hridaya describes Haritaki as a herb that "cures Shosha, Shopha, Atisara, Medo-vridhi, Krimi", naming swelling alongside wasting, diarrhea, fat-tissue excess, and worms in a single line. The Charaka Samhita, in its dedicated edema chapter (Shvayathu Chikitsa, Chapter 12), specifically prescribes Haritaki:
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, Chapter 12 (Shvayathu Chikitsa)
Haritaki's profile is unusual: it carries five of the six tastes (all except salty), with Kashaya Rasa (astringent) predominant, Madhura Vipaka (sweet post-digestive effect), Ushna Virya (hot potency), and Laghu, Ruksha (light, dry) qualities. The hot-light-dry signature directly opposes the cold, heavy, oily nature of Kapha-driven pitting edema, while the astringent action tones leaky tissue and channels. Where Punarnava drives fluid out through the kidneys and Gokshura calms the urinary tract, Haritaki works at the gut end of the picture: it kindles Agni, moves stuck Vata downward (Anulomana), scrapes Ama, and unclogs the abdominal channels that, when blocked, drive systemic fluid retention. For edema that comes with constipation, abdominal heaviness, or a sluggish gut, Haritaki is the foundational classical lead.
How Haritaki Helps with Edema
Haritaki acts on edema through three overlapping mechanisms that target the upstream causes most other anti-edema herbs leave alone: weak digestive fire, blocked downward-moving Vata, and accumulated Ama clogging the channels of plasma flow.
Energetics: Hot, Light, Dry, with Astringent Tone
Haritaki carries five of the six tastes (all except salty), with astringent (Kashaya) predominant, sweet post-digestive effect (Madhura Vipaka), hot potency (Ushna Virya), and light, dry qualities (Laghu, Ruksha Guna). The hot-light-dry signature is the exact antidote to Kapha-driven pitting edema, which is cold, heavy, and oily by classical definition. The astringent rasa tones tissues and channels that have become leaky or boggy. The sweet vipaka prevents the herb from depleting tissue while still moving Kapha and Ama out, which is why it is one of the very few herbs classified as both Tridosha Shamaka (pacifies all three doshas) and Rasayana (rejuvenative).
The Anulomana and Agni Mechanism
Haritaki's signature classical action is Anulomana, facilitating the downward movement of Apana Vata. When Apana is stuck (the picture of constipation, bloating, abdominal fullness), fluid is forced upward and outward into the tissues; this is one of the classical mechanisms behind dependent edema, especially in sedentary individuals. By restoring downward flow, Haritaki relieves the back-pressure that drives systemic fluid retention. Simultaneously, it is Deepani (kindles digestive fire) and Rochani (improves appetite), strengthening the Agni that, when weak, produces the Ama which obstructs Rasavaha Srotas (plasma channels) and creates the Kaphaja edema picture in the first place. The Astanga Hridaya credits the daily use of Haritaki with curing Shopha, Atisara, Medo-vridhi, Vibandha, Anaha, Gulma, Mutragraha, naming swelling alongside constipation, bloating, abdominal masses, and urinary obstruction in a single therapeutic sweep.
Modern and Combined Action
Modern analysis of Terminalia chebula identifies tannins (chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid), polyphenols, and anthraquinones as the active constituents. The astringent and tannin profile supports the classical picture of tissue-toning and channel-clearing action; the anthraquinones drive the gentle laxative effect at higher doses. Reports of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity align with the herb's Sarva Roga Prashamani (pacifier of all diseases) classification. The classical Triphala formulation, where Haritaki sits with Amla and Bibhitaki, is described in the Astanga Hridaya as curing "Kleda, Medo, Meha, Kapha", excess moisture, fat, urinary disorders, and Kapha aggravation, which is essentially a description of the metabolic-fluid pattern that drives most chronic lifestyle edema.
How to Use Haritaki for Edema
For edema specifically, Haritaki's use depends on whether the swelling is paired with constipation and abdominal heaviness, with general Kapha sluggishness, or with weak digestion. The classical Charaka pairing of Haritaki with dried ginger and Devadaru in lukewarm water is the textbook lead for "swelling produced by all three doshas".
Best Forms for Edema
The powder (Churna) at 3 to 6 grams at bedtime with warm water is the standard form when edema sits with constipation. For edema without constipation, the lower dose of 1 to 2 grams twice daily is enough. Triphala at half to one teaspoon at night with warm water is the gentler alternative for chronic, mild lifestyle edema and works as a daily preventive. Charvana (chewing one whole fruit after meals) kindles Agni without the laxative effect.
| Form | Dose | Best For | Timing & Anupana |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder (Churna) | 3-6 g | Edema with constipation, abdominal heaviness | Bedtime with warm water |
| Low-dose powder | 1-2 g | Mild Kaphaja edema, daily Anulomana support | Twice daily after meals with warm water |
| Decoction (Kwatha) | 30-60 ml | Chronic Shotha with sluggish gut | Morning, empty stomach |
| Charvana (chewed whole) | 1 fruit | Weak Agni, gut-driven swelling | After meals |
| Triphala powder | 1/2 to 1 tsp | Daily preventive for lifestyle edema | Bedtime in warm water |
| Haritaki + dried ginger + Devadaru | Equal parts, 1-3 g | The classical Charaka Shvayathu formula | Twice daily with lukewarm water |
Anupana (Vehicle) by Edema Type
- Kaphaja edema (soft, pale, pitting, with sluggish gut): Haritaki powder with warm water plus a slice of fresh ginger; this is the closest practical match to the classical Charaka pairing.
- Vataja edema (dry, migratory, with constipation and cold limbs): Haritaki with warm water plus a small spoon of ghee; the unctuous vehicle balances the herb's dryness.
- Pittaja edema (hot, red, tender): use sparingly; Haritaki's Ushna Virya can aggravate active heat. If used, take with Amla as Triphala, with cool water and a small amount of sugar.
- Edema with weak Agni: chew one whole Haritaki fruit after meals (Charvana) for direct Agni-kindling without forcing a bowel movement.
Seasonal Anupana
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu uniquely prescribes a seasonal vehicle for Haritaki: rock salt in monsoon (Varsha), sugar in autumn (Sharad), dry ginger in early winter (Hemanta), long pepper in late winter (Shishira), honey in spring (Vasanta), and jaggery in summer (Grishma). For chronic edema treated over months, this rotation keeps the herb working with the climate rather than against it.
Duration and What to Expect
For edema with constipation, expect bowel movement and abdominal lightening within 24 to 48 hours of bedtime dosing; visible reduction in dependent ankle puffiness usually follows within 1 to 2 weeks. For chronic Kaphaja edema treated with daily Triphala, plan on 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use before stable improvement. Avoid Haritaki in pregnancy, in weak or emaciated individuals, during fasting, in severe dryness, and in active Pitta flare with dehydration; these are explicit classical contraindications listed in the Bhavaprakash Nighantu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Haritaki take to work for edema?
For edema paired with constipation or abdominal heaviness, the bowel relief and lightening of the abdomen typically come within 24 to 48 hours of taking 3 to 6 grams of powder at bedtime. Reduction in dependent ankle swelling usually follows within 1 to 2 weeks. For chronic, lifestyle-driven Kaphaja edema treated with daily Triphala, plan on a 4 to 8 week course before stable improvement.
Can I take Haritaki with diuretic medications?
Haritaki is not primarily a diuretic, so it does not stack the way Punarnava or Gokshura might. It works at the gut and Agni end of the picture rather than the kidney end. That said, anyone on prescription diuretics, blood thinners, or diabetes medications should clear any new Ayurvedic herb with their physician, because Haritaki does affect blood sugar and bowel transit.
What is the best form of Haritaki for edema?
For edema with constipation or abdominal sluggishness, plain Haritaki powder at 3 to 6 grams at bedtime with warm water is the strongest single form. For chronic, mild lifestyle edema as a daily preventive, Triphala powder at half to one teaspoon at night is gentler and more sustainable. For edema with weak digestion specifically, chewing one whole Haritaki fruit (Charvana) after meals kindles Agni directly without the laxative dose.
Haritaki vs Punarnava for edema, which is better?
They work on different ends of the same problem and are often combined. Punarnava drives fluid out through the kidneys and is the primary anti-Shotha herb. Haritaki works upstream, at the gut, kindling Agni, scraping Ama, and restoring the downward flow of Apana Vata that, when stuck, drives fluid retention. The classical Charaka formula in Shvayathu Chikitsa combines them with dried ginger and Devadaru for swelling of all three doshas. For edema with constipation, lead with Haritaki; for edema without constipation, lead with Punarnava.
Is Haritaki safe in pregnancy edema?
No. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu explicitly lists pregnancy as a contraindication for Haritaki. Mild ankle swelling in pregnancy is common and is best managed with elevation, salt reduction, and obstetric guidance. Sudden swelling that extends to the face and hands, or comes with headache, visual changes, or high blood pressure, must be evaluated urgently for pre-eclampsia.
Recommended: Start Haritaki for Edema
If you want to start using Haritaki for edema today, here's the simplest starting point:
If your edema comes with constipation, abdominal heaviness, or a sluggish gut, the easiest reliable form is Haritaki powder, 3 to 6 grams at bedtime with warm water. Expect a bowel movement and lighter abdomen by morning, with steady improvement in dependent swelling over the next 1 to 2 weeks. If your edema sits without constipation, drop to 1 to 2 grams twice daily after meals.
Kitchen version: the classical Charaka pairing for edema is half a teaspoon Haritaki powder with a quarter teaspoon dried ginger powder in warm water at bedtime. This is the textbook household preparation for "swelling produced by all three doshas". Triphala at half to one teaspoon at night is the gentler daily-preventive alternative.
Dosha fork:
- Kaphaja (soft, pale, pitting, with sluggish gut): Haritaki + dried ginger in warm water at bedtime; consider pairing with Punarnava for the kidney end.
- Vataja (dry, migratory, with constipation and cold limbs): Haritaki with warm water and a small spoon of ghee; the unctuous vehicle balances dryness.
- Pittaja (hot, red, tender): use as Triphala rather than plain Haritaki; the herb's hot potency can aggravate active heat alone.
Find Haritaki on Amazon ↗ Triphala Churna ↗
Safety: avoid Haritaki in pregnancy, severe dryness, fasting, weakness, or active Pitta-fever flare. Persistent edema, especially in both legs, around the face, or in the abdomen, may indicate cardiac, kidney, or liver dysfunction. Get a medical evaluation first; use Ayurveda as supportive, not as a substitute for diagnosis.
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 Edema & Swelling
See all herbs for edema & swelling on the Edema & Swelling 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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