Haritaki for Rhinitis: Does It Work?
Does Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan) help with rhinitis (Pinasa)? Yes, particularly for chronic Pinasa with the gut-Ama upstream layer that classical pathology identifies as the recurrence driver. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu opens with Haritaki as the first and most important drug, calls it Sarva Roga Prashamani (pacifier of all diseases) and Tridosha Shamaka. The Ayurveda Encyclopedia lists Haritaki among the key herbs for Pinasa and names Triphala (in which Haritaki is the Vata component) as a primary classical formula.
Haritaki has five of the six tastes (all except salty), with astringent (Kashaya Rasa) predominant; hot in potency, sweet in post-digestive effect (Madhura Vipaka); and balances all three doshas. Its primary action among the three Triphala herbs is on Vata dosha, which positions it as the lead Triphala herb for Vata-Pinasa (dry, variable, sneezing-dominant rhinitis with anxiety component). The classical seasonal anupana protocol from the Bhavaprakash adapts Haritaki's effect to whichever dosha is peaking in each season, which matches the seasonal rhinitis pattern with unusual precision.
Haritaki is the lead herb for chronic Pinasa with gut-Ama burden (recurrent rhinitis paired with sluggish bowel, post-nasal drip with chronic constipation, allergic rhinitis with food sensitivities) where its Anulomani action on downward-flowing Vata clears both the nasal channel and the gut. As the Vata third of Triphala, it is also the central herb in the universal rhinitis prevention protocol. For acute Pitta Pinasa with active inflammation, Haritaki is less directly indicated and should be replaced by Triphala (where Amla contributes the Pitta-cooling layer). The Bhavaprakash explicitly contraindicates Haritaki in pregnancy, weak/emaciated states, and Pitta predominance with dryness.
How Haritaki Helps with Rhinitis
Haritaki addresses rhinitis through three connected mechanisms tied to its property profile and its role in the Triphala combination.
Anulomani action on Vata and the gut-Pinasa connection
Classical pathology lists "suppression of stool and urine, eating raw foods, excessive talking" among the causes of Pinasa, all of which point upstream to digestive dysfunction and Vata aggravation in the gut. Haritaki's Anulomani action restores downward-flowing Vata and clears the gut layer that feeds back into the nasal channel as recurring Kapha excess. The classical home protocol of Triphala at night is built around this: clearing the gut overnight reduces the Ama burden that produces the next morning's nasal congestion. Modern research on Terminalia chebula has documented prebiotic activity, gut-barrier protective effects, and anti-inflammatory action on intestinal mucosa, all of which align with the classical mechanism.
Vata-pacifying action on dry, variable rhinitis
Vata-type Pinasa is characterised by sneezing fits, dry nasal passages, variable triggers, and anxiety-coupled flares. Haritaki's primary action among the three Triphala herbs is on Vata dosha. Its sweet vipaka (Madhura Vipaka) nourishes the dry mucosa rather than further drying it, which is what differentiates it from purely scraping Vata-clearing herbs. The Bhavaprakash also lists Haritaki as Medhya and notes it strengthens nerves, which addresses the nervous-system hypersensitivity component of Vata Pinasa. For people whose rhinitis flares track stress, irregular routine, anxiety, and seasonal Vata transitions, this combined Vata-and-nervous-system action is what Haritaki uniquely provides.
Rasayana action on Vyadhikshamatva and chronic recurrence
Haritaki is classified as Rasayana and Ayushya. For chronic Pinasa, this matters because the underlying picture is depleted Ojas and weakened Vyadhikshamatva, the immune-discrimination function that should produce tolerance to harmless environmental triggers. Sustained Haritaki use, particularly through the seasonal anupana protocol that adapts the herb to each season's dominant dosha, restores this function over months. The classical seasonal anupana variations (honey in spring, jaggery in summer, sugar in autumn, dry ginger in early winter, long pepper in late winter, rock salt in monsoon) match the dominant dosha of each season to support whichever dosha is driving the seasonal Pinasa pattern.
How to Use Haritaki for Rhinitis
Haritaki for rhinitis is most often used as Triphala for the universal preventive across all three patterns and as plain Haritaki powder for Vata Pinasa with gut-Ama component. The classical seasonal anupana variations are particularly relevant for chronic seasonal rhinitis.
Best preparation form for rhinitis
For universal Pinasa prevention across all three patterns, Triphala is the classical form because the three component herbs cover Vata (Haritaki), Pitta (Amla), and Kapha (Bibhitaki) together. For Vata Pinasa specifically with sneezing, dryness, anxiety component, and gut-Ama upstream, plain Haritaki powder or chewed Haritaki (Charvana) is the lead form. The seasonal anupana rotation is the most distinctive aspect of using Haritaki for chronic rhinitis.
| Form | Dose | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| Triphala powder | 1/2 to 1 tsp at night | In warm water before bed; the universal Pinasa preventive across all three patterns |
| Haritaki powder + seasonal anupana | 1 to 3 g daily | Mix with the season's anupana, take before bed; for Vata Pinasa |
| Haritaki Charvana (chewed) | 1 dried fruit, chewed slowly | Before meals; kindles Agni and clears gut-Ama; for Vata-Kapha Pinasa with weak digestion |
| Haritaki + ghee at night | 1 g powder + 1/2 tsp ghee + warm water | For Vata Pinasa with dry mucosa and anxiety component |
| Capsule/tablet | 250 to 500 mg, 1 to 2 times daily | For convenience; with warm water before meals |
Seasonal anupana rotation for chronic Pinasa
- Vasanta (Spring): Haritaki with honey. Spring is Kapha season; this is peak hay fever and Kapha Pinasa.
- Grishma (Summer): with jaggery. Summer is Pitta season; jaggery balances heat. For Pitta Pinasa with summer flares.
- Varsha (Monsoon): with rock salt. Monsoon disrupts Agni and increases Ama; salt supports digestion.
- Sharad (Autumn): with sugar. Pitta accumulated through summer reaches peak; sugar cools.
- Hemanta (Early winter): with dry ginger. Cold weather aggravates Vata; ginger warms.
- Shishira (Late winter): with Pippali. Vata-Kapha transition; Pippali clears Kapha while staying warming.
Combining with other rhinitis herbs
- Haritaki in Triphala: the central daily preventive across all three patterns; pair with Turmeric for the inflammatory layer.
- Haritaki plus Pippali: for chronic Vata-Kapha Pinasa; the classical Shishira-season combination uses Pippali as the anupana.
- Haritaki plus Ashwagandha plus Bala: for Vata Pinasa with anxiety and chronic stress component.
Duration and what to expect
For universal Pinasa prevention with Triphala, expect baseline symptoms (morning congestion, post-nasal drip, gut regularity, sleep quality) to begin reducing after 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use, with full benefit between three and six months. For Vata-Pinasa specifically, give the seasonal-anupana rotation 8 to 12 weeks within a season for the dosha-pattern adaptation to take effect. Triphala is one of the safest Ayurvedic formulas for years-long daily use.
Important contraindications
- Pregnancy: avoid Haritaki and Triphala; the purgative action can stimulate uterine contractions.
- Weak or emaciated states: avoid Haritaki, which depletes through scraping action.
- Excessive thirst, fasting, or fatigue from walking: avoid; these states already show Vata depletion.
- Pitta predominance with dryness: avoid plain Haritaki; use Triphala only and at lower doses.
- Recent significant blood loss or after Raktamokshana: avoid until rebuilt.
Stop high-dose Triphala two weeks before any planned surgery due to mild blood-thinning activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Triphala or plain Haritaki for chronic rhinitis?
Triphala is the universal preventive across all three Pinasa patterns; plain Haritaki is the lead form when Vata-type rhinitis is dominant or when gut-Ama and constipation are the upstream drivers. Triphala combines Haritaki (Vata-pacifying), Amla (Pitta-pacifying), and Bibhitaki (Kapha-pacifying), so it covers all three doshas. For most chronic year-round rhinitis, Triphala is the better default; for Vata Pinasa with sneezing, dryness, anxiety, and irregular bowel pattern, plain Haritaki with the seasonal anupana protocol is more directly indicated.
Does the seasonal anupana protocol actually matter for rhinitis?
Yes, and it is one of the most distinctive features of classical Haritaki use for chronic Pinasa. Seasonal rhinitis maps onto the seasonal dosha pattern with surprising precision: spring hay fever is Kapha; summer Pitta-skin and burning rhinitis is Pitta; autumn variable rhinitis is Pitta-to-Vata transition. The Bhavaprakash anupana rotation is built around supporting Haritaki's effect on whichever dosha is peaking. For chronic Pinasa that flares seasonally, switching the Haritaki anupana through the year is the classical adaptation that matches the herb's effect to the changing dosha picture, rather than using the same vehicle year-round.
How does Haritaki compare to other rhinitis herbs?
Haritaki works at the upstream gut-Ama and Vata layer, where most other rhinitis herbs work at the channel or symptom layer. Pippali opens the channel and rebuilds the mucosa; Turmeric calms inflammation; garlic addresses microbial complications; Haritaki clears the gut-Vata pattern that produces the recurring rhinitis tendency. The classical pattern uses all of these at different points: Haritaki/Triphala as the daily preventive base, the channel herbs during active flares, and the inflammatory or microbial herbs for specific symptom complications. For chronic recurrent Pinasa, Haritaki is what addresses the recurrence pattern itself rather than each individual flare.
Can children with chronic rhinitis use Haritaki or Triphala?
Triphala at half the adult dose is widely used in classical paediatric Ayurveda for chronic childhood rhinitis, particularly when there is an accompanying gut and immune component. For children over five years, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of Triphala in warm water at bedtime is a well-tolerated daily preventive. For younger children, lower doses (1/8 teaspoon) are used and only with practitioner supervision. Plain Haritaki is more potent and best used in older children with specific Vata-Pinasa pattern. Avoid in infants. Honey itself should not be given to children under one year.
Can pregnant women take Haritaki or Triphala for rhinitis?
No. The Bhavaprakash explicitly contraindicates Haritaki during pregnancy because the purgative (Anulomani, Bhedini) action can stimulate uterine contractions in late pregnancy and contribute to miscarriage risk in early pregnancy. The same caution applies to Triphala. For chronic rhinitis during pregnancy, switch to gentler Pitta-cooling herbs like Amla alone, to Guduchi for the Vyadhikshamatva-restoring layer, and to topical interventions (Tulsi steam, saline rinse, ghee in nostrils). Resume Triphala after delivery and once breastfeeding has stabilised.
Recommended: Start Haritaki for Rhinitis
If you want to start using Haritaki for rhinitis today, here is the simplest starting point: Triphala 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in warm water at bedtime, daily. Triphala is the universal Pinasa preventive across all three dosha patterns, and Haritaki is the Vata-component of the formula.
Best form: Triphala for universal Pinasa prevention. Plain Haritaki powder for Vata Pinasa with sneezing, dryness, and anxiety component. The seasonal anupana protocol for chronic seasonal rhinitis. Avoid generic Haritaki capsules without source verification; pharmacopoeia-grade powder or whole dried fruit is more reliable.
Kitchen version you can start tonight: Mix 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder in 1 cup of warm water, drink before bed. Continue daily. For Vata Pinasa specifically, add 1 to 2 g of plain Haritaki powder with the seasonal anupana: with honey in spring (Vasanta), with jaggery in summer (Grishma), with sugar in autumn (Sharad), with dry ginger in early winter (Hemanta), with Pippali in late winter (Shishira), and with rock salt in monsoon (Varsha).
Match the form to the Pinasa pattern:
- Vata Pinasa (sneezing, dry, variable, anxiety component): Haritaki with the seasonal anupana, or in warm water with ghee at night.
- Pitta Pinasa (burning, yellow or green discharge): Triphala at standard dose for the Amla cooling component; Haritaki alone less directly indicated.
- Kapha Pinasa (thick mucus, morning congestion): Haritaki with honey, particularly in spring season; or Triphala for the Bibhitaki Kapha-clearing.
Find Triphala Powder on Amazon ↗ Find Haritaki Powder on Amazon ↗
Critical safety note: Avoid Haritaki and Triphala during pregnancy, in weak/emaciated states, and during fasting. Avoid plain Haritaki with Pitta predominance and dryness. Stop high-dose Triphala two weeks before any planned surgery due to mild blood-thinning activity.
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 Rhinitis
See all herbs for rhinitis on the Rhinitis 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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