Haritaki for Skin Disorders: Does It Work?
Does Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan, Terminalia chebula) help with skin disorders (Kushtha)? Yes, and its role here is more strategic than dramatic. Haritaki is not the lead blood-purifier the way Manjishtha is, but classical Ayurveda places it squarely on the Kushtha treatment list. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu opens its herbal section with Haritaki and names Kushtha (skin diseases) explicitly among its therapeutic indications.
The reasoning is mechanical. Kushtha is a tridoshic disorder rooted in Ama, blood impurity (Rakta Dushti), and the gut-skin axis. Haritaki carries five of the six tastes with astringent (Kashaya Rasa) predominant, is hot in potency (Ushna Virya), sweet in post-digestive effect (Madhura Vipaka), and balances all three doshas (Tridosha Shamaka). Its Anulomani action restores downward-flowing Vata and its mild Bhedini (purgative) quality clears the colon. Because the Charaka Samhita traces Kushtha back to suppressed urges, chronic constipation, and a stalled gut, this gut-clearing arm is exactly the upstream lever a skin protocol needs.
The strongest classical anchor is via Triphala, the three-fruit blend in which Haritaki is the Vata-pacifying third. The Astanga Hridaya describes Triphala as a foremost rejuvenator that "cures diseases of the eyes, heals wounds, and cures skin diseases" (Chapter 6). The Charaka Samhita Rasayana chapter notes that Haritaki "alleviates skin disorders" alongside gulma, anemia, and grahani complaints. Treat Haritaki as the gut-clearing daily background for any Kushtha protocol, not as the standalone fix.
How Haritaki Helps with Skin Disorders
Haritaki addresses skin disorders (Kushtha) through three connected mechanisms tied to its property profile and its role inside the Triphala combination. None of these are dramatic on their own. Together they shift the underlying terrain that Kushtha needs to keep recurring.
Anulomani action on the gut-skin axis
The Charaka Samhita, Nidana Sthana Chapter 5, traces Kushtha to incompatible foods (Viruddha Ahara), suppressed natural urges (Vega Dharana), and a sluggish colon that recycles waste back into the blood. Haritaki's Anulomani action restores downward movement of Vata and its mild Bhedini quality keeps the bowel clearing nightly. This drains the Ama reservoir that feeds Rakta Dushti (blood impurity), which is the proximal driver of every Kushtha lesion. The Astanga Hridaya explicitly groups Triphala's actions as "cures skin diseases, excess moisture of the tissues, obesity, diabetes, aggravation of Kapha and blood disorders" (Chapter 6) — one continuous gut-to-skin sweep.
Tridoshic balancing across the Kushtha spectrum
Classical Kushtha is tridoshic, but each presentation has a dominant dosha. Vata-type lesions are dry, cracked, and darkened. Pitta-type are red, hot, and inflamed. Kapha-type are oozing, itchy, and swollen. Haritaki is Tridosha Shamaka (pacifies all three doshas) with a five-taste profile that lets it work across these subtypes. Its astringent (Kashaya) taste tightens oozing Kapha lesions, its sweet vipaka (Madhura) nourishes dry Vata skin, and its post-digestive cooling effect cuts the Pitta-Rakta heat that drives inflammatory flares. The Charaka Samhita Rasayana chapter lists "skin disorders" first among Haritaki's clinical targets.
Rasayana action on Twak and Rakta dhatu
Haritaki is classified as Rasayana and Ayushya. For chronic Kushtha, this matters because the disease tends to relapse: short courses calm the lesion but the depleted blood and tissue picture stays vulnerable. Sustained Haritaki use, particularly as the Vata third of Triphala, restores Rakta Dhatu integrity and supports Vyadhikshamatva (immune-discrimination function). Modern research on Terminalia chebula extracts has documented antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity, aligning with the classical mechanism without contradicting it.
How to Use Haritaki for Skin Disorders
For skin disorders, Haritaki is rarely the lead herb. It works best as the nightly gut-clearer in a layered protocol that also includes a blood purifier (Rakta Shodhaka) and, where relevant, a topical. The form, dose, and anupana (vehicle) should be matched to the dominant dosha of the flare.
Best preparation form for Kushtha
Plain Haritaki powder (Churna) at bedtime is the classical workhorse. For most chronic skin pictures, the better starting point is Triphala, the three-fruit blend in which Haritaki is the Vata third alongside Amla and Bibhitaki. The Astanga Hridaya identifies Triphala as the formula that "cures skin diseases" (Chapter 6), and the broader taste base of the three-fruit blend covers Kushtha's tridoshic nature more completely than Haritaki alone.
Dosage and timing
| Form | Daily Dose | Timing | Anupana (Vehicle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haritaki Churna (powder) | 3 to 5 g | Bedtime, on empty stomach | Warm water |
| Triphala Churna | 3 to 5 g | Bedtime, on empty stomach | Warm water |
| Haritaki capsules | 500 mg, 1 to 2 capsules | Bedtime | Warm water |
| Kwatha (decoction) | 30 to 50 ml | Once daily, morning | Plain, lukewarm |
Anupana tailored to the dosha picture
For dry, cracked, darkened Vata-type Kushtha: take Haritaki with warm water and a small amount of ghee to soften the dryness. For red, hot, inflamed Pitta-type lesions: the Bhavaprakash contraindicates Haritaki during pure Pitta predominance with dryness, so use Triphala instead and take it with cool water and a pinch of sugar (Sharkara). For oozing, itchy, swollen Kapha-type lesions: Haritaki Churna with warm water and a pinch of dry ginger (Shunthi) works well, since the Astanga Hridaya seasonal anupana pairs Haritaki with Shunthi in Kapha-dominant seasons.
Duration and expectations
Skin tissue (Twak) turns over slowly. Expect a minimum 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use to see meaningful change in chronic Kushtha. Acute reduction in itching and oozing often shows within 2 to 3 weeks once the gut is moving daily. For deep-seated Maha Kushtha (psoriasis-spectrum, vitiligo), plan on 6 to 12 months alongside Manjishtha, Neem, and dietary correction.
Safety
The Bhavaprakash contraindicates Haritaki in pregnancy, in weak or emaciated individuals, during fasting, when fatigued from walking, in excessive thirst, after bloodletting (Raktamokshana), and in pure Pitta predominance with dryness. For active inflammatory Pitta-Kushtha flares, prefer Triphala or Manjishtha-led protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Haritaki take to work for skin disorders?
Plan on 8 to 12 weeks of nightly use to see meaningful change in chronic Kushtha. The gut effect (regular morning bowel movement, less bloating) usually appears within the first week, but the downstream skin response, including reduced itching, less oozing, and slower flare cycles, follows over 4 to 8 weeks as Rakta Dushti clears. Deep-seated psoriasis-spectrum or vitiligo-type pictures need 6 to 12 months of layered treatment that goes well beyond Haritaki alone.
Can I take Haritaki with topical steroid creams or other skin medications?
Haritaki is an internal gut-clearer and does not have known direct interactions with topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or common dermatological topicals. The classical caution is functional: if you are using strong purgatives, additional laxatives, or are dehydrated, Haritaki's Bhedini action can stack and produce loose stools. Do not stop topical steroids abruptly while starting Ayurvedic herbs — taper under your dermatologist's guidance. Always tell both your dermatologist and Ayurvedic practitioner what you are taking.
What's the best form of Haritaki for skin disorders?
For most Kushtha pictures, the answer is not Haritaki alone but Triphala, in which Haritaki is the Vata third alongside Amla and Bibhitaki. The Astanga Hridaya Chapter 6 names Triphala specifically for skin diseases. If you want only Haritaki, plain Churna (powder) at 3 to 5 g with warm water before bed is the classical workhorse. Skip the chewable Charvana form for skin work — that preparation is aimed at kindling Agni, not at the deeper Rakta layer where Kushtha sits.
Haritaki vs Manjishtha vs Neem for skin disorders?
These work at different levels and stack rather than substitute. Manjishtha is the premier blood purifier (Rakta Shodhaka) and the lead herb for inflammatory Pitta-Kushtha. Neem is the broad-spectrum antimicrobial for infectious, oozing, or fungal pictures and the strongest external paste. Haritaki is the upstream gut-clearer that drains the Ama reservoir feeding both. A working chronic-Kushtha protocol uses Manjishtha or Neem internally during the day and Haritaki or Triphala at night. Kutki adds liver-level cleansing where the picture is liver-driven.
Recommended: Start Haritaki for Skin Disorders
If you want to start using Haritaki for skin disorders today, here is the simplest entry point.
Best form for Kushtha
Plain Haritaki Churna (powder), 3 to 5 g at bedtime with warm water on an empty stomach. The bedtime dose is what makes this work: the colon clears overnight, the gut-skin axis settles, and the morning bowel movement starts pulling the Ama reservoir down. For most chronic Kushtha pictures, Triphala Churna (in which Haritaki is the Vata third) is the better starting point because the Astanga Hridaya names it specifically as "cures skin diseases" (Chapter 6).
Kitchen version
1 teaspoon Haritaki powder in a small glass of warm water at bedtime. If the dryness is uncomfortable, add a quarter teaspoon of ghee.
Dosha fork
- Dry, cracked, darkened Vata-type Kushtha: Haritaki Churna with warm water plus a quarter teaspoon of ghee.
- Red, hot, inflamed Pitta-type Kushtha: use Triphala instead of plain Haritaki, with cool water and a pinch of sugar.
- Oozing, itchy, swollen Kapha-type Kushtha: Haritaki Churna with warm water and a pinch of dry ginger.
Find Haritaki on Amazon ↗ Find Triphala Churna ↗
Safety: Skip Haritaki during pregnancy, fasting, in weak or emaciated individuals, and in pure Pitta predominance with dryness. Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for severe or spreading Kushtha before self-treating.
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 Skin Disorders
See all herbs for skin disorders on the Skin Disorders 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.