The fascination for herbal medicine dated back to time immemorial. The gifts of nature play a major role in our day to day life. Vedic literature focuses on the utility of herbs, minerals and natural products in the management of different ailments.
Haritaki is one of the well known potent herbs used in Ayurvedic medicines for many purposes. Fruits, roots, and bark of this tree are used to prepare herbal medicines. This mystic plant is blessed with astringent, rejuvenating, laxative and purgative properties.
Concept of Ritu Haritaki
The prime principle of Ayurvedic system of medicine is a preventive aspect that can be achieved by the change in diet and practices in response to change in climatic condition. Ayurveda has unveiled many effective formulae related to the diet and behaviour to acclimatize seasonal enforcement easily.
The dosage and combination of Haritaki with different ingredients is also formulated according to the season to gain maximum benefit. This is called Ritu Haritaki.
Vasant Ritu –
The Vasant ritu denotes the spring season. In this season, Haritaki is best taken with Madhu( honey).
Greeshma Ritu –
In Summer, it is taken along with Guda(Jaggery)
Varsha Ritu –
In Rainy Season, it is taken along with Saindhava(Rock Salt)
Sharat Ritu –
In Autumn Season, it is taken along with Sharkara(Sugar)
Hemant Ritu –
In Early Winter Season, it is taken along with shunthi(Ginger)
Shishira Ritu –
In Winter Season, it is taken along with Pippali(Long Pepper)
Significance of Haritaki in Clinical Practice
Haritaki is a miraculous herb that can be used in different combinations to cure a plethora of ailments. Here are some of the effective ways of using Haritaki in clinical practice:
Antibiotics:
Extracts of Haritaki is found to have antibacterial activity against several bacterial isolates. It is used as a potent antibiotic against several diseases.
Antidiabetic agents:
Extracts of seeds and fruit of Haritaki is found to be effective in reducing blood glucose levels. Haritaki aids in the treatment of Diabetes. The chebulic acid present in Haritaki increases the production of insulin thus lowering the blood sugar levels throughout the body.
Antifungal agents:
Extracts of Haritaki inhibits the growth of fungal agents. It is effective in the cleansing of the urinary tract which reduces and eliminates the risk of infections.
Antineoplastic action:
Extract of Terminalia chebula fruit may decrease cell viability, inhibit cell proliferation, and induce cell death in several malignant cells.
Antiviral action:
Extracts of Terminalia chebula may inhibit human immunodeficiency virus. It may protect against damage caused by influenza.
Cardiovascular action:
Haritaki plays an important role in purifying the blood. As the purity of the blood increases, the heart muscles grow stronger and the build-up of fat in the artery is prohibited.
Gastrointestinal aid:
Haritaki has wondrous effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Haritaki is known to purify the digestive system and aids in curing constipation. It contains Tannin, which aids in detoxification and cleansing.
Hepatotoxic Sheild:
Extract of Haritaki fruit helps in preventing hepatotoxicity and protects the liver against any damages.
Metabolism Booster:
Haritaki cleanses the intestinal tract and increases the absorption of minerals. It speeds up the metabolism which in turn reduces body fat content.