Haritaki is the name of a fruit utilized in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance digestive health and strengthen defenses. We’ll inform you all about it here.
Haritaki, whose scientific name is Chebulic myrobalan, is a fruit obtained from the seeds of Terminalia chebula trees. It’s also known by names resembling “Indian nut” or “Indian plum” and is sort of popular in Ayurvedic medicine.
Based on this traditional system, it’s a food of ” tridoshicnature”, that’s, it will possibly balance the three doshas. In this manner, it rebalances physical, mental, and spiritual health, especially within the case of diseases. What are its advantages? What does science say? Listed below are all of the small print.
Characteristics of haritaki
In Ayurvedic medicine, haritaki is often known as “the king of medicines”. The fruit is formed like a drupe and measures between 2 and 4.5 centimeters long and between 1.2 and a couple of.5 centimeters wide. It also has 5 longitudinal ridges.
Depending on the variability, it can have a sweet, sour, or bitter taste. As well as, its color is normally blackish-green when ripe. It often grows in tropical and subtropical regions of India, Nepal, China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
A powder is created from its peel and is usually distributed for medicinal purposes. Nevertheless, it’s vital to notice that several haritaki products are distinguished. These are the next:
- Vijaya
- Chetaki
- Rohini
- Putna
- Jayanti
- Abhaya
- Amrita
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Dietary properties of haritaki
Much of the advantages of haritaki are explained in its concentration of essential nutrients. To be more precise, the fruit is a source of vitamin C, manganese, selenium, potassium, iron, and copper.
In turn, as stated in an article published within the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, it provides other phytoconstituents resembling the next:
- Fatty acids (linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid)
- Tannins
- Amino acids
- Glucose
- Quinines
As a consequence of this composition, it’s attributed to antibacterial, antitumor, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antiviral, and antispasmodic properties, amongst others. What’s it used for?
Uses and advantages of haritaki
The medicinal applications of haritaki are described in Ayurvedic and Tibetan books. In these traditional systems, it’s valued for its potential to stop and treat disease. Nevertheless, evidence for its advantages stays limited. Thus, it’s vital to make use of it with caution.
Digestive health
In Ayurvedic medicine, haritaki has been used as an adjuvant for cleansing of the digestive system. Its intake promotes bowel function and helps within the prevention of disorders resembling constipation.
As well as, amongst other things, it contributes to the relief of the next symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Peptic ulcers
- Stomach acidity
- Abdominal spasms and colic
As well as, it’s believed that this fruit stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, decreases inflammation, and promotes the balance of healthy bacteria within the intestine.
Immune system
Haritaki extract is used as a complement to strengthen the immune system. Its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties contribute to the prevention of infections. As well as, its vitamin C supply stimulates leukocyte functions, which can be key to optimizing defenses.
For all the above, the treatment is related to the prevention of the next diseases:
- Allergies
- Skin infections
- Conjunctivitis
- Respiratory tract infections
- Intestinal infections
- Autoimmune diseases (arthritis, lupus, celiac disease)
Metabolic health
The phytoconstituents in haritaki, especially tannins, fatty acids, and amino acids, have a positive impact on metabolic health. An animal study reported in Phytotherapy Research associates the consumption of this fruit with the prevention of high blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, and other aspects linked to metabolic syndrome.
Inflammation and oxidative stress
The abundant supply of antioxidants in haritaki is useful in regulating the body’s inflammatory processes and reducing the negative effects of oxidative stress. Specifically, its intake is related to a rise in glutathione and superoxide dismutase, that are key to fighting free radicals.
Due to these effects, haritaki supplementation is believed to have neuroprotective and antitumor effects. Its moderate consumption contributes to reducing the danger of chronic diseases that impair quality of life.
Cardiovascular health
Although evidence is proscribed, this fruit is related to good heart health. Popular literature suggests that it contributes to improving blood flow, which might favor blood pressure control. As well as, on account of its antioxidant and anti inflammatory capability, it could stimulate the elimination of bad cholesterol and contribute to the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Other advantages of haritaki
- Moderate consumption of haritaki serves as an adjunct to weight reduction. Specifically, it decreases food cravings and promotes optimal metabolic functioning.
- Topical use of haritaki extracts is beneficial for the prevention of skin infections. It’s even believed to assist fight pimples and promote healing.
- Its application on the scalp reduces the presence of dandruff, itching, and excessive hair loss. As well as, it leaves a silky and healthy appearance.
Haritaki dosages and presentations
Haritaki is often available in powder, capsules, and tea. Dosages may vary in keeping with the kind and manufacturer.
Generally, they vary from 1 to five grams per day, twice a day, diluted in warm water or milk with honey. In any case, it’s essential to at all times seek the advice of the label and respect the consumption recommendations.
To be used as a topical treatment, the powder will be combined with rose water, coconut oil or honey. It’s rubbed on the skin, so long as there are not any open wounds. Also, diluted in water, it will possibly be applied to the scalp.
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Risks and possible unwanted effects
Despite its advantages, haritaki may lead to some unwanted effects, especially when taken without the supervision of an Ayurvedic or general practitioner. These reactions include the next:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Stomatitis
- Dehydration
- Jaw stiffness
- Dietary deficiencies
Nevertheless, on account of its hypoglycemic qualities, its simultaneous consumption with diabetes medications needs to be avoided. In truth, the best is to be oriented in case of taking any style of drug. In these cases, it may reduce or enhance its effects, putting health in danger.
For safety, it’s best to avoid its administration in children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and patients with chronic diseases. Within the latter case, a health care provider needs to be consulted first.
What to recollect about haritaki
In Ayurvedic medicine, haritaki is a well known treatment for boosting metabolism, improving defenses, and protecting the cardiovascular system. Even so, its use needs to be prudent, under the supervision of an Ayurvedic or general practitioner.
It isn’t considered a first-choice treatment in case of diseases and isn’t exempt from causing unwanted effects. Due to this fact, it’s advisable to take only the doses suggested by the manufacturer.
Although it will possibly be applied as a topical treatment, it’s a great idea to check it before use. Just put a small amount on one among the skin areas and wait 12 to 24 hours. If there are not any undesired reactions, it will possibly be used without problem.
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