September 9, 2002

HARITAKI

Latin Name: Terminalia chebula

Alternate Names: Chebulic Myrobalan, Abhaya, He Zi (Chinese), Harao (Hindi), Harada

Family: COMBRETACEAE

Parts Used: Fruit.

Properties: Alterative, Anthelmintic, Aperitive, Astringent, Expectorant, Laxative, Nervine, Rejuvenative, Restorative, Tonic.

Internal Uses: Asthma, Bloating, Cough, Dysmenorrhea, Edema, Heartburn, Hemorrhoids, Hiccups, Indigestion, Jaundice, Laryngitis, Leukorrhea, Parasites, Prolapse, Spermatorrhea, Urinary Infections

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Used in the popular formula Triphala, which enhances digestion and bowel health. Haritaki is laxative without being irritating.

Topical Uses: Asthma, Bleeding Gums, Eye Soreness, Leukorrhea, Mouth Sores, Vaginitis

Topical Applications: Gargle for mouth sores and bleeding gums. Use a powder as toothpaste. Douche for vaginitis and leukorrhea. Compress for sore eyes. It is smoked in a water pipe to relieve asthma.

Energetics: Salty, Warm.

Chemical Constituents: Anthraquinones, chebulic acid, tannins.

Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy and in cases of deficiency such as emaciation, dehydration and severe exhaustion.

Comments: In Sanskrit, Haritaki means 'carries away all disease'. It is used as a tonic to enhance intelligence, wisdom and fearlessness. It is considered sacred to Shiva and is pictured as being held in the hand of the medicine Buddha.

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), September 09, 2002

Answers

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), September 09, 2002.