Haritaki is the name of a fruit utilized in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance digestive health and strengthen defense mechanisms. We will inform you about all the things here.
Haritakiwhose scientific name is Chebulic myrobalanit’s a fruit obtained from seeds Terminalia chebula trees. It can be known by names resembling “Indian nut” or “Indian plum” and is kind of popular in Ayurvedic medicine.
According to this traditional system, it’s a food ” TridoshikNature”, that’s, it could balance the three doshas. In this manner, it balances physical, mental and spiritual health, especially within the case of diseases. What are its benefits? What does science say? Here are all the main points.
Characteristics of haritaka
In Ayurvedic medicine haritaki known as the “King of Medicines”. The fruit is drupe-shaped and measures 2 to 4.5 centimeters in length and 1.2 to 2.5 centimeters in width. It also has 5 longitudinal ridges.
Depending on the range, it it could have a sweet, sour or bitter taste. In addition, when mature, its color is often black and green. It normally grows in tropical and subtropical regions of India, Nepal, China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Vietnam.
The powder is constituted of the peel and is commonly distributed for medicinal purposes. However, it needs to be noted that just a few haritaki products stand out. These are:
- Vijaya
- checks
- Rohini
- Putna
- Jayanti
- abhaya
- Amrita
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Nutritional properties of haritaki
Many advantages from haritaki explained within the concentration of essential nutrients. More specifically, fruit is a source of vitamin C, manganese, selenium, potassium, iron and copper.
On the opposite hand, as stated in an article published in Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicineprovides other phytonutrients resembling:
- Fatty acids (linoleic acid, oleic acid and palmitic acid)
- Tannins
- Amino acids
- Glucose
- quinine
Due to this composition is attributed antibacterial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antiviral, antispasmodic properties, amongst others. What is it used for?
Uses and advantages of haritaka
The medicinal uses With haritaki are described in Ayurvedic and Tibetan books. In these traditional systems it’s valued for its potential to stop and treat diseases. However, evidence for its advantages stays limited. Therefore, it’s important to make use of it with caution.
Digestive health
In Ayurvedic medicine haritaki has been used as an aid to detoxify the digestive system. Its consumption supports the work of the intestines and helps in stopping disorders resembling constipation.
In addition, amongst others, it contributes to the relief of the next symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Peptic ulcers
- Stomach acidity
- Abdominal cramps and colic
Moreover, it’s believed that this fruit stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, reduces inflammation and promotes balance healthy bacteria within the intestine.
The immune system
Haritaki The extract is used as a complement to strengthen the immune system. It has an antifungal effect, antiviral agentand antibacterial properties contribute to the prevention of infections. In addition, his vitamin C the provision stimulates leukocyte functions, which can be the important thing to optimizing defense mechanisms.
For the entire above remedies, it’s related to the prevention of the next diseases:
- Allergies
- Skin infections
- Conjunctivitis
- Respiratory infections
- Intestinal infections
- Autoimmune diseases (arthritis, lupus, celiac disease)
Metabolic health
Phytonutrients in haritaki, especially tannins, fatty acids and amino acids, have a positive effect on metabolic health. Some animal study reported in Phytotherapy research associates the consumption of this fruit with the so-called prevention of high blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, high cholesterol and other aspects related to metabolic syndrome.
Inflammation and oxidative stress
Rich supply of antioxidants in haritaki positively affects the regulation of inflammatory processes within the body and the reduction of the negative effects of oxidative stress. Especially, its consumption is related to a rise in glutathione and superoxide dismutasethat are the important thing to fighting free radicals.
Because of those effects haritaki Supplementation is believed to have neuroprotective and anti-cancer activity. Its moderate consumption contributes to reducing the danger of chronic diseases that impair the standard of life.
Cardiovascular health
Although the evidence is proscribed, this fruit is related to good heart health. Popular literature suggests that it helps to enhance blood flow, which might help control blood pressure. In addition, as a result of its antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties, it stimulates elimination bad cholesterol and contribute to the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Other advantages of haritaki
- Moderate consumption of haritaki serves as a complement to weight reduction. In particular, it reduces cravings for food and promotes optimal metabolic functioning.
- Topical application of haritaki extracts it is helpful in stopping skin infections. It is even believed to assist fight pimples and pimples promote healing.
- Its application on the scalp reduces the occurrence of dandruff, itching and excessive hair loss. In addition, it leaves a silky and healthy appearance.
Haritaka doses and presentations
Haritaki Is often available in powder, capsules and tea. Doses may vary depending on the sort and manufacturer.
They generally range from 1 to five grams per day, twice each day, diluted in warm water or milk with honey. In any case, all the time check the label and follow the recommendations for consumption.
For use as a topical agent, powder could be combined with rose water, coconut oil or honey. It is rubbed into the skin so long as there aren’t any open wounds. Also diluted in water, it could be applied to the scalp.
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Risks and possible unwanted effects
Despite its benefits, haritaki may cause some unwanted effects especially when taken without Ayurvedic or GP supervision. These reactions include:
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Mouth infection
- Dehydration
- Jaw stiffness
- Nutritional deficiencies
However, as a result of its hypoglycemic properties, its simultaneous consumption with antidiabetic drugs needs to be avoided. In fact, the best is to learn when taking any medication. In these cases it’s may weaken or strengthen its effects, threatening health.
For safety reasons, it’s best to avoid giving it to children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and patients with chronic diseases. In the latter case, you must first seek the advice of your doctor.
Things to recollect about haritaki
In Ayurvedic medicine haritaki is a known cure for acceleration of metabolism, improvement of immunity and protection of the cardiovascular system. Even so, its use needs to be prudent, under the supervision of an Ayurvedic or general practitioner.
It will not be a drug of first alternative for diseases and will not be exempt from causing unwanted effects. Therefore, it’s advisable to take only the doses really helpful by the manufacturer.
Although it could be used as a topical agent, it is nice to check it before use. Just apply a small amount to one in every of the skin areas and wait 12 to 24 hours. If there aren’t any hostile reactions, it could be used with none problems.
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