Haritaki
SanskritHaritakiBotanicalTerminalia chebulaAlso calledChebulic myrobalan, Harad, Harde
A wrinkled, astringent fruit revered in Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine, best known for gently keeping digestion and elimination on rhythm.
Haritaki is a small, ridged fruit that dries to a hard, olive brown nut. In Tibet it is called the king of medicines, and the Medicine Buddha is often painted holding one in his hand.
It carries five of the six tastes (all but salty), with astringent leading the way, so the powder dries the mouth almost at once. Haritaki is one of the three fruits in triphala, and on its own it leans toward vata, the dosha of wind and movement. Ayurveda describes it as clearing and rejuvenating at the same time, a rare pairing.
Ayurvedic Properties
- RasaTastes
- ViryaHeating or cooling
- Heating
- VipakaPost-digestive effect
- Sweet
- AgniEffect on digestion
- Gently supports agni
Classically said to support digestion and regular elimination.
- GunaQualities
- TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
- Vata: decreases
- Pitta: decreases
- Kapha: decreases
- ↓decreases (calms that dosha)
- ↑increases (can aggravate it)
- =neutral or balancing
- ?not known
- V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha
Haritaki is considered tridoshic and is especially valued for vata. Its sweet and sour tastes calm vata, its bitter and astringent tastes cool pitta, and its pungent and astringent tastes lighten kapha.
Traditional Uses
- Traditionally used to support regular, comfortable elimination.
- Traditionally used to support healthy digestion and absorption, especially when vata is high.
- Traditionally used to support clear thinking and a steady mind.
- Traditionally used to support overall renewal as a classic rasayana.
How People Use It
- WaterStir a pinch to 1/2 teaspoon of powder into a small cup of warm water in the evening.
- GheeFor dry, vata types, the powder can be mixed with a little warm ghee to soften its drying quality.
- HoneyA pinch in raw honey is easier on the tongue and is a traditional pairing in the cool, damp months.
Haritaki Evening Sip
A simple, grounding habit for windy vata season.
- 1/4 teaspoon haritaki powder
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 teaspoon ghee (optional)
- Warm the water until it is comfortable to drink.
- Stir in the haritaki and the ghee if you are using it.
- Drink it in a few sips about an hour before bed.
- Notice how you feel over a few days before taking more.
Pairs Well With
Cautions
- Safety research on haritaki in people is limited, and no NIH or major cancer center monograph was found for it on its own.
- Ayurveda traditionally advises avoiding haritaki during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
- Skip it if you have diarrhea, feel dehydrated, very depleted or exhausted, or are fasting.
- It may increase bowel movements, so talk with your doctor if you take laxatives or medications that are sensitive to changes in digestion.
- Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using haritaki regularly, especially if you take any medication.
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This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.