Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only

Haritaki scientifically known as Terminalia chebula is a revered Ayurvedic fruit often called Abhaya or Pathya. It is unique for possessing five of the six tastes lacking only saltiness with Astringent being predominant. According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India it acts as a powerful rejuvenator known as Rasayana and mild laxative known as Anulomana. Despite its Astringent taste it possesses a Hot potency and Sweet post digestive effect allowing it to balance all three doshas. It is clinically indicated for digestive disorders like constipation and piles respiratory conditions like cough and asthma and for improving vision. Common formulations include Triphala Churna and Abhayarishta and the recommended dosage is typically 3 to 6 grams of the fruit pericarp powder.
Haritaki, scientifically known as Terminalia chebula, is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurveda, often exalted as "Mother" because it nurtures the body and is believed never to harm the user. It is a key ingredient in the famous formulation Triphala. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a prime Rasayana (rejuvenator) that destroys disease and sustains youthful age.
Haritaki is a moderate to large deciduous tree found throughout India, particularly in deciduous forests. The medicinal part is the fruit, specifically the pericarp (outer rind). In Ayurveda, it is compared to Amrita (Nectar) and is considered the best herb for clearing the channels of the body (Srotas) and replenishing the tissues. It is unique because it possesses five of the six tastes (all except salty),.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Charaka Samhita:
Haritaki is indicated in Ayurveda for a vast range of conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Haritaki is generally considered safe and beneficial ("like nectar") for most people when used appropriately. It is a non-habit-forming laxative and tonic.
According to Charaka Samhita, Haritaki should NOT be used by:
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Terminalia chebula
World Health Organization
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Haritaki
https://www.ayush.gov.in
PubMed – Terminalia chebula Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Terminalia+chebula
ScienceDirect – Terminalia chebula Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/terminalia-chebula
SpringerLink – Clinical & Experimental Studies on Haritaki
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Terminalia chebula Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Terminalia chebula)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Terminalia chebula
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, it is a Rasayana (rejuvenator) and can be taken daily to maintain health, but the vehicle (anupana) may change based on the season (e.g., with jaggery in summer, salt in monsoon) to balance its effects.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is often taken at night for mild laxative action or in the morning for rejuvenating effects.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. For rejuvenation, it is often taken with ghee and honey. For digestion/laxative purposes, it is taken with warm water.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only

Haritaki scientifically known as Terminalia chebula is a revered Ayurvedic fruit often called Abhaya or Pathya. It is unique for possessing five of the six tastes lacking only saltiness with Astringent being predominant. According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India it acts as a powerful rejuvenator known as Rasayana and mild laxative known as Anulomana. Despite its Astringent taste it possesses a Hot potency and Sweet post digestive effect allowing it to balance all three doshas. It is clinically indicated for digestive disorders like constipation and piles respiratory conditions like cough and asthma and for improving vision. Common formulations include Triphala Churna and Abhayarishta and the recommended dosage is typically 3 to 6 grams of the fruit pericarp powder.
Haritaki, scientifically known as Terminalia chebula, is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurveda, often exalted as "Mother" because it nurtures the body and is believed never to harm the user. It is a key ingredient in the famous formulation Triphala. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a prime Rasayana (rejuvenator) that destroys disease and sustains youthful age.
Haritaki is a moderate to large deciduous tree found throughout India, particularly in deciduous forests. The medicinal part is the fruit, specifically the pericarp (outer rind). In Ayurveda, it is compared to Amrita (Nectar) and is considered the best herb for clearing the channels of the body (Srotas) and replenishing the tissues. It is unique because it possesses five of the six tastes (all except salty),.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Charaka Samhita:
Haritaki is indicated in Ayurveda for a vast range of conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Haritaki is generally considered safe and beneficial ("like nectar") for most people when used appropriately. It is a non-habit-forming laxative and tonic.
According to Charaka Samhita, Haritaki should NOT be used by:
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Terminalia chebula
World Health Organization
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Haritaki
https://www.ayush.gov.in
PubMed – Terminalia chebula Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Terminalia+chebula
ScienceDirect – Terminalia chebula Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/terminalia-chebula
SpringerLink – Clinical & Experimental Studies on Haritaki
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Terminalia chebula Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Terminalia chebula)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Terminalia chebula
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, it is a Rasayana (rejuvenator) and can be taken daily to maintain health, but the vehicle (anupana) may change based on the season (e.g., with jaggery in summer, salt in monsoon) to balance its effects.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is often taken at night for mild laxative action or in the morning for rejuvenating effects.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. For rejuvenation, it is often taken with ghee and honey. For digestion/laxative purposes, it is taken with warm water.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem