What is Harad and its benefits?

Harad, also known as Haritaki in Sanskrit and Terminalia chebula in scientific terms, is a powerful medicinal herb widely used in Ayurveda. It is often referred to as the “King of Medicines” because of its wide range of health benefits. Traditionally, Harad is believed to balance all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), making it a versatile remedy for numerous ailments.

Latin Name : Terminalia Chebula

Hindi name – Harad, Harade, Harde, Har, Harra
English name – Chebulic Myrobalan
Bengali Name – Haritaki, Baalharitaki, Hatitaki gacha, Narra
Telugu name – karakkaya, Karakachettu, Karakaapa
Tamil name – Kadukkai, Karakaiya, Kadukemar
Gujarati name – Harade, Himaja
Marathi name – Harada,  Harade, Hartaki, Balaharad
Arabian name – Haleelaz
Farsi name – Haleel
Kannada name – Alale Kayi, Anilaikayi, Anniley, Anile
Malayalam name – Katukka
Konkani name – Ordo
Manipuri name – Manahi
Assamese name – Hilika

Sanskrit Names:

Hareetaki, Abhaya, Pathya, Kaayastha,
Pootana – Cleanses the body
Panchabhadrika – It has five tastes
Amrita – Protect from old age disorder
Haimavati – Grows in Himalaya
Avyata – Relieves pain
Chetaki, Shreyasi, Shiva, Vayasta, Vijaya, Jeevanti, Rohini
Prapathya, Kayastha, Pranada, Jaya, Nandini, Jivapriya, Jivanika, Bhishakvara
Jivya, Devi, Divya

Harad Benefits & it’s Ayurvedic Properties

 

Ras

• Madhur ( Sweet)
• Amla ( Sour)
• Katu ( Pungent)
• Tikta (Bitter)
• Kashay ( Astringent)

  Veerya ( Potency) 

• Ushna (Hot)

Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)

• Madhur (Sweet)

 Guna ( Qualities)

• Laghu (Lightness)
• Rooksha (Dry)

Also read Basics of Ayurveda: Learn about Vata, Pitta, Kapha

Harad benefits on Dosha’s

• Balances: Vata , Pitta and Kapha dosha

Classical Categorization

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Haritakyadi varga
Dhanvantari Nighantu – Guduchyadi varga
Raja Nighantu – Aamraadi varga
Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Aushadhi varga

Varieties of harad

There are seven varieties of harad described in classical ayurvedic text book. These are

Vijaya, Rohini, Putna, Amruta, Abhya , Jivanti, Chetaki

Health Benefits of Harad powder

Benefits of Harad on digestion

Harad  is one of the best herb for preventing and curing various disease related to the gut. The digestive , carminative and laxative properties of harad makes it drug of choice for digestive disorder. Moreover the  Tridosha balancing effect haritaki is very effective in managing digestive system problems.

Benefits of Harad in constipation

Harad  posseses laxative properties and therefore is very effective in problem of constipation. It helps to regulate bowel movement. In Ayurveda haritaki is mixed with catrol oil to make it very useful constipation relief remedy. It is known as Gandharv Haritaki and is widely used by ayurvedic doctors to treat constipation.

Useful in relieving hemorrhoids

Piles is a very painful condition and makes life miserable.Harad helps to ease the inflammation around anal region to relieve pain. Also it makes stool soft because of its laxative property and helps in shrinking the pile mass. It helps to correct root cause of  piles by virtue of its digestive and carminative properties.

Helps in detoxification of body

Harad works on multiple levels to clear toxins and restore balance:

• Cleanses the digestive tract – Removes undigested food and waste from the intestines.

• Supports liver function – Promotes natural detoxification by helping the liver process and eliminate toxins.

• Flushes out excess mucus – Keeps the respiratory system clear.

• Balances gut flora – Promotes healthy bacteria, reducing harmful microbial buildup.

• Boosts metabolism – Helps the body burn food more efficiently, reducing toxin formation.

Benefits is Fatty liver

Fatty liver is becoming a very common problem specially non alcoholic fatty liver. Haritaki has got scraping ( lekhan) proeprties and therefore helps in scraping the the excess fat deposited on the liver. Along with this it work of improving the metabolism by correcting the digestion.

Actions (Karma) of Harad in Ayurveda

Kushta – skin diseases
Gulma – Abdominal tumor, bloating
Udavarta – bloating of abdomen
Shotha – inflammation
Pandu – Anemia, initial stages of liver diseases
Mada – delirium
Arsha – hemorrhoids
Shiroroga – diseases pertaining to head, headache
Atisara – diarrhea, dysentery
Arochaka – anorexia
Kasa – cough, cold
Swasa – breathing difficulties
Prameha – diabetes, urinary tract disorders
Anaha – bloating
Pleeha – splenomegaly
Nava Udara – early stages of ascites
Kaphapraseka – increased salivation due to Kapha dosha
Vaisvarya – hoarseness of voice
Kaamala – jaundice
Krimi – worm infestation, infection
Shvayathu – edema, inflammation
Tamaka – asthma
Chardi – vomiting
Klaibya – impotency
Angavasada – body ache
Srotovibandha – obstruction to body channels, constipation

Pralepa, Hrudayoraso – stiffness of chest, heaviness of chest
Pramoha – delusion and lack of memory and intelligence
Vaivarnya – skin discoloration
Purana vishama jwara – chronic recurrent fever
Akshiroga – eye disorders
Hridroga – heart diseases

Grahani – IBS or sprue-syndrome
Shosha – muscle wasting (tissue depletion)
Vibanda strotasam – obstruction in body channels
Urustambha – thigh stiffness
Admana – abdominal distention
Vrana – wound
Vatarakta – gout
Mutrakrichra – dysuria
Hikka – hiccoughs
Kandu – itching
Yakrit – liver disorders
Ashmari – renal calculus
Mutraghata – retention of urine

How to use Harad

Harad can be consumed in various forms, including:

• Harad powder:  1-2  teaspoon two times daily with water
• Harad Tablets : 1 to 2 tablet two times daily with water.
• Part Used :  Fruits

Harad fruits when it is eaten by chewing it helps to improve digestive fire ( Agni)
When harad  is taken in powder form its acts as a laxative.
Roasted harad benefits in balancing tridosha’s.

How harad is used to balance different dosha’s

Kapha dosha : to balance kapha dosha harad should be taken with saindhav( rock salt)

Pitta dosha : For balancing pitta dosha harad should be taken sugar or mishri.

Vata dosha :To balance Vata dosha harad should be administered with ghee .

What are the side effects of Harad

 Like any other Ayurvedic herb harad is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include

 Diarrhea,

Stomatitis,

Dehydration,

Fatigue,

Stiffness of jaw,

 Allergic rashes.

If someone is sensitive to harad they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .

Precautions

During breast feeding avoid consuming harad.

Avoid consuming harad during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.

Always use harad in recommended dosage  to avoid potential side effects such as loose motions and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.

If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using harad. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.

Don’t use harad continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.

Store harad in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.

Home Remedies of harad

To relieve hyperacidity

To make this you will following ingredients:

• Harad powder – 1/4tsp

• Mannuka ( black raisins)–  5 to 6 pieces

• Sugar –1/4 teaspoon

• Black pepper – 2 crushed

How to use:
Mix harad powder and black raisins( manukka) in sugar in mixer. Now make small tablets by hand . Eat this tablets before meals two times daily.

It helps to improve digestion, helps in elimination of pitta and neutralising excess pitta.

In Anemia ( low heamoglobin)

 For this you need following ingredients:

• Harad powder – 1 tsp

• Honey – 1 teaspoon

• Ghee –  2 teaspoon

How to make the paste:
Make a paste by mixing all the three ingredients. Lick this paste two to three times in a day

This paste is useful to improve haemoglobin in the blood.

To relieve mucus in stool

To make the  you need following ingredients:

• Harad powder – 5 grams

• Sonth powder –  5 grams

• Jaggery –            5 grams

• lemon juice-     as required

How to make the oil:
Take first 3 ingredients and add lemon juice to it and mix it well. Now make small round tablets( vati) and let them dry. Take this vati two to three times in day with water.

The helps in eliminating the mucous from the colon and relieves stomach ache and colitis. It is also beneficial in managing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Harad use in constipation

To make the  you need following ingredients:

• Harad powder – 5 grams

• Castor oil –  5 grams

How to make the oil:
Mix harad powder in erand tail ( castor oil). After mixing in properly take this powder with luke warm water before going to bed

The helps in eliminating the waste material from the body. This harad powder is non habit forming and safe for long time use.

Frequently asked question

1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?

Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.

2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?

Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.

3. With western/modern medicine

Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.

When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.

4. How long does harad take to start showing benefits ?

It depend on  any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly harad powder benefits are seen.

5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?

Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.

6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?

No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.

Ayurvedic medicine that contains harad

Harad is the main ingredients in following medicines

Abhyaristh :  It is one of the ayurvedic medicine which is used in treatment of constipation, piles and indigestion.

 Triphala churna: This churna is used for detoxifying the body, to manage high blood sugar, weight management and eye problems.

Amritprabha Vati : This is ayurvedic medicine used in treatment of grahani (ibs), anemia, bloating, anorexia.

Conclusion

Harad is not just a herb—it’s a natural detoxifier that supports digestion, metabolism, and overall wellness. By gently cleansing the body of toxins, it restores energy, clears the skin, and strengthens immunity.

 If you’re looking for a safe, Ayurvedic way to detox without harsh cleanses or fad diets, Harad could be your go-to herb.

Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.

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Disclaimer  :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.

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