Health benefits of Haritaki: The Lesser Known Herb With Many Benefits For Skin and Health
The Haritaki herb, also known as Indian Hog Plum, has a rich history of use in Ayurveda for its numerous health benefits, such as its anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties.
Haritaki, often referred to as the "king of medicines," offers an array of remarkable health benefits. From preventing hair loss and removing dandruff to aiding in constipation, preventing coughs and colds, fighting acne and ulcers, boosting immunity, promoting weight loss, and improving heart conditions, this drupe-like fruit is a powerhouse of healing properties.
Nutritional benefits of Haritaki
Haritaki comes in seven different variations, each with its own unique flavour profile. Its nutritional value, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins, is equally impressive.
This ayurvedic herb is derived from the seeds of Terminalia chebula, which offers anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant properties. It contains plant chemicals like tannic acid, gallic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and behenic acid, making it an invaluable asset to overall health.
Is Haritaki Good For Skin?
It is incredibly beneficial for the hair and skin; in fact, it can be tested by the application of crushed Haritaki leaves on the scalp. It is helpful in treating scalp conditions such as dandruff, inflammation, and hair loss.
Moreover, Haritaki's benefits for the skin make its extensive use in skincare and home remedies pretty eminent. It is highly prescribed for multiple skin infections such as acne, zits, rashes, and outbreaks. Therefore, apart from maintaining your gut and overall health, there are haritaki benefits for skin as well.
Also, haritaki benefits for face have been known and are even written about in Ayurveda to cure acne, pimples, and other skin diseases.
Health benefits of haritaki
Haritaki is one of the three restorative herbs in the powerful Triphala composition and is affectionately referred to as the "king of herbs" by many herbal healers. It is commonly used for the treatment of various diseases owing to its laxative, pungent, purgative, anti-bilious, and antioxidant properties.
Haritaki diabetes is one such instance where Haritaki powder benefits diabetic patients. The Haritaki fruit helps in the secretion of insulin from its pancreatic beta-cells, making it active when the powder is ingested.
Haritaki is also known for its spiritual benefits, facilitating recovery from a range of illnesses, including throat infections, asthma, acid reflux, and gastritis. In Buddhism, Buddha is seen holding Haritaki in each of his hands.
While Haritaki has innumerable health benefits, consumption without consultation can result in suppressed blood glucose levels, diarrhoea, acute fever, dehydration, and other pitta disorders.
Pregnant women, new mothers, infants, or people with medical problems should not consume Haritaki without prior consultation with their physician.
Haritaki is available in various forms, including powder, leaf extract, and chyawanprash. For optimum absorption, it is advised to take Haritaki between meals on an empty stomach. The prescribed dosage varies between 500 mg and 1 gram a day, so consult your physician to know the dosage that is suitable for you.
In conclusion, the haritaki benefits for skin and health are truly remarkable, including its ability to improve diabetes, hair, and skin. However, it should be consumed with care and under the guidance of a physician to ensure optimal results and avoid adverse effects.
