Harad / Harr / Haritaki / Inknut Terminalia chebula

Chebulic myroblan or ‘Harad’ as it is known in Hindi, is a tree of significant importance in Ayurveda. This tree is believed to cure many diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery, heart-burn, dyspepsia, parasitic infections, itching, edema, nervous disorders and liver and spleen related diseases.

Quick facts about Chebulic myroblan or Harad

Nomenclature

• Sanskrit name: Haritaki
• English name: Chebulic myroblan, Yellow Myroblan
•  Hindi name: Harad, harre, harar
•  Scientific name: Terminalia chebula

Bio-energetics

• Rasa: Madhura, amla, katu, tikta, kashaya
• Guna: Laghu, ruksha
• Virya: Ushna
• Vipaka: Madhura
• Dosha: Balances Vata, but can balance Kapha and Pitta as well
• Karma: Dipana, hridaya, medhya, rasayana, anuloma

Habitat

Chebulic myroblan or harad is indigenous to south Asia. It is particularly found in countries such as India, China, Tibet, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysiaand Vietnam. In India, harad tree is found in the states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra. It is a large tree which can grow up to 30 m in length while width of the trunk can reach up to 1 meter in diameter. The tree can grow in altitudes ranging from 1000 to 3000 ft above sea level. Flowering takes place from April to August. The fruit of harad is used as a medicine.

Chemical constituents

The tree consists of several biochemicals which include tannins, flavonoids, sterols, resins, oils, anthraquinones, gallic acid, chebulic acid chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, ellagic and ethaedioic acid, glycosides, triterpenoids, steroids and phosphoric acid. Studies have showed that chebulinic acid and chebulagic acid have anti-oxidant properties and cytotoxic activity.

Health benefits

• Reduces constipation: The fruit of harad contains mild laxative properties which help in reducing constipation. Taking 2-3 fruit pieces with rock salt can reduce constipation, according to Ayurveda.
• Controls diarrhoea and dysentery: Haritaki fruit is also helpful in reducing dysentery and diarrhoea. The pulp of unripe fruit can be taken along with honey, cloves and cinnamon to reduce diarrhoea and dysentery.
• Cures haemorrhoids or piles: According to Ayurveda, the fresh fruit fried in castor oil and powdered, and taken every night is believed to heal the piles masses, and also helps in free bowel movement.
• Antibacterial properties: Harad or chebulic myroblan possesses antibacterial properties too. The extracts from harad were very effective in controlling bacterial growth in experiments. Bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. fluorescens, B. bronchiseptica, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, B. cereus and B. pumilis were controlled effectively. Fungi such as Alternaria brassicicola, A. alternata, Helminthosporium tetramera , Aspergillus flavus and A.niger were also controlled by harad extracts.
• Anti-inflammatory properties:  The chemicals present in harad also possess anti-oxidant properties. These anti-oxidant properties reduce lipid peroxidation and promote anti inflammatory mediator tumour necrosis factor A. The anti-oxidant properties of harad are particularly useful against gouty arthritis.
• Good for heart: The extracts from harad slowed down the heart rate to normal levels in case of medication induced elevated heart beat (tachycardia). It also reduces the effect of myocardial necrosis.
• Can protect against radiation: Studies at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre had given positive results in survival of rats exposed to gamma radiation. The anti-oxidants present in harad reduced the amount of free radicals and DNA damage caused by exposure.
• Wound healing properties: Extracts of Chebulic myroblan fruit possess wound healing properties. The extracts when applied locally, quickened wound healing as compared to those wounds which were not treated.