Haritiki also known as Harad, Kaddukki and kayakalp. It is prized in ayurveda for it extensive health benefits. It grows extensively in North india. It's fruits are used for various medicational purposes. The fruit size ranges from 1-2 inches, and ovular in shape. Different varieties of haritaki are more beneficial for certain diseases. Haritaki is a potent Laxative and purgative herb. Let's discuss the health benefits now.
Health benefits
Haritaki is considered as important as a life giving herb in Ayurveda. This herb gets this tag because of it's nutritional and medicinal properties. It is also considered very good for balancing vata dosha in our body. It is very beneficial for a very wide range of diseases as it contains all the essential vitamins and minerals.
1. Sexual wellness
Haritaki helps in boosting sexual stamina and fertility in both men and women. It naturally acts as a stimulant for sexual desire. It also helps in improving sperm count and motality in sperm which is one of the major cause of infertility in men. It also promotes the secretion of hormones which in turn help in improving libido.
2. Gastric wellness
Haritaki has laxative effect on our body, it can be used to get relief from constipation. It is also helpful various diseases like ulcers, tumors , stomach worms and colitis. Apart from curing these ailments it also helps in better assimilation in our gastrointestinal tract.
It also regulates the bile juice production in our body, liver function and hence it promotes overall digestive health.
3. Weight Management
Haritaki contains good amount of fibres and nutrients which also help in weight management. Apart from it improved digestive system also plays an important role in weight loss. Haritaki also helps in burning excess fat in body. It also helps in managing craving and binge eating. It also helps in reduction of cholesterol levels in body, which helps in boosting metabolism.
4. Nourishment
Haritaki is rich in vitamin C and K.Along with it also contains good amount of magnesium, potassium selenium iron copper, amino Acids , flavonoids and Antioxidants which help in nourishing our body. It helps in building immunity and preventing multiple diseases.
5. Detoxification
Haritaki is a very effective detoxifying agent because it helps in removing AMA toxins. It helps in boosting our immunity. Following a week long detox program may also help you in getting clear skin and shiny hair. According to spiritual beliefs in Ayurveda it also helps in removing negative energy in our body. Use of Haritaki can help in Rejenuvating tissues in our body.
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Haritaki Herb risks
Here are the main side effects of Haritaki Herb:
1. Pregnancy
Haritaki should not be consumed during pregnancy. It has adverse effects on pregnant women. Use of haritaki during pregnancy can also be a cause of abortion in women, various studies are still being conducted on their vo relation. But it is not advisable for a expecting mother as well as breastfeeding mothers to use this herb. It might also react with few other medications consumed by the lady.
2. Blood Donation
Haritaki is very helpful for those with high blood pressure because it contains sorbitol and menthol . These compounds may some time reduce blood pressure to very low levels and this is why one should not consume it for a day after donating blood or if one suffers from low blood pressure.
3. Dehydrated
If we consume haritaki in more than advisable quantity it can have adverse effects on body. The body ends up flushing down the system. It helps in movement of bowel which also eliminates water from our body. So one should watch the quantity and dosage of Haritaki.
4. Diabetes
Haritaki is a very beneficial herb for controlling diabetes and increasing insulin resistance it is not advisable for people who already are on medication to not include haritaki in their diet.
Ways to consume
You can simply opt to eat tablets that are readily available in market. You can consume it with warm water or with honey. You can also have these tablets with milk sweetened with jaggery. Here are 3 ways to consume Haritaki Herb:
1. Powder
You can also use Haritaki powder, you can infuse it overnight in a glass of water and drink the liquid for weight loss benefits. You can also use dry ginger powder in winter seasons for better effects.
Haritaki powder mixed with honey, rose water multani mitti and besan can be an excellent face pack for your face, it helps in pore reduction, it also helps in preventing acne.
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2. Oil
Haritaki can be used in your regular hair oil, it is very effective for dandruff, fungal infections and various other hair problems. It also contains good amount of nutrients which help in nourishment of scalp and hence promoting hair growth. It also helps in preventing itching, hair breakage and hairfall. Using haritaki oil also prevents various scalp infections.
3. Paste
Haritaki can also be used as paste, you can use fresh paste and well as soaked haritaki paste. It can be very beneficial for dark circles if used regularly, haritaki paste reduces sun damage and pigmentations. This paste can also be used to treat wounds and cuts.