Terminalia chebula Retz.
Vernacular name: Haritaki, Harad, Chebulic Myrobalan (Hindi: हरड़)
Species Name: Terminalia chebula Retz.
Family: Combretaceae
Habit: Medium deciduous tree (15-25 m)
Stem: Dark brown, longitudinally fissured bark
Leaf: Subopposite, elliptic-oblong; glabrous above, yellowish-pubescent below
Flowering: April-May
Flowers: Terminal spikes; dull yellowish-white; monoecious; 5 sepals, no petals; 10 stamens
Fruit: Drupe-like nutgall; green to yellowish-brown; 5 obscure ribs; single hard seed
Uses:
- Chebulic or black Myrobalan is highly regarded as the ‘king of medicines’ in the Ayurvedic Medicine and also has great importance in Siddha and Tibetan medicines.
- Harad as foundation component in a mixture with Behda and Amla makes an ayurvedic powder known as Triphala Churan, that acts as a laxative and helps in managing chronic constipation, regular bowel movements and improves gastric emptying.
- Fruit of hard has broad spectrum antibacterial and antifungal properties and widely used as a key component of various herbal mouth washes and powders that are used in treatment of mouth ulcers, sore throats and gum inflammation.
- Ripe fruits are purgative and purifies the blood and good in ophthalmia.
- Antioxidant and astringent properties of decoction or poultices of Harad help in the healing of skin infections, ulcers and wound when applied tropically or used in washes.
- In traditional practices, Harad is also used to manage blood sugar levels, ease inflammations, reduce oxidative stress and treat dysentery.
- It is reputed to cure blindness and inhibit the growth of the malignant tumours. It is allegedly also a powerful detox agent.
- Fruits are rich in tannin content and is processed in leather industry.
- Flowers and rind of fruits are used to extract black and yellow dyes that are used in textile industry as traditional and printing inks.
- Tender or raw fruit are preserved in pickles or syrups, while ripe fruits can be used as candy providing digestive aids.
- Careful management of dosage of Harad is very important, least it can use mild diarrhea, low blood sugar, stomach cramps and blood thinning.
