Myrobalan, Haritaki, Terminalia Cebula, Haritaki, Black myrobalan, Chebula

Myrobalan or Haritaki scientifically known as Terminalia Cebula is a typical Indian herb belonging to the plant family Combretaceae (Indian almond family). Indian Ayurvedic medicine calls Haritaki the ‘Mother of herbs’ and the ‘King of medicines’ for its numerous medical advantages. Myrobalan is a sweet, astringent, warming herb with an unpleasant taste. The plant is native to South Asia, from India and Nepal east to southwest China, and south to Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Some of the popular common names of the plant are Harada, Harida, Harar, Haritaki, Harada, Harida, Harar, Haritaki, Black myrobalan, Chebula, Chebulic myrobalans, Har, Haradh, Harar, Harda, Hardo, Haridra, Haritaka, Haritaki, Harra, Harro, Hirda, Kadukkai, Karakkai, Ma-muangpa, Ortoki, Panga, Samo thai, Shilikha thai, Silikha and Srama.

In India, myrobalan is also called haritaki. Hari means “that which steals” and taki means “that which cleans and enhances the glow of the skin.” That is the etymological breakdown. The basic idea is that haritaki is that fruit which removes all diseases from the body and brings a luster and shine to the skin. A fairly formidable fruit no doubt. It is considered a destroyer of diseases and an eliminator of toxins and wastes from throughout the body, improving digestion and promoting healthy weight loss?. It is extensively used in Unani, Ayurveda and homeopathic medicine. Terminalia chebula is a popular traditional medicine not only used in India but also in other countries of Asia and Africa. Dried Terminalia Chebula fruit powder is also one of the three ingredients in Triphala, probably the most famous of all the Ayurvedic formulas for better health. However, it is often prescribed as a stand-alone treatment for specific disorders and to bring an unhealthy body back into balance.

Plant description

Myrobalan is a tropical, medium to large sized deciduous tree that grows about 30 m (98 ft.) tall, with a trunk up to 1 m (3 ft. 3 in) in diameter. The plant is found growing in scattered in teak forests, mixed deciduous forests and dry evergreen forests. The plant succeeds in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil from sandy to clayey. The plant has 6 mm thick, black, and cracked bark.  Leaves are alternate to sub-opposite in arrangement, oval, 7–8 cm (2.8–3.1 in) long and 4.5–10 cm (1.8–3.9 in) broad with a 1–3 cm (0.39–1.18 in) petiole. They have an acute? tip, cordate at the base, margins entire, glabrous above with a yellowish pubescence below.

Flower & Fruit

Dull white to yellow flowers are monoecious, and have a strong, unpleasant odor. They are borne in terminal spikes or short panicles. Flowers are hermaphrodite. Flowering normally appears between April and August and plant bears fruits from November to January. Fertile flowers are followed by smooth obovoid or oblong-ellipsoid drupe, faintly angled, glossy, glabrous with size varying between 2–4.5 cm (0.79–1.77 in) long and 1.2–2.5 cm (0.47–0.98 in) broad, having 5 longitudinal ridges with a single angled stone. Fruits are initially green when unripe and yellowish Gray when ripe.  Seeds are oblong, very thick and mildly angled and pale yellow in color.

The fruits plucked before seed formation is known as small terminalia chebula or chhoti Harad whereas the fruits plucked when they completely ripe are known as big terminalia chebula or big black chebulic myrobalan or badi harad.

Types of Myrobalan

Ayurveda has described seven different types of Myrobalan. These are:

1. Vijaya Myrobalan: Vijaya Myrobalan is found in the Vindhya Mountains. It is useful in treating almost all diseases.
2. Rohini Myrobalan: Rohini Myrobalan is used for healing the wounds. It is found in the Pratishtanaka. Rohini fruit is circular in shape.
3. Putana Myrobalan: Putana Myrobalan fruits are small with big seeds. It is found in the Sindh area and mostly used for external applications.
4. Amruta Myrobalan: Amruta Myrobalan is found in the Bhagalpur area. The fruits have a thick pulp. The detoxicant effect of Amruta is useful in Panchakarma therapy.
5. Abhaya Myrobalan: Abhaya Myrobalan is also available in Champa, Bhagalpur area. Best used for eye problems. Identify Abhaya by checking the fruit skin. It is made up of five creases.
6. Jivanti Myrobalan: Jivanti Myrobalan is found in Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The fruit is yellow in color and treats all the diseases.
7. Chetaki Myrobalan: Chetaki Myrobalan fruit has three creases in the skin. It is found in Himachal Pradesh and best used for its purgative action.

(Note: Among all the varieties of Myrobalan, Vijaya Myrobalan is considered the best.)

Health benefits of Myrobalan

Numerous health benefits can be derived from the Myrobalan fruits, roots and bark. Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Myrobalan

1. Improved Digestion and Better Gastrointestinal Health

Regular use of Myrobalan can boost the function of your digestive tract, support a healthy intestinal environment and increase the absorption of nutrients from the food you eat. At the same time, Myrobalan powder is a mild laxative, improving elimination, tonifying the colon, clearing away compacted waste and helping to prevent constipation?.

There may be an initial increase in flatulence and other gastrointestinal issues when you first start taking powdered Myrobalan, most people quickly notice more regular bowel movements and less bloating and gas when using this widely regarded Ayurvedic treatment. (1)

2. Antioxidant and Antibacterial Protection

Powdered Myrobalan is a rich source of potent antioxidants like ellagic acid, gallic acid, Chebulic acid, flavonol glycosides, selenium and vitamin C that protect your body from cancer and other serious diseases.

Research found an extract of Terminalia Chebula improved concentrations of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and other antioxidants in the liver and kidneys. The authors concluded Chebulic Myrobalan helps fight oxidative stress and may protect against age-related diseases. Dried Myrobalan fruit also has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties for preventing infection? from bacteria in the food you eat and from airborne viruses. (2)

3. Decreases Stomach Acidity and Guards against Ulcers

Haritaki churna (Powdered Myrobalan) can reduce excessive stomach acidity and even help prevent painful peptic and gastric ulcers by elevating protective mucus production in the stomach.

Myrobalan fruit is rich in antioxidant polyphenols like Gallic acid and ellagic acid that have been shown in studies to combat the helicobacter pylori bacteria and reduce your risk of developing stomach ulcers. (3)

4. insulin? is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">Diabetes? and Metabolic Syndrome

High blood glucose levels and a decrease in insulin? sensitivity due to poor diet are the main reason of type II diabetes? and its precursor metabolic syndrome. Compounds in Chebulic Myrobalan have been found to lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity. Research showed an extract of Myrobalan fruit used a dose-dependent yet significant glucose lowering effect on the blood.

Diabetic patients on blood sugar lowering medication should discuss taking Terminalia powder with their doctor before using it regularly.(4)

5. Helps in Weight Control

Myrobalan is useful for handling the weight. It washes down the stomach, helps in the absorption, osmosis and digestion system of sustenance in the stomach and builds the metabolic rate of the body. Myrobalan in this way helps in expanding the vitality consumption of the body. By boosting the discharge of bile, Myrobalan helps in the activation of the put-away fat in the body. It likewise holds the chances of obesity under control.

6. Eye Disorders

Terminalia chebula or harad or Myrobalan is good for all type of eyes disorders. It is one of the main ingredients of the Ayurvedic medicine ‘Triphala’. Myrobalan water can be used as an eye wash. Soak Myrobalan overnight in water in a pot (preferably in earthen pot) and use this water next day morning to wash your eyes. Water of Myrobalan is found to be pain?-relieving medicine. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যথানাশক ওষুধ।" data-rx-term="analgesic" data-rx-definition="An analgesic is a pain-relieving medicine. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যথানাশক ওষুধ।">analgesic? and infection?, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling?, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation?, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory?; it is beneficial for conjunctivitis also.

7. Fight skin allergies

Myrobalan is very beneficial in fighting with skin allergy?. Myrobalan paste is the best remedy for such problems. Paste is light green in color and can be made by taking a Myrobalan fruit and rubbing it on sandal stone with little amount of boiled water. This paste can be applied on the infected skin.

8. Lung Disorders

Powder prepared from Myrobalan is also suggested for bad coughs, bronchitis and other lung complaints. For this purpose around half a teaspoon of the powder is mixed with a small amount of honey with a spoon and slowly sucked upon.

9. Better Skin and Hair

Myrobalan fruit powder is often recommended for both skin problems, like acne and skin rashes, as well as hair loss and dandruff. For curing acne and skin irritations a paste is made from the powdered herb in very hot water and applied directly to the affected area once it cools. Topical treatments can speed up skin healing and help prevent further acne outbreaks.

To apply to the hair, it is usually prepared in hair oil. This recipe for Amla hair oil could also be used with the same amount of powdered Myrobalan instead and applied as directed to combat hair loss and prevent dandruff. Taking Myrobalan powder regularly improve both your hair and skin tone overall as it is such a rich source of antioxidants and a potent detoxifier as well.

10. Bleeding

Decoction of myrobalan is prepared by adding a couple of spoons of this powder in water and boiling it for a while to reduce the contents by half. In case of stomach ailments like hemorrhoids, the consumption of decoction helps to arrest secretion or bleeding and strengthens the stomach and promotes self-healing. Its astringent property heals the hemorrhoids masses.

11. Good for Joint Pain?

infection?, or irritation, often causing pain?, swelling?, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation?, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">Anti-inflammatory? properties of Myrobalan make it effective to treat stiffness?, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis?, gout and joint pain. People who suffer from these problems, generally treated with painkillers are harmful for body.

12. Diarrhea? and Dysentery

Powder of the fruit pulp is often recommended as an effective remedy for chronic? diarrhea? and dysentery. It is often recommended to mix well in bowl with one spoon powder and a spoon full of pure honey and consume the mixture twice a day to get fast relief from diarrhea and dysentery.

13. Good for Teeth Whitening

Myrobalan is also good for teeth whitening as tooth powder. Apply this on your teeth twice a day. It cleans teeth and keeps them strong. For making fine powder of chhoti harad grind it into mixer grinder and sieve it with thin cloth and keep into a jar for use.

14. Mouth Ulcers

Make a paste with myrobalan powder and buttermilk / yogurt, and use it for treating your mouth ulcers, boils and such. You can use the diluted decoction of myrobalan as your mouth gargle for all oral infection?, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation?. Suffering from tooth ache or gums problem simply apply the paste directly on your painful tooth or gums to get fast relief.

15. Mumps

You will get gradual relief from the problem of mumps. Just apply the thick paste of myrobalan over the swelling. Often healing is quicker.

Traditional uses and benefits of Myrobalan

• It is used as remedy for problems of the digestive system, wounds, gum inflammation, asthma, coughs, etc.
• It is a laxative, stomachic, expectorant, hemostatic, and tonic.
• It has long been considered a prime cure for all manner of digestive problems and is sacred to Siva.
• Fruit extracts displayed significant inhibitory activity on oxidative stress and age-dependent shortening of the telomeric DNA length, and thus an inhibitory effect on cellular aging.
• They also have shown cardio protective effect.
• Crude extract of the fruits inhibited cancer cell growth, with chebulinic acid, tannic acid and ellagic acid as the most inhibitory phenolic.
• Topical administration of a leaf extract accelerated the healing process of wounds, partly by possessing antimicrobial activity.
• It has antibacterial and anti-fungal activity, and are used to cure inflamed gums and as a relief in asthma.
• Fruits are used internally in the treatment of constipation, digestive and nervous complaints, diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal worms, hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, abnormal uterine bleeding and inflammation, vaginal discharge, involuntary ejaculation, coughs and asthma.
• Externally, it is used to treat ulcers, wounds, mouth inflammation and gum disease.
• It is a good herbal method for nourishing the Digestive system. It improves digestion and enhances appetite.
• Consume Myrobalan fruit after meal to eliminate toxins due to food poisoning.
• Eating a paste made of Myrobalan fruit is useful in clearing disturbed the bowel movement.
• Boiling enhances the absorption power of Myrobalan. It is useful for person with Mal-absorption syndrome.
• Myrobalan stops the bleeding in Piles. It reduces the pile mass and eases the bowel movements.
• It promotes healing and reduces swelling.
• It is helpful as a Memory Enhancer. It improves intelligence.
• It is a good herbal remedy for refining the complexion of the skin and minimizing the signs of aging. It is useful in treating Skin diseases.
• Myrobalan is good for aching Eyes.
• It provides relief from Cough, Cold, Sore Throat, Asthma, and Inflammation.
• It helps in the treatment of Bleeding and Loose Gums.
• It is detoxicant and helps in neutralizing the Cholesterol level in the body.
• It helps in the production and elimination of urine from the body. Thus, it helps in reducing the risk of urinary tract infection.
• It cures the problem of Delusion.
• It helps in improving and maintaining the correct Body weight.
• Regular consumption of Myrobalan will help in the reduction of skin problems. Grounded Myrobalan, when applied over skin, will help in the cure of acne, sunburns, rashes, eczema etc.

Ayurvedic Health benefits of Myrobalan

• Burns: Burn Chebulic Myrobalan. Grind it. Mix it with Vaseline. Apply on the burnt part.
• Pleurisy: Prepare a decoction by boiling 25 grams Myrobalan with 8 folds water until it remains 1/4 part. Filter and drink.
• Anemia: Heat ghee and add Myrobalan powder.Mix honey. Give two tbsp once a day to an anemic patients.
• Mumps: Grind Myrobalan to make paste. Apply it over the Mumps.
• Constipation: Heat Ghee and add Myrobalan powder. Mix Honey. Give two tablespoon once a day to anemic patients. OR Consume 1 fruit of Myrobalan per day with Salt.
• Anti–microbial: Prepare a decoction of Myrobalan fruit. Drink 30 ml of it once a day
• Cardio–tonic: Consume 1 tsp extract of Myrobalan with lukewarm water. Have it once a day.
• Wounds: Wash your Wounds with decoction of Myrobalan.
• Asthma: Chew 2 g dried fruit of Myrobalan at night.
• Baldness: Boil 5 g Myrobalan powder with 15 ml Coconut oil. Apply it on your Scalp and Hair thrice a week.
• Gum Diseases: Use dried fruit powder of Myrobalan as Tooth powder.
• Grey Hair: Prepare a decoction using fruits of Myrobalan. Use it for Head wash.
• Aphthous Ulcers: Add half tsp Myrobalan fruit powder in a cup of Buttermilk. Use it as Mouth wash.
• Candidiasis: Make a decoction using fruit of Myrobalan. Wash your Vagina with it. (NOTE: Do not use when Pregnant.)
• Digestive disorders: Myrobalan has a good digestive quality. It helps to digest the food and also increases the appetite. Take half a teaspoon of Myrobalan powder every day.
• Piles: Put 2 tablespoons of Myrobalan in half a bucket of water. Immerse your buttocks and hips in the water for 10 minutes. Do this before bath for getting relief in Piles.
• Leucorrhea: Take dried 2 to 3 pieces of Myrobalan for Vaginal Discharge.
• Body ache: Take equal quantities of the roots of Punarnava, Bitter Gourd, Apamarga, Pergularia Daemia, Wood Apple, Black Pepper, Garlic, Myrobalan, Long Pepper, Sweet Flag and Cat Tail Plant. Add Neem bark. Grind them. Boil them properly with Sesame Oil. Apply it on the affected part.
• Spermatorrhoea: Take equal quantities of Acacia Nilotica gum and Myrobalan. Grind. Take 1/2 tablespoon with 1 tablespoon of Honey for ten days.
• Bad Breathe: Take half cup of Azadirachta Indica bark, Myrobalan, One cup of aerial roots of Banyan, One tablespoon Cloves and One tablespoon Camphor. Use this mixture as a tooth powder thrice a day after meals.
• Constipation: Grind Indian Gooseberry, Myrobalan and Terminalia Bellirica together. Take one teaspoon powder once a day for 7 days.
• Dysentery: Take equal amount of Sweet Flag’s root, Long Pepper, Black Pepper, dried Ginger, rind of Myrobalan and rock salt. Grind them all to make fine powder. Take quarter teaspoon of the powder with lukewarm water or Honey.
• Indigestion: Grind equal amount of Sweet Flag’s root, Long Pepper, Black Pepper, dried Ginger, rind of Myrobalan and rock salt. Crush them all to make powder. Take a pinch of the powder with lukewarm water or Honey.
• Rheumatism: Mix equal amount of Sweet Flag’s root, Long Pepper, Black Pepper, dried Ginger, rind of Myrobalan and rock salt. Grind them to make powder. Take a pinch of the powder with lukewarm water or Honey.
• Stomach Rumble: Take equal quantity of Sweet Flag’s root, Long Pepper, Black Pepper, dried Ginger and rind of Myrobalan. Add rock salt in it. Grind it. Take 10 gram of the powder with Honey.
• Cough: Mix and make decoction of Adhatoda Vasica leaves, Raisin, Myrobalan. Add sugar to taste and drink.
• Itching: Cut the thorns of Aloe Vera’s leaf with knife. Split it in halves. Warm it over flame. Sprinkle powdered Myrobalan over it. Tie this treated leaf on affected part.
• Aphthous Ulcers: Take equal quantity of dried leaves of Berberis Aristata, Jasmine, Licorice and Myrobalan. Grind them to make powder. Again sieve the powder to get fine powder. Take 1 tsp of the powder and add same quantity of Honey. Mix well to make paste. Apply it over mouth ulcers.
• Weak Eyesight: Take 50 gram Coriander Leaves, 1 teaspoon Dried Indian Gooseberry Powdered, 1 teaspoon Dried Powdered Myrobalan and 1 teaspoon Dried Powdered Baheda. Put all ingredients in a jar. Grind. Add salt according to your taste. Eat it with your meal.
• Kidney Diseases: Take 3 tablespoons Asphaltum, 1 tablespoon Indian Gooseberry, 1 tablespoon Myrobalan and 1 tablespoon Baheda. Powder them together. Have 2 pinches twice a day.
• Pleurisy: Grind 10 grams Terminalia Chebula, Dry Ginger, Rock Salt and Black Pepper corns with some Water. Take Half tablespoon regularly.
• Pleurisy: Take Dry Ginger, Black Pepper, Terminalia Chebula, Indian Rhubarb and Black Salt in equal quantities. Grind well and take 1 tablespoon daily to get relief in Pleurisy.
• Gout: Take Terminalia Chebula by adding Jaggery. Have two tablespoon two times a day.
• Asthma: Combine Terminalia Chebula and Ginger in equal Quantity. Take one tablespoon once a day.
• Hydrocele: Take dried fruit powder of Myrobalan, roasted Long Pepper powder and rock salt in equal quantity. Mix them properly. Add some water to make dough. Make equal size tablets with it. Dry and store them. Take 3 tablets in a day before half an hour of every meal. Use it for 2 months.
• Arthritis: Take equal quantity of Myrobalan, Carom and Dried Ginger. Grind them together. Have one teaspoon with lukewarm water once a day.
• Conjunctivitis: Take 10 gram Indian Gooseberry, 10 gram Terminalia Bellirica and 10 gram Terminalia Chebula. Take 2 glass of water. Put all ingredients in water and soak it for overnight. Strain and cool. Wash eyes with this water.
• Constipation: Grind equal quantities of Beleric Myrobalan, Amla and Myrobalan. Take one tablespoon before retiring at night. It cures Anemia, Constipation, Indigestion and Spermatorrhoea.
• Flatulence: Take 2 tablespoon Black Salt, 1 tablespoon Indian Gooseberry Powder, 1 tablespoon Mango Powder, 1/2 tablespoon Common Salt, 1/2 tablespoon Terminalia Chebula Powder, 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Powder, 1 teaspoon Carom Crushed, 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Crushed and 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice. Mix all ingredients. Have 2 pinches after meal once a day.
• Baldness: Take equal quantity of Aloe Vera, Indian Gooseberry, Terminalia Bellirica and Myrobalan. Grind them together. Massage your scalp with this mixture for 6 months. This formula promotes growth of new hair.
• Diarrhea: Take 30 g pulp of raw Myrobalan with 10 g Honey, 8 g Cloves and 5 g Cinnamon. Grind them to make paste. Take 4 g of it once a day.
• Piles: Mix equal quantity powder of Castor and Myrobalan. Take 3 g of it during bedtime.
• Whitlow: Roast 4-5 Myrobalan without seeds. Grind them with Tamarind pulp to make paste. Apply it over infected Skin.
• Acid Reflux: Take 3 g each of dried Myrobalan and Indian Gooseberry. Boil it in a cup of water. Drink once a day by adding 1 tsp Honey in it.
• Dandruff: Take Mango seed powder and Myrobalan powder. Add some Milk to make a thick paste. Apply on the scalp. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash with normal water. Repeat 2 to 3 times a week to get rid of Dandruff.
• Skin Toner: Add 1 to 2 tablespoon dried Ginger, 1 to 2 tablespoon dried root Withania Somnifera, 1 tablespoon of dried fruit of Myrobalan tree and 1 to 2 tablespoon of dried Lemon Peel. Make a decoction of it. Consume it once a day in the morning.
• Constipation: Prepare a decoction of Myrobalan and add 1 teaspoon of Cassia Fistula in it. Consume it before bed time.
• Hepatomegaly: Mix half teaspoon each of Jaggery and powdered peel of Myrobalan. Consume it with one glass of lukewarm water daily in the morning and evening for one month.
• Jaundice: Grind 50 grams of both Myrobalan and Sugar Candy individually to prepare into a fine powder. Strain off this powdered Myrobalan in Sugar Candy powder. Consume 5 grams of it with lukewarm water. Repeat this method two times a day.

Culinary uses

• Sour fruits are edible as well and used in the manufacture of black salt.
• Seed are eaten as a snack. They have a flavor reminiscent of almonds or filberts.
• Edible oil is obtained from the seed.
• Sour fruits are eaten in salads, preserved in brine or fried.
• Yellow to orange-brown obovoid fruit is 25 – 50 mm long.
• It has a distinctive smoky flavor and is a main ingredient of the spice blend known as chat masala.

How to take in Seasons

For best results Myrobalan is combined with other Herbs. The choice of herb depends on the present season.

• In the rainy season, Myrobalan is given along with Rock Salt.
• Myrobalan is recommended with Sugar in autumn season.
• In the early winter season, Myrobalan is given with Ginger.
• In the winter season, Myrobalan is combined with Long Pepper (Pippali).
• During the spring season, Myrobalan is given along with Honey.
• Myrobalan is combined with Jaggery in summers.

Dosage

Myrobalan powder is recommended in dosage between of 1 to 6 grams daily. It should be taken with another herb depending upon the disease and season. The dosage can be taken singly or divided into parts. Prior discussion with a qualified Healthcare Practitioner is must before use.

Other facts

• It contains tannin thus used in calico dyeing and printing.
• Wood is very hard, heavy, and strong but not durable. It is used as construction and furniture material and many others.
• Sour fruits are a major ingredient of ‘Triphala’, a rejuvenative, laxative tonic based on this species plus the fruits of Phyllanthus emblica and Terminalia belerica.
• It is also an ingredient of ‘amrit kalash’, another famous Ayurvedic tonic formula.
• Fruits are also used in calico dyeing and printing, both as auxiliaries and as dyes; their tannins act as mordents to fix the dyes onto the cotton cloth and the unctuous consistence of the pulp makes the surface of the cloth suitably smooth to receive fine printed or painted designs.
• Yellow dye can be prepared from the fruits plus alum; a black dye and ink can be prepared from the fruits plus iron.
• Myrobalan is also used as a mordant for the basic aniline dyes.
• Other parts of the plant such as roots, bark, wood and leave, also contain tannin, but less than the fruits.
• Flowers give a yellow dye, used for painting yellow and green details on calicos.
• Transparent oil is obtained from the seed.
• Heartwood is usually quite small, it is dark brown to reddish-brown; it is sharply differentiated from the spawood, which is yellowish-grey to grey, sometimes with a greenish tinge.
• Wood is very hard; heavy to very heavy; strong and tough; not durable unless under cover. It is very difficult to saw, to season and to work.
• It is used as construction timber and for furniture, carts and implements.
• From a spiritual point of view, it opens up the third eye or pineal gland and helps to create enlightenment.

Side Effects of Myrobalan Powder

Despite all of its health benefits, Myrobalan does have some side effects to be aware of. Here are the main precautions to be aware of when using powdered Myrobalan as a natural treatment.

1. Avoid during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The main precaution for women using this natural remedy is to avoid it when pregnant or breastfeeding. The herb is specifically contraindicated in Ayurveda during pregnancy and it may also reduce breast milk production for new mothers. Overall, it’s best to avoid using any parts of the Myrobalan tree when nursing a child, whilst pregnant and even for a woman trying to conceive a baby.

2. Blood Sugar Effects

While Myrobalan ability to lower high blood sugar levels is generally seen as beneficial for those at risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome, it may not be suitable for diabetic patients on glucose lowering medication. Talk to your doctor first before using Myrobalan powder regularly if you’re using prescription drugs for high blood sugar levels. In addition, it should be stopped for two weeks before major surgery for its effect on blood sugar control during an operation.

3. Diarrhea and Dehydration

Taking too much powdered Myrobalan fruit may cause temporary diarrhea and other digestive problems like bloating and excessive gas. These intestinal issues should clear up within a day or two. If they don’t, then stop using it for a few days and then try again at least half the dosage or lower to build up your tolerance to the herb.

Additionally, is not recommended to start taking it when you are dehydrated or already suffering from diarrhea or other serious digestive issues due to its strong astringent properties. An exception to this would be when constipated for which it is a well-known natural cure. See the dosage information ahead for how to use this herbal remedy if you are suffering from constipation.

4. Other Side Effects and Precautions with Myrobalan Powder

Ayurvedic medicine specifically warns that Myrobalan is not recommended for those suffering from fatigue; after fasting; when underweight or recovering from illness; for women who have just experienced heavy menstruation; and for those who have indulged too heavily in alcohol or sexual activity.

References