Harad: Benefits and Side Effects

2022-02-16 00:00:00

Harad is an ayurvedic herb which is commonly known as Haritaki in ayurveda. It has multiple health benefits that can be helpful in controlling hair loss and promoting hair growth. It is highly rich in Vitamin C, manganese, iron, selenium and copper that provides optimal nourishment to the scalp.

Moreover, the oil in Harad seeds can be used to treat all kinds of digestive disorders. In addition, it facilitates bowel movements if you suffer from chronic constipation. Take Harad powder twice daily with water. It strengthens the immune system as it reduces cell damage due to its antioxidants and immunomodulatory activities.

Importance of Harad in Ayurveda

Harad is known to be the kingof medicinal plantsbecause it clearly balances all the three doshas in the body — vata, pitta and kapha.

Benefits of Harad

Digestion-

Harad can be useful in treating digestive problems because it has Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties that help ensure a clean and healthy intestine and extract nutrients from food. Also, Harad contains Rechana (laxative) property, useful in preventing constipation.

Immunity-

Due to the Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties present in Harad, it helps in improving the immunity.

Skin-

Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties in Harad reduces dead skin cells in the body and helps develop new cells to get rid of acne or skin diseases.

Arthritis-

Due to Harad's ability to balance Vata, taking Harad while suffering from arthritis/joint pain can be beneficial for treating arthritis as it increases the life of the tissues, bones and muscles that cause arthritis. Taking Harad with ghee is very helpful in balancing vata.

Hair fall-

Harad is known as the best herb for treating hair loss. It contains various properties that are useful for reducing the risk of hair fall such as vitamin C, iron, copper, magnesium and selenium. Due to the Rasayana (rejuvenation) properties of Harad, hair loss can be prevented.

Wound-

Harad treats cuts or bruises as it contains Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing) properties which reduces the chances of infection or diseases, thereby speeding up the healing process.

Cough-

Harad contains Kapha balancing properties which prevents cough as well as protects against viruses that can cause cough.

Weight loss-

Harad has Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties which are useful for weight loss because it reduces toxins in the body and maintains the digestive system. In addition, it increases metabolism.

Constipation-

Harad contains Rechana (laxative) property which helps in treating constipation and when taken at night in the form of a paste, it is more beneficial.

Precautions and Side effects of using Harad

• If your skin is hypersensitive, use Harad with coconut oil.
• It is recommended that you contact your doctor before taking Harad while breastfeeding or during pregnancy.
• It is not recommended for pregnant women to use Haritaki because it can decrease milk production for breastfeeding mothers.
• Harad should not be consumed for about two weeks after major surgery because of its effect on blood sugar control during surgery.
• It is advised to consult a doctor before taking Harad if the person is taking prescribed medication for high blood sugar.
• Harad is not recommended for people suffering from fatigue or illness. Harad is not recommended for women who are menstruating heavily or who have been drinking alcohol.
• It should not be taken after fasting or underweight.
• Harad has the widest effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Its cleansing effect ensures that nutrients from the stomach can pass through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream.

Where is it found?

Harad is found in medium-sized trees, found in hilly and wooded areas and up to 5,000 feet in the lower Himalayas, Assam, and Bengal, comprising six species, according to Sushrat and Charak Samhitas.