Harad
Harad
Harad is an herb which is commonly known as Harade in India. It has multiple Ayurvedic health benefits. Harad is an amazing herb that can be helpful in controlling hair loss and promoting hair growth. This is due to the presence of vitamin C, iron, manganese, selenium, and copper that provides optimal nourishment to the scalp. In Ayurveda textbooks, properties of Harad are mentioned in this sloka:
हरीतकी प चरसाइलवणा तुवरा परम्। रूक्षोष्णा दीपनी मेथ्या स्वादुपाका रसायनी॥
चक्षुष्या लघुरायुष्या बृंहणी चानुलोमिनी। श्वासकासप्रमेहार्शः कुष्ठशोथोदरक्रिमीन्।
वैस्वर्यग्रहणीरोगविबन्धविषमज्वरान् । गुल्माध्मानतृषाछर्दिहिक्काकण्डूहृदामयान्।।
Harad has Ruksha (dry), Deepan (appetizer), Medhya (intelligence improving), and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties. The use of Harad is beneficial for eyes and general weakness due to its Chakshuya (good for eyes) and Brahan (improves health) nature. It also helps to reduce body ache due to the Vata Anuloma (Vata balancing) property. Harad is also useful in reducing cough and its associated problems like breathlessness. It also helps in relieving digestive problems due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive).
The oil obtained from Harad seeds is used to improve the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. This helps promote bowel movement and promote the easy removal of stool in case of chronic constipation. Taking Harad powder (mixed with water) two times a day helps boost the immune system by reducing cell damage due to its antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities.
Applying Harad powder along with coconut oil in the form of paste is used to heal wounds due to its astringent property. It also helps fight against infectious agents and prevents skin infections. Harad extract can also be applied on the eyelids to manage certain eye diseases as it acts as a nerve tonic.
In some cases, excessive consumption of Harad might cause diarrhea. Also, it would be advisable to use Harad paste with a carrier oil (coconut oil) if your skin is hypersensitive[2][3][7][8].
हरीतकी प चरसाइलवणा तुवरा परम्। रूक्षोष्णा दीपनी मेथ्या स्वादुपाका रसायनी॥
चक्षुष्या लघुरायुष्या बृंहणी चानुलोमिनी। श्वासकासप्रमेहार्शः कुष्ठशोथोदरक्रिमीन्।
वैस्वर्यग्रहणीरोगविबन्धविषमज्वरान् । गुल्माध्मानतृषाछर्दिहिक्काकण्डूहृदामयान्।।
Harad has Ruksha (dry), Deepan (appetizer), Medhya (intelligence improving), and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties. The use of Harad is beneficial for eyes and general weakness due to its Chakshuya (good for eyes) and Brahan (improves health) nature. It also helps to reduce body ache due to the Vata Anuloma (Vata balancing) property. Harad is also useful in reducing cough and its associated problems like breathlessness. It also helps in relieving digestive problems due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive).
The oil obtained from Harad seeds is used to improve the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. This helps promote bowel movement and promote the easy removal of stool in case of chronic constipation. Taking Harad powder (mixed with water) two times a day helps boost the immune system by reducing cell damage due to its antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities.
Applying Harad powder along with coconut oil in the form of paste is used to heal wounds due to its astringent property. It also helps fight against infectious agents and prevents skin infections. Harad extract can also be applied on the eyelids to manage certain eye diseases as it acts as a nerve tonic.
In some cases, excessive consumption of Harad might cause diarrhea. Also, it would be advisable to use Harad paste with a carrier oil (coconut oil) if your skin is hypersensitive[2][3][7][8].
What are the synonyms of Harad?
Terminalia chebula, Myrobalan, Abhaya, Kayastha, Haritaki, Hirdo, Alalekai, Katukka, Hirda, Harida, Halela, Kadukkai, Karaka[1].
What is the source of Harad?
Plant Based
Benefits of Harad
1. Weak digestion
Harad improves digestion by forming a healthy intestinal environment and by increasing the absorption of nutrients from the food. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. Moreover, Harad also has Rechana (laxative) property that can aid in constipation.
2. Constipation
Harad helps manage constipation if it is made a paste and taken at night due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
3. Weight loss
Harad helps to remove toxins from the body and keeps digestive system on track due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It helps manage weight by proper digestion of the food and by improving the metabolism.
4. Cough and Cold
Harad is good for preventing cough and cold naturally due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tip:
Take Harad with Salt for balancing Kapha.
5. Weak Immunity
Harad improves immunity and increases longevity due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property.
6. Skin disease
Harad helps manage skin diseases by purifying the blood due to its Pitta balancing nature. It also works by removing the dead skin cells and helps in the growth of new cells due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property.
7. Arthritis
Harad helps to manage joint pain and enhance the longevity of tissues, muscles, and bones due to its Vata balancing property. For Vata balancing effect take Harad with ghee.
8. Alzheimer's Disease
Harad gives strength to the nervous system and helps control its related disorders due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) and Vata balancing properties.
Harad improves digestion by forming a healthy intestinal environment and by increasing the absorption of nutrients from the food. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. Moreover, Harad also has Rechana (laxative) property that can aid in constipation.
2. Constipation
Harad helps manage constipation if it is made a paste and taken at night due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
3. Weight loss
Harad helps to remove toxins from the body and keeps digestive system on track due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It helps manage weight by proper digestion of the food and by improving the metabolism.
4. Cough and Cold
Harad is good for preventing cough and cold naturally due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tip:
Take Harad with Salt for balancing Kapha.
5. Weak Immunity
Harad improves immunity and increases longevity due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property.
6. Skin disease
Harad helps manage skin diseases by purifying the blood due to its Pitta balancing nature. It also works by removing the dead skin cells and helps in the growth of new cells due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property.
7. Arthritis
Harad helps to manage joint pain and enhance the longevity of tissues, muscles, and bones due to its Vata balancing property. For Vata balancing effect take Harad with ghee.
8. Alzheimer's Disease
Harad gives strength to the nervous system and helps control its related disorders due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) and Vata balancing properties.
Precautions when using Harad
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Harad during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Harad during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Harad
- Harad Churna - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Harad Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Harad Tablet - 1-2 tablets twice a day.
How to use Harad
1. Harad Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Harad powder according to the special Ritu Haritaki pattern:
i. In the spring season, take Harad with Honey.
ii. In the summer season, take Harad with Jaggery.
iii. In monsoon season, take Harad with Rock salt.
iv. In autumn season, take Harad with Sugar.
v. In the early winter season, take Harad with Ginger.
vi. In the winter season, take Harad with Long pepper.
2. Harad Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Harad capsule.
b. Swallow it with water after taking lunch or dinner.
3. Harad Tablets
a. Take 1-2 Harad tablets.
b. Swallow it with water after taking lunch or dinner.
4. Harad Kwatha
a. Take 4-5 teaspoon of Harad kwatha.
b. Add the same quantity of water and drink preferably once or twice a day after taking food.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Harad powder according to the special Ritu Haritaki pattern:
i. In the spring season, take Harad with Honey.
ii. In the summer season, take Harad with Jaggery.
iii. In monsoon season, take Harad with Rock salt.
iv. In autumn season, take Harad with Sugar.
v. In the early winter season, take Harad with Ginger.
vi. In the winter season, take Harad with Long pepper.
2. Harad Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Harad capsule.
b. Swallow it with water after taking lunch or dinner.
3. Harad Tablets
a. Take 1-2 Harad tablets.
b. Swallow it with water after taking lunch or dinner.
4. Harad Kwatha
a. Take 4-5 teaspoon of Harad kwatha.
b. Add the same quantity of water and drink preferably once or twice a day after taking food.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Harad contains various biochemicals such as hydrolysable tannins, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids which attributes to its therapeutic benefits. Harad has numerous medicinal benefits like its fruit extract is used for maintaining a healthy liver, colon and spleen. It is also known to act as a good digestive tonic.
Modern Science View
Harad is available is the market in the following forms such as:
Powder
Tablets
Capsule
Powder
Tablets
Capsule
Modern Science View
Keep Harad powder in a tightly-sealed container in a cool, dry place. The shelf life of Harad powder is approximately three years and can be extended if stored in the refrigerator.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1.Volume 1.
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Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.