Top 10 Health Benefits of Harad

One of the essential ayurvedic herbs, haritaki, is derived from the seeds of the Terminalia chiluba tree. Although it is widely known as chebulic myrobalan, this is locally called Harad. 

Additionally, Harad is one of the essential components of "Triphala," used in various treatment methods in Ayurveda. A lot of health benefits of Harad are particularly pronounced for the digestive system.

Harad has multiple health benefits, and it also plays an essential role in traditional medicines. Nevertheless, a few of the most prominent benefits include:

1. Helps Prevent Diabetes

Harad's exceptional hypoglycaemic ability plays an essential role in lowering the body's blood sugar levels. 

Also, this fruit activates the pancreas cells' ability to produce insulin within the body and aids in slowing down the conversion of starch to glucose. As a result, daily consumption of Harad powder can significantly lower blood glucose levels and decrease different diabetic symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, etc.

2. Helps in Digestion

Harad is a traditional treatment for many gastrointestinal illnesses. This includes constipation, esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, diarrhoea, indigestion, heartburn, flatulence, peptic ulcer, and stomach pain. 

Additionally, its carminative properties aid in the digestion of food particles in the stomach and intestine. This promotes the release of digestive juices and improves nutritional absorption in the intestines. Furthermore, it also aids in removing intestinal gas, which in turn lessens bloating, gaseous pains, and abdominal distension.

3. Improves Sexual Health

Harad has many health advantages, but one of particular importance is that it dramatically enhances both male and female sexual health. This primarily results from the powerful effect of its “Rasayana” properties, which is the Sanskrit word for "alchemy". 

Also, being a natural aphrodisiac, it aids in lowering anxiety and mental stress while igniting the hormones that boost libido. Furthermore, it enhances both male and female fertility, addresses several problems with reproduction, and gives males more virility and endurance.

4. Enhances Cognitive Functioning

One of the primary herbal properties of Harad is it helps in building strong cognitive properties. The potent antioxidants and flavonoids in this myrobalan enhance memory function, attention, concentration, tranquillity, and alertness. 

So, individuals who take Harad in various forms notice a delay in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and dementia. Also, it enhances memory and helps with reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions. Additionally, the plant's neuroprotective components reduce mental stress and guard against memory loss.

5. Heals Infection and Wounds

Harad has potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal qualities that are used to treat wounds and speed up healing. Since ancient times, the bioactive chemicals in this fruit have been utilised to cure various skin conditions, including ulcers, sores, skin fungus, and much more.

6. Aids in Weight Loss

Harad is an effective fruit for burning extra fat. It abates unexpected hunger sensations and yearning for unhealthy foods. Besides those, it also detoxifies the body by eliminating AMA pollutants. But, most importantly, it improves metabolism and aids in weight loss by reducing the build-up of LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol or low-density lipoproteins, in the body.

7. Prevents Hair Loss

Harad also aids in preventing hair loss when used as herbal oil. This oil shields against dandruff and lice infestations in the hair. Since Harad powder is an excellent source of antioxidants and may serve as a detoxifier, consistently consuming it should enhance your hair. 

Additionally, it aids in preventing greying of the hair. However, to make Harad oil, warm a cup of coconut oil with three Harad pods in a jar until the mixture turns brownish. As it cools, softly massage your hair.

8. Boosts Immunity

Regular consumption of Harad powder fried in clarified butter (ghee) helps boost immunity. It also aids in boosting immunity, protecting against illnesses like the common cold and cough. 

It should be noted that individuals can also take Harad powder with honey to treat coughs. Additionally, it is found that Harad extract increases cell-mediated immune response, hence enhancing immunity.

9. Protects Against Arthritis

Harad may also treat rheumatoid arthritis. This fruit's acetone extract can effectively control arthritis by lessening the inflammatory effect. Additionally, an aqueous extract from the dried fruit of Terminalia chebula has anti-inflammatory properties. Besides arthritis, people can significantly reduce disease-related joint swelling by using Harad.

10. Helps in Achieving Spotless Skin

Harad has exceptional antibacterial qualities that make it helpful in treating acne. It is effective for skin with acne and ulcerations and can be treated with a paste made from Harad powder and boiling water. 

Additionally, Harad has also demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of skin allergies. Continuous cleaning of skin with Harad can help regenerate skin and treat eczema, sunburns, and rashes.

Harad has a wide range of properties, which can be used as follows:

• You can use the fruit paste to apply to the skin.
• Additionally, a decoction of the fruit can be used for gargling. 
• Oral usage of fruit powder is also recommended for bowel health.

Before intaking powder, tablets, capsules, etc., you must know the recommended dosage to avoid excess intake, which can cause a few side effects:

• Harad Capsule

Have 1 to 2 capsules per day after lunch or dinner. 

• Harad Powder

Consume ½ to 1 teaspoon of the powder daily or as a professional recommends. 

• Harad Fruit Paste 

You can mix Harad with coconut oil and apply it to bruises or wounds to heal faster. 

• Harad Tablets 

Have 1 or 2 Harad tablets daily after having lunch or dinner.

Even though Harad can immensely help to enhance your health, you should avoid utilising the product or taking supplements without consulting an ayurvedic physician or a medical professional. Additionally, excess consumption of Harad can result in dehydration, diarrhoea, weariness, or a lingering bitter taste.

Also, patients who already take medications to regulate their blood sugar, pregnant women and lactating mothers should abstain from using any Harad formulation with prior medical consultation.

Although in most cases, uses of Harad are recognised as safe, you must take a few precautions while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. In this regard, you must consult your doctor or a medical expert to analyse your situation and take the necessary advice.

Although Harad provides a wide range of health advantages, without consulting an Ayurveda physician or excessive usage may result in stomatitis, malnutrition, dehydration, severe fever, tiredness, rigidity of the jaw, and other pitta issues. 

Additionally, patients who already take sugar-reducing medications must avoid consuming them or should speak with a doctor before taking Harad because it lowers blood sugar. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, it is also prohibited for pregnant women and nursing mothers to use any Harad formulation without first consulting a doctor.

Hence, it is evident that the benefits of Harad are widely recognised and are one of the primary components of traditional medicines. But, before consumption of it, you must understand that you should avoid its overconsumption, and if you have any health issues, you must consult a medical professional first.