Health Benefits of Chebulic Myrobalan

Well Known as 'Harra' or 'Haritaki,' or 'Kadukkai'

The medicinal and health properties of Chebulic myrobalan (Ink-nut Tree) or Terminalia chebula Retz (Botanical Name) have been recognized for over two thousand years. It is known as 'Harra' in Hindi, 'Haritaki,' in Sanskrit and 'Kadukkai' in Tamil.

You might have noticed Chebulic myrobalan as medium to large sized tree with egg-shaped long leaves and flowers in dull white color. You can recognize this small size fruit on seeing the five distinct ribs on its body. This indigenous tree is widely distributed in Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Central India and South India.

What makes the healing properties of the herb? The magical ingredient in chebulic myroblan, that helps all these ailments, is a chemical called chebulinic acid. This chemical gives chebulic myroblan its sour taste, as well as its medicinal properties. In addition the herb also comprises tannic acid, gallic acid, resin and some purgative principle of the nature of anthraquinone.

Our Ayurvedic and Siddha physicians of ancient India used it in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, heart-burn, flatulence, dyspepsia and liver and spleen disorders. It has been widely used as one of the ingredients in the Triphala and various other Ayurveda and Siddha formulations.

According to Siddha system, (Siddha = sages), our human body is a wonderful replica representing the entire universe. The criterion by which an organism originates depends on 96 constituent principles. To elevate the soul on its spiritual journey, the Siddhas formulated an applied alchemy, the Kaya Kalpam (long-life elixir). Kaya means 'body, mind and psyche' and Kalpa means 'transmutation'. Kayakalpa is a transformative approach to health and consciousness to prevent and free from chronic diseases. It is because of its unique medicinal properties, and its healing power, this long-life elixir, Chebulic myrobalan is often known as the 'Kayakalpa.' The Siddha sages have prescribed like this: Consume Ginger in the morning; Dry Ginger in noon and Chebulic myrobalan or Kadukkai in the evening to keep your self young.

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