Haritaki

Question 1

What does the word haritaki mean?

Answer 1

‘to steel away any (vata) disease,’ especially from the GI tract

Question 2

What is it’s rasa?

Answer 2

All except salty

Question 3

What is it’s virya?

Answer 3

Ushna

Question 4

What is it’s vipaka?

Answer 4

Sweet

Question 5

What 2 gunas does it posses?

Answer 5

Light, dry

Question 6

What is it’s prabhava?

Answer 6

Rasayana

Pacifies all three doshas, but it’s main action is on V

Question 7

What are it’s 21 actions?

Answer 7

Rasayana, anti-aging, purgative, good source of minerals, promotes good color and complexion, brings purity and clarity to the mind, kindes agni, removes toxins, kills krumi, anti-flatulant, antioxidant, nervine, brain tonic, blood cleanser, diuretic, helps remove kidney stones, cleanses the intestines, liver and spleen; used externally it is an anti-inflmmatory

Question 8

In what 13 conditions is it indicated?

Answer 8

constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, rheumatism, gout, cold, congestion, cough, semenuria or leukorrhea, conjunctivitis, wounds non-healing mouth ulcers, arthritis

Question 9

In what 7 circumstances is it contraindicated?

Answer 9

Pregnancy, acute diarrhea or dysentery, UC, debility, malnutrition, severe dehydration (taking large amounts of haritaki produces dryness in the body)