Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine that originated thousands of years ago, plays a key role in rejuvenating overall health and well-being. Ayurveda focuses on the use of herbs, and natural products in the management of different ailments. Haritaki is one such potent herb that has been used in traditional medicines for treating an array of health conditions. Fruits, roots, and bark of this wonder plant are used to prepare herbal formulations. This mystic plant is credited with astringent, rejuvenating, laxative, and purgative traits.

Having haritaki powder along with various adjuvants in different seasons is called Ritu Haritaki in Ayurveda and this formulation aids in sustaining health and increasing lifespan. As per the holistic science of Ayurveda, our mental and physical health varies according to environmental changes. Thus, we may need a distinct diet, medications, and adjuvants in different seasons to reap the maximum health benefits.

The main principle of the Ayurvedic system of medicine is preventive care that can be attained by modifying the diet and lifestyle in response to shift in climatic conditions. Ayurveda has revealed numerous formulae related to the diet and behaviour to acclimatize season. Haritaki (Harad) is a chief herb that can be consumed with different adjuvants according to seasons to gets its complete revitalizing benefits. As per the Charak Samhita, ritu haritaki is the key and most essential Rasayana that can be used in every season, but adjuvant should be different.

Also Read: Haritaki: Amazing Ways The Miraculous Herb Benefits You

Vasant Ritu

The Vasant Ritu indicates the spring season, where haritaki is best taken with honey to cure asthma, flu, strep throat, and other allergies.

Greeshma Ritu

Greeshma Ritu denotes the summer season, where haritaki is blended along with Guda (jaggery) to treat food poisoning, dehydration, sunburn, and typhoid.

Varsha Ritu

The Varsha Ritu means rainy season. In this season it is mixed along with Saindhava (rock salt) to cure fever, cold, flu, strep throat, and other maladies.

Sharat Ritu

Sharat Ritu means the autumn season in Ayurveda. Haritaki is best taken along with Sharkara (sugar) to heal common cold, flu, sore throat, ear infections and other respiratory problems.

Hemant Ritu

Hemant Ritu indicates the start of early winter. Shunthi (ginger) is combined with haritaki to cure infections, allergies, and other ailments.

Shishira Ritu

Shishira Ritu denotes the winter season. Haritaki is taken along with pippali (long pepper) to treat Cold, flu, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections.

Taking Haritaki (Harad) powder along with these seasonal adjuvants confer to enhance optimal physical and mental well-being. It primarily pacifies the aggravation of the Tridosha in the system and its balancing effects prevent almost all ailments and disease conditions.

Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas

Potent Medicinal Properties Of Haritaki

Haritaki is a wonder herb which is used in varied combinations to treat numerous ailments. Some of the effective ways of using Haritaki in medicinal practice include:

Antibiotics

The extracts of haritaki possess strong antibacterial properties against several bacterial diseases.

Antidiabetic Agent

The seeds and fruit extracts of haritaki are beneficial in lowering blood sugar spikes and aid in the treatment of diabetes. The richness of chebulic acid in haritaki increases insulin secretion, thereby controlling blood glucose levels.

Antifungal Agent

Haritaki extracts inhibit the growth of fungus. It is effective in eliminating toxins from the urinary tract and reduces the risk of infections.

Antiviral Action

The extracts are found to inhibit immunodeficiency virus and shield against damage caused by influenza.

Gastrointestinal Aid

Haritaki is well-known to cleanse the digestive system and support in treating constipation. The presence of tannin aids in detoxification and cleansing.

Hepatoxic Shield

The extract of haritaki fruit assists in averting hepatoxicity and safeguards the liver against damages.

Boost Metabolism

Haritaki detoxifies the gastrointestinal tract and increases the absorption of nutrients. It triggers the metabolism and helps the body to burn fat.