Harad: Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Harad is a plant-based tree that can be known by multiple names such as Terminalia chebula, Haritaki, Hirdo, etc. It is very famously utilized in India and is called Harad. It has various ayurvedic benefits which can be useful for health. Harad a herb that can be used to treat hair fall or any hair loss as it has various properties, which help manage hair growth. Harad is rich in Vitamin C, iron, copper, magnesium, and selenium, which are beneficial for hair growth as it provides nutrition to the scalp.

Moreover, the oil present in the Harad seeds can also be used to treat any gastrointestinal tract disease. Further, it provides aid in bowel movement and easy passing of stool if you suffer from chronic constipation. Take Harad powder along with water twice a day. It will help in boosting the immune system as it lowers down the cell damage because of its antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities.

Furthermore, if you use Harad powder, which is mixed with coconut oil in the form of a paste, it can be beneficial in the ailment of the wounds as it has astringent property in it. Harad is also helpful in protecting against any infectious mediators and helps in the prevention of skin infections. Harad extract has an important role in treating eye diseases as it has nerve tonic, which can be used on the eyelids for management of it. Along with so many explained advantages of Harad, there is some disadvantage to it also. If we consume Harad in excessive quantity, then it can lead to diarrhea. Also, if your skin type is oversensitive, then it is recommended to use Harad paste mixed in coconut oil. Otherwise, it can have serious effects on your skin.

Perquisites of Harad

• Weak digestion- Harad can be beneficial in treating digestive problems as it has Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties in it, which help provide a clear and healthy intestine and extraction of nutrients from food. Also, Harad contains Rechana (laxative) property, which is helpful in the prevention of constipation.
• Constipation- As mentioned in the above point, Harad contains Rechana (laxative) property in it, which provides aid in the management of constipation, and if Harad is taken in the form of paste at night, it is more beneficial.
• Weight loss- Harad has many other properties as well such as Deepan (appetize) and Pachan (digestive) which are beneficial for weight loss as it reduces the toxins present in the body and keeps up with the digestive system. Moreover, these will reduce the probability of gaining weight, and food will be properly digested, hence enhancing metabolism.
• Cough and cold- Harad contain properties such as Kapha balancing, which helps prevent colds and cough and keeps away the virus, which can lead to cold and cough.  
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For balancing Kapha present in Harad, take it with salt.

• Weak immunity- Due to the Rasayana (rejuvenating) property of Harad, longevity, and the immune system are improved and keep a person from getting any illness or disease.
• Skin disease- Due to Pitta balancing the property of Harad, it purified the blood and hence reduced the chances of getting any skin disease. Moreover, it also has Rasayana (rejuvenating) property, which lowers down the dead skin cells in the body and helps in the development of new cells for clearing out any acne, pimples, or any skin related disease. 
• Arthritis- Because of the Vata balancing property of Harad, if a person is suffering from arthritis/ joint pain, consuming Harad can be beneficial in the management of joint pain as it enhances the life of tissues, bones, and muscles, which are the cause of arthritis. Taking Harad with ghee is much helpful for balancing Vata.
• Alzheimer’s disease- Harad has Rasayana (rejuvenating) and Vata balancing properties, which helps in providing strength to the nervous system and reduces the chances of mental illness disorders like Alzheimer's.
• Acne- Due to its Ruksha (dry) and Kashaya (astringent) property, any acne, pimple, the scar can be reduced or removed with Harad's help.
• Hair fall- Harad is commonly known to be the best herb for treating hair fall. Harad has various properties in it, which is beneficial for lowering the chances of hair fall, such as Vitamin C, iron, copper, selenium, and magnesium. Also, due to the Rasayana (rejuvenating) property of Harad, hair fall can be prevented.
• Skin Allergy- Harad can also be beneficial for treating many skin disorders such as skin allergy, skin rash, urticaria, etc., as it has Ropan (healing) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) property in it. 
• Wound- Harad acts as a quick healer when used for the ailment of any wound or bruise. Harad contains Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing) properties, which reduces the probability of getting an infection or any disease, hence increasing the healing process. 

Measures to be taken while using Harad

Ayurvedic View

Usage of Harad

• Harad Powder-

1. Have ½-1 teaspoon of Harad powder as per the special recommendation of Ritu Haritaki-

1. During the spring season, have Harad along with honey.
2. During the summer season, have Harad along with jaggery.
3. During monsoon season, have Harad along with rock salt.
4. During the autumn season, have Harad along with sugar.
5. Early in the winter season, have Harad along with ginger.
6. During the winter season, have Harad along with long pepper.

• Harad Capsule-

1. Have 1-2 capsules of Harad.
2. Take it with water after having lunch or dinner.

• Harad Tablets-

1. Have 1-2 tablets of Harad.
2. Take it with water after having lunch or dinner.

• Harad Kwatha-

1. Have 4-5 teaspoons of Harad kwatha.
2. Mix it with the same water quantity and take it at least two times a day after having your food.

• Harad fruit paste-

1. Along with coconut oil, make a paste of Harad fruit powder.
2. Please put it on the wound or bruise for healing faster.

The ideal dosage of Harad

• Harad Churna- Have ¼- ½ teaspoon of Harad Churna at least two times a day.
• Harad capsule- Have 1-2 capsules of Harad at least two times a day.
• Harad tablet- Have 1-2 tablets of Harad at least two times a day.
• Harad powder- Have ½-1 teaspoon of Harad powder or as you require.

FAQs about Harad

How Harad is composed of? What are its chemical ingredients?

According to the scie3ntific view, Harad consists of many chemical constituents which provide exemplify benefits. There are numerous biochemicals present in Harad, such as phenolic compounds, hydrolyzable tannins, and flavonoids, which play a great role in providing multiple benefits. Moreover, Harad also has many medical advantages, like if we use Harad's fruit extract, it can be beneficial to maintain a healthy liver, spleen, and colon. Harad can also be beneficial for its good digestive tonic.

In what other forms, Harad can be bought in the market?

Harad can be bought in many forms and is easily available in the market. You can go to the nearest departmental store and have Harad in powder, capsule, or tablet form. Moreover, Harad paste can also be made using coconut oil, which can be applied to the skin.

Is there any way of storing Harad powder?

According to the scientific view, keeping Harad in a tightly sealed container and free of air is recommended. Also, keep the container in a cool or dry place, keep it away from the hot area or direct under the sun. Typically, Harad's life, which is kept in a container, is ideally 3 years, and it can be more if you keep it in the refrigerator.

Will Harad be beneficial in boosting the immune system?

Can we use Harad in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease?

According to the scientific view, yes, Harad can help treat Alzheimer's as it has anticholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Anticholinesterase leads to delaying the removal of amyloid plaques, and the antioxidant property in Harad inherits the development of free radicals. This causes neurodegenerative disorders in the body, just like Alzheimer's. Moreover, it is recommended to contact a doctor or physician before consuming Harad in case of such illness.

Is Harad beneficial in the treatment of cancer?

According to the scientific view, yes, Harad can be beneficial in the management of cancer. Harad consists of phenolic compounds which inherit cell production and apoptosis (cell death). It further helps in lowering down the spreading of cancer cells in the body. However, it is recommended to consult with a doctor or a physician before you consume Harad during cancer.

Can we use Harad for curing constipation and improving weak digestion?

According to the scientific view, yes, Harad can be beneficial in treating chronic constipation and acute digestive problems because it has laxative property in it, and it helps in the management of bowel movements making a clear passage for stool. Moreover, Harad can be utilized to promote good digestion.  

Can Harad be beneficial in the treatment of cold and cough?

According to the scientific view, yes, Harad or Terminalia chebula is beneficial in treating cold and cough as it promotes the immune system, which reduces the chances of getting any infections, hence preventing cold and cough. It has antitussive (relief of cough) and antiviral activity, which provide aid in managing cold and cough.  

Can we use Harad for treating arthritis?

According to the scientific view, yes, Harad can be used in the management of signs related to arthritis, such as joint pain. Harad contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce the risk of arthritis. It has chebulagic acid, which inherits the inflammatory proteins such as interleukins, which provide relief in the side effects caused due to arthritis such as swelling or pain in the joints.

Is Harad beneficial in the treatment of diabetes?

According to the scientific view, yes, Harad is beneficial in the treatment of diabetes and its management. Harad ethanolic extract manages diabetes by exciting the growth of beta cells that survive and release insulin, which helps maintain the blood sugar level.

Can appetite be benefitted from the usage of Harad?

Can Harad be used in managing diarrhea?

Can Harad be beneficial for the treatment of acne?

According to the scientific view, yes, Harad can be useful in treating acne because it has antibacterial properties in it. Harad inherits the development of Staphylococcus aureus (a microorganism which causes acne), which provides aid in reducing the pain or redness caused due to acne. 

Is Harad useful in the treatment of dental caries?

According to the scientific view, yes, Harad can be beneficial in the management of multiple dental problems like dental caries because it has antibacterial property in it. Harad inherits antibacterial activity, which fights against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus mutans (bacteria, which causes dental caries) and lowers down the infection.  

Will using the topical application of Harad helps in healing the wounds faster?

According to the scientific view, yes, if we use Harad's leaves and apply it to the wound, it can help heal the wounds or bruises quickly. There are tannins present in Harad, which contain a strong angiogenic activity and further help develop new capillaries in the wound area. Moreover, Harad can lead to slowing down the healing of wounds because it contains antibacterial property and inherits the development of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia.

Can we use Harad for treating or reducing headaches?

Can dandruff be controlled or reduced by using Harad?

Can Harad be used for treating eye disorders?

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