Haritaki
powder
for
constipation
Constipation is
a common
problem
which
usually
refers to
persistent, difficult,
infrequent, or seemingly
incomplete defecation. Other expressions
of constipation include passage of unduly dry and hard faeces,
sluggish action of bowel, etc. It is important to note that it is
virtually impossible to define what constitutes a “normal bowel
movement” in terms of frequency.
Generally, frequency of bowel evacuation
varies from
person to
person. As
per a
person’s
tendency, lifestyle
and dietary habit, frequency of defecation of 1-2 per day to thrice
a week is considered as normal bowel habit for that
individual, unless
it creates
any
discomfort
or disturbs
his routine
life. The
volume of
stool passed differs greatly in different
races.
Unsatisfactory
bowel
evacuation
is the
chief
condition
for
diagnosis of
constipation.
Some other
symptoms
which
accompany
or result
from constipation
are
indigestion,
flatulence,
abdominal
pain or
discomfort, headache and sleeplessness.
The retention of hard faecal masses may give rise to spurious
diarrhoea and in extreme situations can lead to intestinal
obstruction especially in frail and bed-ridden older individuals.
Various
causative factors for constipation are given
below.
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Related to diet factors:
- Too bland food, e.g. with low fibre residue
- Too dry and astringent food
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Intake of hard water
- Metabolic disease like hypothyroidism
Traditional
Herbal Remedies for Primary Health
Care
- Obstructive diseases of lower gastrointestinal tract
- Drugs: opium, iron, blood pressure medicines
- Irregular bowel habit
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Depressive disorders
- Old age
- Suppression of natural urge of defecation
In Ayurveda, various laxative drugs are
mentioned to treat such
conditions. Out of these Haritaki
powder is a simple herbal laxative
which is frequently used for treating constipation following certain
lifestyle changes. Some do’s and don’ts given in the Ayurvedic
texts are helpful in preventing
constipation:
- Persons suffering from constipation should not ignore defecation urge nor should they strain for a long time to pass out stools.
- Drinking of warm water and milk improves intestinal movements and is beneficial in relieving constipation.
- Much deviation from the normal timing of meals and quantity of food should be avoided. It is beneficial to take soft, digestible and semi-solid food.
- Heavy and untimely meals, eating food before the digestion of earlier food, and intake of dry, astringent and cold foods hamper intestinal movements adding to constipation.
- Regular walking, physical activity and deep breathing and certain edibles like, ginger, lemon, resins, dates, figs and almond oil help in alleviating constipation.
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz.)
Haritaki powder
is a simple formulation made of its dried ripe fruits. The plant is
also named as Pathya,
owing to its beneficial effect for the channels (patha) of the body.
It is not only used for
constipation but for various
gastrointestinal and systemic problems. Scientific studies
have
established2,7
its
stomachic,
laxative
and
anti-flatulence actions1.
Judicious
use of
Haritaki
with
necessary
dietary and
lifestyle changes can treat constipation
successfully as well as improve the physiological status of the
gut.
Composition
Haritaki
powder
is fine powder of dried ripe fruits of Terminalia
chebula.
English
name
|
Chebulic
myrobalan, Ink
nut
|
Latin
name
|
Terminalia
chebula
Retz.
|
Family
|
Combretaceae
|
Part
used
|
Dried
fruits without
seeds
|
A
fruit-bearing branch of
Haritaki
tree. Dried
fruits of
Haritaki.
Main chemical constituents2
Anthraquinone,
glycoside, chebulinic acid, chebulagic
acid.
Quality standards3
Identity,
purity and potency of Haritaki fruits
for its oral use is estimated on the basis of the following physical
constants:
Foreign
matter
|
Not
more than
1%
|
Total
ash
|
Not
more than
5%
|
Acid
insoluble
ash
|
Not
more than
5%
|
Alcohol
soluble
extractive
|
Not
less than
40%
|
Water
soluble
extractive
|
Not
less than
60%
|
Method of preparation
- Take dried fruits of Haritaki, remove their seeds and dry them further in the shade avoiding direct sunlight. Fruits should not have been harvested more than six months ago.
- Make fine powder in a grinder or pulverizer.
Traditional
Herbal Remedies for Primary Health
Care
- Sieve the powder through 85 size mesh to remove coarse fibers
and
other
particles.
- Keep the powder in a dry and air tight plastic or glass container and consume it within six months or before the next rainy season, whichever is earlier.
Dosage form
Brownish fine
powder.
Therapeutic Properties4
Haritaki
has laxative,
carminative, digestive,
antispasmodic, anthelmintic,
anti-microbial, anti-stress and endurance promoting properties.
Dose and mode of administration
To
achieve laxative action of Haritaki,
adult dose of powder is 3 to 6 grams and for children, the dose of
Haritaki is
500 mg to 1 gram, to be taken with lukewarm water once a day on an
empty stomach. It is preferably taken early in the morning or minimum
three hours after dinner.
Indication and uses
Haritaki
is
useful in
constipation,
haemorrhoids,
stomatitis,
hyperacidity and
associated gastrointestinal disorders.
Precautions and safety aspects
- No side or toxic effect of Haritaki is reported in classics with its recommended dose. Clinical studies have also shown no adverse effect in patients treated with Haritaki alone or with formulations.
- It should not be prescribed to pregnant women. It is safe for the baby if the nursing mother is taking this medication.
- The astringent and dry property of Haritaki may induce nausea in sensitive individuals. This may be masked by consuming it in tablet form or by preparing its decoction and adding jaggery to it.
- Dose of Haritaki as a laxative varies from person to person
according
to
their
constitution,
digestive
power
and
bowel
habit.
Administration
of
Haritaki
should
be
stopped
if
the
desired
effect
is not
achieved.
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