Terminalia Chebula commonly known as Aralu (Sinhala) and Kadukkay (Tamil) is native to Southern Asia and is found in the forests throughout India and Sri Lanka. It is also called Haritaki, Hari meaning "that which steals" and taki meaning "that which cleans and enhances the glow of skin." Basically, Haritaki is a fruit which removes all diseases from the body and bring lustre and shine to the body.
Terminalia chebula is a tree with a rounded crown and spreading branches. The tree’s trunk towers from 40 to 70 feet. The leaves are alternate and arranged on the ends of the branches (hence the name Terminalia). The 10-stamened flowers are white or yellowish, and borne in racemes or spikes. This tree yields smallish, ribbed and nut-like fruits which are picked up when still green. The fruit is a drupe about the size of a large plum. It is sweet, sour and astringent in taste. It is bitter and pungent.
In Ayurveda, Aralu is one of the most frequently used herbs. It is also used as a key ingredient in various herbal preparations such as "Triphala" which meanes ‘three fruits." The three fruits are Aralu, Bulu and Nelli. Each one is great in its own right, but combined they become Triphala, one of the most important herbal preparations in Ayurveda for balancing the human body. Triphala has many benefits and it includes protection and enhancement of the functions of the body organs such as the eyes, skin, and heart. It also cleanses the body. In its most natural form, triphala is known as the most effective combination of herbs that can cleanse the colon, keep the liver healthy, and flush out body toxins. It effectively regulates the functions of the digestive system, while enhancing the strength of the immune system, lungs, urinary tract, and the muscles.
The Aralu fruit is harvested when green. It has a combination of complex flavors which include sweet, sour, astringent and bitter aspects. It may be eaten raw, dried or boiled. It can be acquired whole, dried, powder or liquid form.
The fruits have strong antibacterial, laxative and cardiotonic properties. They prevent the growth of many harmful intestinal bacteria. These fruits are beneficial for the five senses as they improve their receiving powers. The paste of the fruit is effective in reducing swelling, hastening the healing process and cleansing the wounds and ulcers (of both mouth and stomach). It also gives relief to the eyelids, in case of conjunctivitis and can be used as an eyewash for relief from other eye-infections.
Gargling with a decoction made from the fruits is very good for fighting oral ulcers, stomatitis and sore throat. The Aralu fruit mixed with dry ginger powder and hot water is used for treating asthma and hiccups. This fruit is used for fighting many diseases including leprosy, chronic as well as intermittent fever, narcosis, diarrhea and anorexia. Its fruit pulp increases the oxygen levels of the blood, thereby promoting longevity of tissues. These fruits are used for fighting many digestive disorders such as flatulence, distention and parasitic infections. A decoction of this fruit is used to fight against hepatitis and obesity.
A paste of Aralu mixed in water is found to be anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Its decoction is used as a lotion in a surgical dressing for healing wounds. It reduces lipid deposits in the blood and liver. When consumed with honey, it helps reduce cholesterol. Its powder is a good astringent for loose gums, bleeding and ulceration in gums. Powdered Aralu is used along with ghee and honey for curing anemia. It is good for chronic cough, sore throat and asthma. It is useful in treating skin disorders with discharges, like allergies. It is also used to treat chronic fever.
Regular consumption of Aralu powder promotes longevity and boosts energy. Long term, it aids in weight gain in underweight individuals and weight loss in obese persons. When taken with meals it sharpens the intellect and stimulates the senses. The herb helps to expel urine, stool and other waste from the body and prevents the formation of urinary stones. Aralu reduces the ill effects of fat rich, creamy and oily food. Aralu is the definite aid for persons who habitually overeat.
In the international market, the fruit of this herb is dried, capsuled and made available in bottles as herbal supplements. The popular Ayurveda blend "Thriphala" is available in tablet or syrup form both locally and internationally. It is taken by many to aid in weight loss and it also promotes digestion.
In the international market, particularly in India, a range of daily personal care products are manufactured using this valuable herb. Herbal face packs, anti-cellulite oil, herbal shampoos and conditioners, herbal hair tonics, toothpaste, herbal ointments and body wash are just some of the products currently available internationally. While Sri Lanka does manufacture some of the above products from Aralu, more research and product development is needed to manufacture innovative products.
The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment or care.
A version of this article was first published in the Sri Lankan Newspaper- Island
Terminalia chebula is a tree with a rounded crown and spreading branches. The tree’s trunk towers from 40 to 70 feet. The leaves are alternate and arranged on the ends of the branches (hence the name Terminalia). The 10-stamened flowers are white or yellowish, and borne in racemes or spikes. This tree yields smallish, ribbed and nut-like fruits which are picked up when still green. The fruit is a drupe about the size of a large plum. It is sweet, sour and astringent in taste. It is bitter and pungent.
In Ayurveda, Aralu is one of the most frequently used herbs. It is also used as a key ingredient in various herbal preparations such as "Triphala" which meanes ‘three fruits." The three fruits are Aralu, Bulu and Nelli. Each one is great in its own right, but combined they become Triphala, one of the most important herbal preparations in Ayurveda for balancing the human body. Triphala has many benefits and it includes protection and enhancement of the functions of the body organs such as the eyes, skin, and heart. It also cleanses the body. In its most natural form, triphala is known as the most effective combination of herbs that can cleanse the colon, keep the liver healthy, and flush out body toxins. It effectively regulates the functions of the digestive system, while enhancing the strength of the immune system, lungs, urinary tract, and the muscles.
The Aralu fruit is harvested when green. It has a combination of complex flavors which include sweet, sour, astringent and bitter aspects. It may be eaten raw, dried or boiled. It can be acquired whole, dried, powder or liquid form.
The fruits have strong antibacterial, laxative and cardiotonic properties. They prevent the growth of many harmful intestinal bacteria. These fruits are beneficial for the five senses as they improve their receiving powers. The paste of the fruit is effective in reducing swelling, hastening the healing process and cleansing the wounds and ulcers (of both mouth and stomach). It also gives relief to the eyelids, in case of conjunctivitis and can be used as an eyewash for relief from other eye-infections.
Gargling with a decoction made from the fruits is very good for fighting oral ulcers, stomatitis and sore throat. The Aralu fruit mixed with dry ginger powder and hot water is used for treating asthma and hiccups. This fruit is used for fighting many diseases including leprosy, chronic as well as intermittent fever, narcosis, diarrhea and anorexia. Its fruit pulp increases the oxygen levels of the blood, thereby promoting longevity of tissues. These fruits are used for fighting many digestive disorders such as flatulence, distention and parasitic infections. A decoction of this fruit is used to fight against hepatitis and obesity.
A paste of Aralu mixed in water is found to be anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Its decoction is used as a lotion in a surgical dressing for healing wounds. It reduces lipid deposits in the blood and liver. When consumed with honey, it helps reduce cholesterol. Its powder is a good astringent for loose gums, bleeding and ulceration in gums. Powdered Aralu is used along with ghee and honey for curing anemia. It is good for chronic cough, sore throat and asthma. It is useful in treating skin disorders with discharges, like allergies. It is also used to treat chronic fever.
Regular consumption of Aralu powder promotes longevity and boosts energy. Long term, it aids in weight gain in underweight individuals and weight loss in obese persons. When taken with meals it sharpens the intellect and stimulates the senses. The herb helps to expel urine, stool and other waste from the body and prevents the formation of urinary stones. Aralu reduces the ill effects of fat rich, creamy and oily food. Aralu is the definite aid for persons who habitually overeat.
In the international market, the fruit of this herb is dried, capsuled and made available in bottles as herbal supplements. The popular Ayurveda blend "Thriphala" is available in tablet or syrup form both locally and internationally. It is taken by many to aid in weight loss and it also promotes digestion.
In the international market, particularly in India, a range of daily personal care products are manufactured using this valuable herb. Herbal face packs, anti-cellulite oil, herbal shampoos and conditioners, herbal hair tonics, toothpaste, herbal ointments and body wash are just some of the products currently available internationally. While Sri Lanka does manufacture some of the above products from Aralu, more research and product development is needed to manufacture innovative products.
The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment or care.
A version of this article was first published in the Sri Lankan Newspaper- Island