Health Benefits of Chebulic Myrobalan

The medicinal and health properties of Chebulic myrobalan (Ink-nut Tree) or Terminalia chebula Retz (Botanical Name) have been recognized for over two thousand years. It is known as 'Harra' in Hindi, 'Haritaki,' in Sanskrit and 'Kadukkai' in Tamil.

You might have noticed Chebulic myrobalan as medium to large sized tree with egg-shaped long leaves and flowers in dull white color. You can recognize this small size fruit on seeing the five distinct ribs on its body. This indigenous tree is widely distributed in Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Central India and South India.

What makes the healing properties of the herb? The magical ingredient in chebulic myroblan, that helps all these ailments, is a chemical called chebulinic acid. This chemical gives chebulic myroblan its sour taste, as well as its medicinal properties. In addition the herb also comprises tannic acid, gallic acid, resin and some purgative principle of the nature of anthraquinone.

Our Ayurvedic and Siddha physicians of ancient India used it in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, heart-burn, flatulence, dyspepsia and liver and spleen disorders. It has been widely used as one of the ingredients in the Triphala and various other Ayurveda and Siddha formulations.

According to Siddha system, (Siddha = sages), our human body is a wonderful replica representing the entire universe. The criterion by which an organism originates depends on 96 constituent principles. To elevate the soul on its spiritual journey, the Siddhas formulated an applied alchemy, the Kaya Kalpam (long-life elixir). Kaya means 'body, mind and psyche' and Kalpa means 'transmutation'. Kayakalpa is a transformative approach to health and consciousness to prevent and free from chronic diseases. It is because of its unique medicinal properties, and its healing power, this long-life elixir, Chebulic myrobalan is often known as the 'Kayakalpa.' The Siddha sages have prescribed like this: Consume Ginger in the morning; Dry Ginger in noon and Chebulic myrobalan or Kadukkai in the evening to keep your self young.

Digestion

Due to its mild, safe and efficacious laxative properties the herb Chebulic myrobalan has been widely used in India as a home remedy. Regular consumption of powdered cherubic myroblan in the evening helps in correcting disordered processes of nutrition by which the organism ingests, digests, absorbs, utilizes and excretes food substance and restores the normal function of the system.

Bleeding

The decoction of Chebulic myrobalan is prepared by adding a couple of spoons of this powder in water and boiling it for a while to reduce the contents by half. In case of stomach ailments like hemorrhoids, the consumption of decoction helps to arrest secretion or bleeding and strengthens the stomach and promotes self healing. Its astringent property heals the hemorrhoids masses.

Acidity

Do you know that juice of chebulic myroblan is the best antacid? You can rely on this highly beneficial herb for the treatment of acidity and heart-burn. It brings down your acidity and neutralizes your pH. For better relief, just prepare a juice with chebulic myroblan and Indian gooseberry (amla). Just chew a piece of chebulic myroblan or its powder to alleviate your heart-burn.

Breathing Problem

Just chew a piece of chebulic myroblan or its powder every night, will reduce your breathing problem to the minimum.

Constipation

As you know chebulic myroblan is the mild laxative, it is the best remedy for your prolonged constipation. It is often prescribed by Siddha physicians for consumption only at bed time. Just consume either the powdered pulp of 2 or 3 fruits or the decoction to get immediate relief from constipation.

Diarrhea and Dysentery

This powder of the fruit pulp is often prescribed as an effective remedy for chronic diarrhea and dysentery. It is often advised to mix well in bowl with one spoon powder and a spoon full of pure honey and consume the mixture twice a day to get fast relief from diarrhea and dysentery.

Mouth Ulcers

You can make a paste with Chebulic myroblan powder and buttermilk / yogurt, and use it for treating your mouth ulcers, boils and such. You know that you can use the diluted decoction of chebulic myroblan as your mouth gargle for all oral inflammation. Suffering from tooth ache or gums problem simply apply the paste directly on your painful tooth or gums to get fast relief.

Skin Problems

You may wonder to know the properties of this herb in healing of chronic ulcers, wounds and scalds of your skin. You can prepare your skin ointment using fine powder of the fruit mixed with carrion oil (made from fat of an animal) and apply over your burns and scalds. See the healing power!

Eye Inflammation

The quick healing eye drops can be prepared from dilute decoction of chebulic myroblan. This will give quicker relief from swelling and inflammation. Mix few drops of decoction in distilled water and wash your eyes with this solution to relieve congestion in your eyes.

Mumps

You will get gradual relief from the problem of mumps. The treatment is simple! Just apply the thick paste of chebulic myroblan over the swelling. Often healing is quicker.

Hair Toner

The herb brings wonderful relief to hair graying or hair falling problems. If you can't believe this, just take the paste of the fruit and mix it in coconut oil and boil till the herb gets dissolved in the oil. Filter the oil and preserve it in a bottle. Just apply this oil on your scalp daily and massage it. Alternatively you can rinse your hair in diluted decoction before taking bath.

In our Siddha system we consider 'Food being the medicine and Medicine being the Food.' So the next time if you're suffering from these ailments don't forget to follow the remedial action shown in this post. So keep your eye on this wonderful herb Chebulic myrobalan and try home remedies for faster healing.