Harad, scientifically known as Terminalia chebula, is an ayurvedic herb from the Combretaceae family. Because of its extraordinary health benefits, it is also called the King of Medicine. The Harad plant is found in the Middle East and tropical countries such as China, India, and Thailand. It is a tropical, large, evergreen tree with thick black and cracked bark. Its seeds can be eaten as snacks. Fruits of Harad are yellow to orange-brown. It is also used as one of the ingredients of the popular ayurvedic formulation Triphala, which may be used for treating various stomach disorders.

Properties of Harad:

Harad is loaded with beneficial properties like:

It may show anti-inflammatory property

It may show anti-cancer activity

It may show heart-protective property

It may show antioxidant property

It may show anti-microbial

It may help protect the nerves

It may suppress the immune system

It may help improve cognition (mental action and acquiring knowledge)

It may show anti-diabetic (prevent diabetes) property

It may help protect the liver)

It may show anti-viral activity

It may show laxative properties (relieves constipation)

Harad Chilka for Overall Health:

In traditional systems of medicine, the fruits of Harad, have been extensively used in Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathic systems of Medicine. With various phytochemicals like polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, terpenes, and glycosides, Harad may show potential uses against many disease conditions.

Harad Chilka in Cancer:

The phenolic compounds present in Harad have shown good anti-cancer activity in laboratory trials. Harad fruit extract may have the potential the grow or increase the number of cancer cells and induce death in several types of cancer cells, including human breast cancer cells, human bone cancer cells, and prostate cancer cells in lab-scale studies. 

Harad as an Antioxidant:

The fruits, leaves, and bark of Harad exhibit potent antioxidant properties due to their phenolic compounds. Harad extract may disrupt free radicals (which cause damage to body proteins and DNA) and inhibit oxidizing enzymes in the body. This may help lower inflammation in the body.

Harad Badi Pili for Bacterial Infections:

Harad may exhibit anti-bacterial activity against many infectious bacteria like Clostridium perfingens and Escherichia coli. It might also be effective against Helicobacter pylori which causes stomach ulcers, gastritis (gastric inflammation), and stomach cancer. In addition, Harad seeds may negatively affect the growth of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella, and Klebsiella, which cause digestive tract infections. With larger human trials, we will be able to understand the true extent of the effects of Harad on humans.

Other Uses of Halela Zard:

It may help with conditions like ophthalmia (eye disorders), hemorrhoids (piles), bleeding gums, and mouth ulcers.

Its water-based paste may show anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and help heal wounds.

A decoction made of Harad fruit may be used as a gargle in oral ulcers and sore throat cases.

Its powder may be an effective astringent (applied to reduce bleeding) dentifrice for loose gums, bleeding, and gum ulceration.

Oral rinsing with Harad extract could help reduce the total bacterial counts in saliva samples. This protective effect lasted 3 hours after rinsing, indicating that Harad may play a role in preventing dental caries.

In India, Harad Big Yellow (Without Seeds), commonly known as Harad, is referred to by different names in various states. Here are some regional names:

Hindi: Harad

Sanskrit: Haritaki

Bengali: Horod

Gujarati: Harad

Marathi: Harad

Kannada: Harada

Tamil: Harada

Telugu: Harada

Malayalam: Harada

Other Names: Haleelaj, Ahleelaj, Ihleelaj, Haritaki, Hora, He zi, Chebulic Myrobalan, Bad amier Chébule, Myrobalan chébule, Chebulische Myrobalane, Hirdo, Himaja, Pilo-Harda, Hardo, Harad, Har, Anelekai, Har, Halela, Terminalia chebula Retz, Hirda, Haritaki, Harda, Hireda, Halela, Harar, Haser, Haritki, Halila, Harade, Hareer, Hirada, Harad without seeds , Terminalia chebula, Harar, Harad Badi Pili, Hirda, Harde, Haritaki, Harada, Harda, Harre, Harde, Harida, Haritiki, Harar harad big yellow without seeds harad chilka, Peeli Harad, Harithaki, Inknut, Harra, Halela Zard, Hartaki, Pathya, Kaduka, Kadukai, Halela Zard, Terminalia Citrina, Harra, Kadukkai