The medicinal and health properties of Chebulic myrobalan (Ink-nut Tree) or Terminalia chebula Retz (Botanical Name) have been brought out by the author in a way to help even to the novice to this herb as well as Ayurveda, an indigenous medicine practiced in India and its neighbourhood. The herb is also known as 'Harra' in Hindi, 'Haritaki,' in Sanskrit and 'Kadukkai' in Tamil.
He has discussed about the plant and details to identify this plant, its flower and fruit. What makes the healing properties of the herb? The answer given by the author is about 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.
The author proceeds to present home remedy for ailments such as digestion, bleeding, acidity, breathing problems, constipation, diarrhea and dysentery, mouth ulcers, skin problems, mumps, eye inflammation, hair falling etc.,
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.