International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research Vol.6; Issue: 1; Jan.-March 2021 Website: ijshr.com Review Article ISSN: 2455-7587

Ritu Haritaki in Ayurveda: A Conceptual Study

Rangoli Rani Chouhan

Assistant Professor, Department of Swasthavritta and Yoga, Keshav Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital Aklera, Jhalawar (Raj.)

ABSTRACT and Charya (Seasonal regimen), Ritu Haritaki is a part of Ritu Charya ,when Ritu is also known as in modern science. season wise Haritaki powder is taking with The Ritu is a period of some days or months different adjuvant is called Ritu Haritaki. which is marked by changes in weather, There are seven types of Haritaki described growing vegetation e.g.- green and leafy in Ayurveda, names are Vijaya, Rohini, vegetables generally grows in Shishir- Hemant Ritu ( season), and changes in body is Putana, Amrata, Abhaya, Jivanti and marked by the strength of Agni (digestive chetaki. They all have different therapeutic power) and Bala (strength of body), by the effects like Amrata is used in purgation, fluctuation in the state of Vata, Pitta and Kapha Abhaya in ophthalmic disorders, Rohini for Dosha, to regulates these above condition healing ulcers, Putana for topical people must follow Ritu Charya (seasonal application, Vijaya and Jivanti can be used regimen). There is a perfect guideline given by in all type of diseased condition and Chetaki our Acharyas in the context of Ritu (season). In is a type of Haritaki which are highly this line Ritu Haritaki is also helpful to maintain effective for purgation, if any person only homeostatic condition of Vata, Pitta and Kapha passes by the shade of the tree they purgate Doshas, to maintain the strengthening of body immediately. In the text of Charaka and JatharAgni. As Acharyas says that MandAgni is the root cause of all diseases. In Samhita ACharya clearly mentioned about this article there is description about Ritu food which is regularly used by person in Haritaki and its benefits and how it works. his daily routine life there are Haritaki is the one of these food article which should be Key words: Haritaki, Ritu, RituCharya, Season taken regularly. So in this article there is a small description about Haritaki and its INTRODUCTION benefits according to seasonal regimen. Ritu means (season) and Charya Ritu Haritaki: To attain the vitalizing action means (guidelines), it is a seasonal of Haritaki, It should be taken with different guidelines for living, According to our additives which enhances the effectiveness ACharyas movement of sun is responsible of Haritaki according to season Ritu for the different types of Ritu (season), this Haritaki is as follows- divides a year into two parts one is Shishir Ritu (late winter) - with pippali Uttarayan And second one is Dakshinayan. Vasant Ritu ()-with honey Both Ayans have 6-6 months and 3-3 Ritu, Grisham Ritu () - jiggery In Uttarayan (Shishira, , ) Varsha Ritu (, Rainy)-rock salt and in Dakshinayan (Varsha, , Sarad Ritu ()-Sugar Hemant). Hemant Ritu (late autumn or early The prime principle of Ayurveda winter)-dried ginger science is Swasthyashya Swasthya Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula) has Rakshanam (maintain the health of healthy), five savours sweet, bitter, sour, pungent, To fulfil this purpose Ayurved Classics have astringent, it is free from briny taste (saline). been mentioned DinCharya (Daily regimen) Haritaki naturally hot in potency stimulates

International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research (www.ijshr.com) 172 Vol.6; Issue: 1; January-March 2021 Rangoli Rani Chouhan. Ritu haritaki in Ayurveda: a conceptual study. the digestive fire due to its carminative Shishir Ritu effect; it prevents the formation of gas in the It is the first Ritu of Aadan-Kala, digestive tract also helpful in relieving gas including Hindi month -FalGuna in easier way. approximately mid January to mid march is Rasa Panchak of Haritaki:- consider as Shishir Ritu. In this Ritu Rasa (taste) - Except saline all tastes (Rasa) environment become cold and dry due to are present clouds, winds and rains. The strength of the Guna (properties) - Laghu (light), Ruksha person is high in level, JathrAgni remains in (dry) a powerful state. Usually during this Ritu Virya (potency) – Ushana (Hot) Kapha Dosha deposition takes place. As Vipaka (post digestion effect) - Madhura follows Ritu Haritaki, Haritaki should be (Sweet) taken with Pippali, both are Ushna (hot) in Prabhav (benefits) - is helpful to cures potency, due to this property they pacifies Kustha (skin diseases including leprosy), Kapha and Snigdha Guna of Pippali pacifies Gulma (phantom tumour), Udavarta Vata. Haritaki and Pippali both are having (upward movement of air in abdomen), the rejuvenation properties, it is helpful in Pandu (anemia), Arsh (haemorrhoids) longevity of life, maintenance of health in chronic and irregular fever, Premeha healthy person and gives strength to body (urinary disease including diabetes and increases intellectual power and mellitus), Anaha (abdominal distension), memory. Common cold, Flu, Bronchitis, Jaundice, Bronchial Asthma, vomiting, strep throat and Norovirus(winter vomiting impotency also use in many more diseases. bug) are the common diseases in occurs in Shishir (winter) Ritu. According to the Contraindication to take Haritaki : Who Ayurveda sciences these kinds of diseases is suffering from indigestion, taking dry and also known as Urdhwajatru-Gata Vyadi spicy food for a long time, physically weak (Diseases which occurs in upper clavicular people who have low strength and immunity region) this area is already Kapha dominant due to excessive and regular sexual area, and in Shishir Ritu Kapha is more activities, alcohol consumption and intake prominent, Haritaki and Pippali is indicated of poison, in the condition of excessive in Kasa(coughing), Tamak Swash(Bronchial hunger, thirst and heat stroke Haritaki Asthma), Kapha Praseka(salivation), should not used. Chardi(Vomiting), Hikka(hic-cough), Ajirna(Indigestion),Pandu(Anemia), Krimi Special properties of different form of Roga(Intestinal worms) due to Dipana, Haritaki : If chewed it stimulates appetite, Pachana, Rochana and Dosha Parshamana( increased digestive fire, if it takes in Balancing between three Doshas) powdered form it has laxative effect, boiled Properties. Haritaki has anti diarrhoeal effect, fried Haritaki pacifies TriDosha, Haritaki with Vasant Ritu meals is beneficial for intellectual power It is the second Ritu of Aadan- Kala, and for the better perception from the sense including Hindi months Chiatra-Vaishakh organ and after meals it cures disease due to approximately mid march to mid may is wrong dietary habits and imbalance in three consider as Vasant Ritu. The season of biological humours (Tridosh), takes with flowering, new leaves, germination of seeds rock salt helpful in alleviating Kapha, with over all rejuvenation of Nature. There is a sugar helpful in alleviating Pitta, with ghee pleasant and calm environment. During this helpful in alleviating Vata. season diminution of JathrAgni occurs due to liquefaction of Kapha Dosha, which was accumulated in Hemant Ritu by the intense sunrays. Body strength is medium in Vasant

International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research (www.ijshr.com) 173 Vol.6; Issue: 1; January-March 2021 Rangoli Rani Chouhan. Ritu haritaki in Ayurveda: a conceptual study.

Ritu. According to Ritu Haritaki manner, In Varsha Ritu Vasant Ritu, Haritaki should be taken with It is a first Ritu of Visarga –Kala Madhu (honey). Madhu is having the including Hindi months Shrawan- lekhana (scraping), Grahi (moisture Bhadrapada approximately mid July to mid absorption capacity), Deepan (digestive), September is consider as Varsha Ritu. In Vranaropana (healing wounds), Aadan-Kala JatharAgni already in low state Rochana(appetizer) properties and Haritaki and in Varsha Ritu there is vitiation of all is having Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), three Doshas that’s why JatharAgni become Ushna (hot) and Anulomana (regulation of more decreases. Water vapour which is the provocation and suppression of natural coming out from the earth is responsible for urges) properties which pacifies Kapha and vitiation of all Doshas and rainy water prevents from the Common diseases of vitiates Vata and Kapha. The rain is Vasant Ritu like asthma, rhinovirus, flu, responsible for the acidity in water and gastroenteritis, strep throat, allergic vitiates Pitta and Kapha. People have to use conjunctivitis like condition which are general diet and regimens are recommended mainly occurs due to vitiated Kapha. Madhu in Varsha Ritu. As per Ritu Haritaki, during minutely enters in the channels and clears this season Haritaki should be taken with them and also Yogvahi in nature (Carries Saindhav Lawana. Common diseases of the properties of associated adjuvant) this Varsha Ritu are influenza, cholera, typhoid, increases the potency of combination. hepatitis A, Dengue, Malaria occurrence of these diseases mainly due to contaminated Grishma Ritu water. Haritaki and Saindhav Lawana It is the third Ritu of Aadan-Kala having the TriDoshamak (pacifying capacity including Hindi months Jyestha-Aashadha of all three Doshas) properties. Haritaki approximately mid May to mid July is pacifies Kapha and Pitta by its considered as Grishma Ritu. There is very Madhura(sweet), Tikta(Bitter) and hot and dry weather due to strong and Kshaya(astringent) taste and also balances penetrating sun rays which evaporates the the Vata due to its Amla(sour) taste. It is not moisture of earth the strength of the person increasing Vata and Pitta Doshas by its becomes very low. In this season Pitta pungent and sour taste because of its Dosha increases and environmental heat Prabhav(unspecified action) and Saidhava leads to diminution of JatharAgni. Lawana is having cold potency so pacifies Dehydration, heat stroke, chickenpox, Pitta Dosha, Due to salty taste it pacifies mumps, measles, diarrhoea, typhoid, Vata Dosha and Chest congestion(due to Sunburns are the common diseases found in sputum accumulation) relives by Saindhav Grishma Ritu(summer season) these Lawana hence it is pacifies Kapha Dosha diseases mainly due to vitiated Pitta Dosha. too. So there is a perfect combination for Haritaki should be taken with Guda rainy season. (jaggery) in this season, Guda (jaggery) must be old or stored, because only this type Sharad Ritu of Guda (jaggery) pacifies Pitta and Vata , It is the second Ritu of Visarga Kala increases digestive fire, does not block the including Hindi months Aswina- channels and also RaktapRasadak(Vitalizes approximately mid September to mid Blood or improves haemoglobin), November is consider as Sharad Ritu. The Mutrashodhan (clears urine), and Haritaki body which is habitual for rain and cold is also light, digestive, appetizing in nature environment then sudden exposure of sun so this combination are beneficial in above rays causes the aggravation of Pitta Dosha conditions. in Sharad Ritu. In this season extreme temperature and humidity is present in the environment, water of lakes, rivers and

International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research (www.ijshr.com) 174 Vol.6; Issue: 1; January-March 2021 Rangoli Rani Chouhan. Ritu haritaki in Ayurveda: a conceptual study. ponds is pure and intoxicated by due to rise them which are Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), of Agastya star. Strength of body is medium Ushana (hot). JatharAgni also in medium stat. Haritaki should be preferred with Sarkara (sugar) or CONCLUSION Mishri in Sharad Ritu. Haritaki pacifies Everyone wants a healthy life but in Pitta by its Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter) present Era it is hard to maintain the healthy and Kashaya (astringent) taste, Sarkara due life due to faulty diet habits and life style. to its Sheeta(cold) potency and Madhura There are many methods in Ayurveda to (sweet) taste , is also helpful in pacifying regulates the healthy status of life like Pitta Dosha. Allergies, skin disorders, DinaCharya (daily regimen), RituCharya burning sensation, sore throat, acute ear (seasonal regimen), sadvritta (good habits), infection, common cold, flu etc. are the Aachar Rasayan (to maintain social health) common diseases which manifests in Sharad etc. Ritu Haritaki is the one of among them. Ritu due to vitiated Pitta and Kapha. It is said that “As is the grain so is the Haritaki is indicated in Kasa (cough), mind”. Haritaki producing the wholesome Tamak Swasha (bronchial asthma) mainly in effect (the ones that helps to stay healthy) Kaphaj disorder and Mishri is indicated in “Haritaki Pathayanam”. In Ritu Haritaki , Pitta dominant disorders like Daha (burning Haritaki is recommended with different sensation), Raktagata Vikar (bleeding adjuvant in different season like pippali, disorders). jiggery, dried ginger etc., Adjuvant is an ingredient which modifies and enhances the Hemant Ritu strength and the qualities of principal It is the last Ritu of Visarga-Kala ingredient. including Hindi months Margshirshsa-Posha approximately mid November to mid REFERENCES January considers as Hemant Ritu. Cold 1. Bhavamisra Bhavaprakash(original text weather with cold winds becomes resistant along with commentary and translation) the internal Agni in its place, so Agni Comm. By Dr. Bulusu Sitaram, (digestive power) become more powerful to Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi 221001(U.P.) Edition; Reprint digest any kind of food. People should take 2012.P.N.Vol-1 Haritaki varga 6(2)/8 heavy, rich and nourished diet in more P.No.131 quantity like Cow milk and its products 2. Bhavaprakash(original text along with (butter, ghee etc.), sugarcane and its product commentary and translation) Comm. By Dr. (jiggery, sugar etc.) If people do not follow Bulusu Sitaram, Chaukhambha Orientalia, the heavy and nourished diet than Varanasi 221001(U.P.) Edition; Reprint JatharAgni affects the body and consumes 2012.P.N.Vol-1 Haritaki varga 6(2)/11-15, the tissues that increase Vata Dosha. P.No.131 Haritaki should be taken with Shunthi 3. Agnivesha Charaka Samhita, Comm. (dried ginger), Vata is already aggravated Chakrapanidatta’s Ayurveda Dipika, Ed. By due to cold weather during this Ritu, R.K.Sharma, Bhagwan Dash, Chowkhamba Series office, Varanasi, edition: Haritaki and Shunthi both are hot in Reprint 2013, Sutrasthana 5/12, P.No.109 potency and having sweet taste which is 4. Bhavamisra Bhavaprakash(original text helpful in balancing the Vata Dosha. along with commentary and translation) Diseases of this Ritu are mainly occurs due Comm. By Dr. Bulusu Sitaram, to vitiated Vata and Kapha Dosha like Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi common cold, sore throat,, arthritis, dry and 221001(U.P.) Edition; Reprint cracking skin , asthma, bronchitis, migraine, 2012.P.N.Vol-1 Haritaki varga 6(2)/34, pain in joints. Haritaki and Shuthi P.No.133 combination of both drugs are beneficial in 5. Agnivesha Charaka Samhita, Comm. Kaphaj and Vataj Vikar by the properties of Chakrapanidatta’s Ayurveda Dipika, Ed. By

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International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research (www.ijshr.com) 176 Vol.6; Issue: 1; January-March 2021