Is Haritaki Also Called Harad? An Ayurvedic Herb Explained

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the ancient healing system of Ayurveda, the fruit from the Terminalia chebula tree is a highly revered herb known for its restorative properties. The answer to "Is Haritaki also called Harad?" is a resounding yes, as Harad is simply the more common Hindi name for this botanical powerhouse.

Quick Summary

Yes, Haritaki and Harad are the same fruit from the Terminalia chebula tree, with 'Harad' being the Hindi name for the Ayurvedic herb known as 'Haritaki'. This versatile fruit is a cornerstone of traditional medicine for its myriad health benefits.

Key Points

Single Herb, Multiple Names: Haritaki and Harad both refer to the fruit of the Terminalia chebula tree; the difference is purely linguistic, with Harad being the Hindi name and Haritaki the Sanskrit.
Core Ingredient in Triphala: Haritaki is one of the three main fruits in the traditional Ayurvedic formula, Triphala, renowned for its synergistic health benefits.
Powerful Digestive Aid: Its primary use is to support digestive health, acting as a mild laxative, regulating bowel movements, and relieving common issues like constipation.
Antioxidant and Detoxifier: The herb is rich in antioxidants and helps detoxify the body by eliminating harmful toxins, boosting immunity, and supporting liver function.
Versatile Seasonal Use: The Ayurvedic practice of Ritu Haritaki involves taking the herb with different seasonal ingredients, like honey or rock salt, to maximize its benefits.
Holistic Wellness Support: Beyond digestion, Haritaki is used for boosting immunity, improving skin and hair health, supporting respiratory function, and promoting cognitive clarity.

Understanding the Dual Identity of a Single Herb

For many, navigating the world of traditional medicine can be confusing, especially with different names for the same botanical ingredient. The most important fact to understand is that Haritaki and Harad are one and the same—the fruit of the Terminalia chebula tree. Known in English as Chebulic Myrobalan, this fruit is a foundational component of Ayurvedic medicine, valued for centuries for its wide range of therapeutic effects.

The difference in terminology comes down to language. 'Haritaki' is the Sanskrit name, widely used in Ayurvedic texts and by scholars, while 'Harad' is its common name in Hindi and other regional dialects across India. This dual identity does not mean a difference in properties or uses; rather, it reflects the herb's deep cultural and historical roots across various regions and traditions.

The Versatile Uses of Haritaki (Harad)

Whether you call it Haritaki or Harad, this herb is a versatile remedy with an impressive list of applications. It is perhaps best known as one of the three ingredients in the famous Ayurvedic formula, Triphala, alongside Amla and Bibhitaki.

Digestive Health: Its mild laxative and digestive properties make it excellent for relieving constipation, bloating, and gas. It helps regulate bowel movements and improve overall gut function.
Detoxification: Haritaki acts as a gentle internal cleanser, helping the body remove accumulated toxins, known as 'Ama' in Ayurveda. This supports liver function and overall vitality.
Immune Support: Rich in antioxidants, Haritaki helps combat oxidative stress and strengthens the immune system, protecting the body from infections and illness.
Respiratory Wellness: It acts as a natural expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the respiratory tract and providing relief from coughs and congestion.
Skin and Hair Care: The herb's detoxifying and antibacterial properties benefit skin health, helping to clear acne, rashes, and inflammation. For hair, it nourishes the scalp, strengthens hair follicles, and may help prevent premature greying.

Comparison Table: Haritaki vs. Other Common Names

To clarify any confusion, here is a breakdown of the names and characteristics associated with this single, powerful herb.


Feature	Haritaki	Harad	Chebulic Myrobalan
Language	Sanskrit (Ayurveda)	Hindi (Common Name)	English (Botanical)
Botanical Name	Terminalia chebula	Terminalia chebula	Terminalia chebula
Key Uses	Rejuvenative, detoxifier, balances doshas	Digestive aid, laxative, immunity booster	Astringent, purgative, tonic
Forms	Powder (churna), tablets, decoctions	Powder (churna), tablets, decoctions, oils	Powder, paste, oil infusions
Cultural Context	Primarily used in ancient Ayurvedic texts and formulations	Widely known and used in Indian households	Used by botanical and health experts globally

How to Use Harad (Haritaki)

Using this herb effectively depends on your specific health goals and seasonal adjustments, as prescribed in Ayurveda. It is most commonly consumed as a powder mixed with warm water, ghee, or honey.

For Constipation: Mix half a teaspoon of Haritaki powder with warm water and take it before bedtime for a gentle laxative effect.
For Detoxification: A seasonal regimen, known as Ritu Haritaki, suggests consuming it with different ingredients throughout the year to align with natural seasonal changes. For example, with rock salt during the monsoon and with honey in the spring.
For Skin Conditions: A paste made from Haritaki powder and water can be applied topically to address skin blemishes, acne, and rashes.

Precautions and Dosages

While Haritaki is generally considered safe, especially as part of the Triphala formulation, excessive use can lead to side effects such as diarrhea, dehydration, and fatigue. It is important to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider to determine the correct dosage for your individual constitution and health needs. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as individuals with certain medical conditions, should avoid its use.

Conclusion

In summary, the distinction between Haritaki and Harad is purely one of language, referring to the same powerful fruit from the Terminalia chebula tree. This ancient Ayurvedic remedy has stood the test of time, proving its worth in supporting digestive health, boosting immunity, and promoting overall wellness. By understanding its origins and versatile uses, you can confidently integrate this beneficial herb into your health regimen, just as countless others have for centuries.

For additional scientific research on its pharmacological properties, see this study.

Frequently Asked Questions

The English name for Harad, or Haritaki, is Chebulic Myrobalan. It is the fruit of the Terminalia chebula tree and is known by various names across different regions.

There is no difference in the product itself, so one is not 'better' than the other. The terms Haritaki and Harad refer to the exact same herb from the Terminalia chebula tree. The choice of name often depends on regional and cultural familiarity.

Haritaki is known for numerous benefits, including improving digestion, acting as a mild laxative, supporting detoxification, boosting immunity, and promoting healthy skin and hair.

Yes, Haritaki can be taken daily, particularly when used in the context of the Triphala formulation or as a gentle digestive tonic. However, it should be consumed in moderation and in the correct dosage to avoid side effects like diarrhea.

The best way to consume Harad powder depends on your health goal. For digestion, mix a small amount with warm water before bed. For detoxification, Ayurvedic traditions suggest mixing it with different ingredients seasonally, such as rock salt in the monsoon or honey in the spring.

If taken in excessive amounts, Haritaki can cause side effects such as digestive discomfort, diarrhea, dehydration, or fatigue. It is also generally advised to be avoided during pregnancy.

Yes, Harad (Haritaki) is one of the three key ingredients in the potent Ayurvedic formulation known as Triphala. The other two ingredients are Amla (Emblica officinalis) and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica).