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Botanical
Name
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Terminalia chebula Retz.
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Common Name
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Ink-nut tree, Harra (Hindi), Kaddukai (Tamil),
Haritaki (Sanskrit)
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Distribution
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Bihar,
West Bengal, Assam, Central India and South India
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Religious association
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The
Sanskrit name ‘Haritaki’ indicates the fact that the plant
grows well in the abode of Hara (another name for Lord Shiva) i.e.
the Himalayas. The tree is also believed to promote fearlessness due
to its association with Lord Shiva, who is worshipped to overcome fear
in face of death or disease. Its other common Sanskrit name, ‘Abhaya’,
means fearlessness.
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Uses
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The tree has excellent
medicinal qualities. It is best known for being one of the constituents
of the popular Ayurvedic formula ‘Triphala’ (which contains
equal proportions of Haritaki, Vibhitaka (Terminalia bellerica) and
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and various other Ayurveda and Siddha
formulations. This herb is an effective remedy for chronic ulcer, diarrhea,
dysentery and piles. It is also an effective purgative and helps in
removing toxins and fats from the body. The wood is used in making
furniture, carts, and agricultural implements and in buildings. It
also purifies the environment.
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