About Chitrak Haritaki
The main purpose of using Chitrak Haritaki is to clear the nasal passage, sinuses and respiratory tracts and ease the breathing process. Generally, Chitrak Haritaki is beneficial in recurrent common cold, flu, chronic sinusitis and asthma. In addition to these conditions, it is also helpful for increasing appetite, improving metabolism, reducing phlegm production and preventing gas formation in the intestines.
Medicinal Properties of Chitrak Haritaki
Chitrak Haritaki has following healing properties.
- Mucolytic
- Antitussive
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Aam Pachak (Detoxifier)
- Antimicrobial
- Carminative
- Antioxidant
- Immunomodulatory
Therapeutic Indications
Generally, Chitrak Haritaki is useful in all types of respiratory troubles. Here is a list of its main indications.
Main Indications
- Recurrent Common Cold – when nose blockage or nasal discharge becomes thick, but still white in color
- Cough with white thick mucus (when large amount of mucus production and sputum is sticky and cloudy)
- Chronic Bronchitis – Excessive mucus production, which is thick and white in color
- Chronic Sinusitis – drainage of thick white discharge, which is yet not become yellow or greenish
Secondary Indications
- Loss of appetite
- Flatulence
- Intestinal Gas
- Abdominal Distension
Benefits & Medicinal Uses
Here are some important points to learn how to use Chitrak Haritaki in main diseases.
Recurrent Common Cold
Chitrak Haritaki works when mucus discharge becomes thick, but the color of mucus content is still white. If color of mucus discharge becomes yellow or greenish, then formulations of Vasa (Adhatoda Vasica), e.g. Vasavaleha and Vasa leaves juice are more beneficial and safe.
Productive Cough
Chitrak Haritaki is beneficial when a large amount of mucus is produced in the lungs, but when it is clear, white and thick. However, if phlegm is yellow-greenish, then it indicates infection and bacterial growth in the chest, so in such cases, Sitopaladi churna, Gandhak Rasayan, Shringa Bhasma and Vasavaleha or Vasa leaves juice are more helpful.
Chronic Bronchitis
The same principle applies in chronic bronchitis that we have discussed in productive cough. In bronchitis, it is also helpful to reduce inflammation in addition to give relief from productive cough. Again, it should not be used if there is any sign of infection like yellow-greenish phlegm. It will only help when patient needs to stop the mucus production and mucus content is white and thick.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chitrak Haritaki is useful when drainage of thick and white discharge. It reduces discharge from the nose as well as down the back of the throat. Furthermore, it is also helpful for improving breathing and reducing nasal obstruction. It also improves sense of the smell and taste.
Side Effects of Chitrak haritaki
It is better to avoid this medicine during pregnancy and lactation.
It may worsen gastritis in people with sensitive stomach.
