Haridra : The right herb to maintain a healthy immune system

      

Haridra is commonly known as Turmeric. The name Haridra is given to the plant because of it’s yellow color. Haridra is a proven and potent Antidiabetic herb. Turmeric can be used alone or in combinations to controll Diabetes mellitus. Dr. Varun Ram Raj of Ayurvedatarian uses the herb Haridra for the treatment of Diabetes and in certain other metablic disorerders. Haridra is proven with the presence of phytoconstituents like curcumin, camphor, zingiberene which helps in balancing many metobolic factors. Haridra can be used as an antimicrobial and antiallergic agent. According to Ayurveda textbooks Haridra is used for treating Skin disorders and also increases complexion of skin. Haridra, is one among many herbs which is beneficail as an immune-system balancing natural supplement. 

GENERAL ASPECTS AND GEOGRAPHY

Botanical name : Curcuma longa 

Family :  Zingiberaceae

Habitat: Found through out India

PARTS USED

Rhizome

CLASSICAL CATEGORIZATION based on AYURVEDA TEXTBOOKS 

Charaka Samhita – Kushtaghna varga (Used to treat skin disorders like leprosy )

Susruta Samhita – Haridradi gana (Antidiabetic herbs)

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION 

Hepatoprotective

Antiallergic 

Anticancer

Immunostimulantand immunomodulator 

Antioxidant 

Antimicrobial 

Medicinal property according to Ayurveda

Pramehahara (Antidiabetic property)

Vranahara ( heals ulcers )

Visaghna (Antipoisonous )

Kandughna (Beneficial for reducing itching)

Kushtaghna (Used for treating skin disorders )

Varnya (increases skin complexion )

THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS

Diabetes (Prameha) – Powder of Haridra is taken along with gooseberry  internally on daily basis to helps to maintain the blood glucose level. 

Worm infestation (Krimi) – Haridra is mixed with Neem powder  and consumed to cure Worm infestation 

Gout (Vatarakta)- Decoction of Haridra and Amrtha (Tinospora cordifolia) is taken with honey at a dose of 90 ml twice per day is highly beneficial in gout or padagra. 

DOSAGE

Powder (Churna) – 5 g

Decoction (Kashaya)- 90 ml

Juice (Swarasa)- 10-20 ml

Tablet - 2 tablets twice daily or as per the advice of the Ayurveda doctor 

Note: Ayurveda medications must be taken only after consulting an Ayurveda doctor. 

FORMULATIONS 

Haridra khanda

Haridra churna

Haridradi kwatha

Haridradi varthi

Morphology :

  A moderately sized herb with very large oblong leaves. The inflorescence is spike and flowers are pale yellowish colored. The useful part rhizome grows beneath the ground.

VERNACULAR NAMES OF  HARIDRA

English – Turmeric

Hindi- Haldi

Malayalam – Manjal 

SYNONYMS OF HARIDRA

Peeta

Rajani

Nisa

Krimghna

Kanchani

RASAPANCHAKA OF  HARIDRA

Rasa- Katu (Acrid) Tikta (bitter) 

Guna-  Laghu (Light)

Vipaka- Katu (Acrid)

Virya- Usna (hot)

  Haridra alleviates Kapha and Pitta doshas due to it's properties like bitter taste and hot potency. According to Ayurveda, Haridra along with Amalaki is the best medicines for managing Diabetes. The plant is also found to have excellent Antimicrobial actions. Haridra also helps to alleviate skin disorders like dermatitis or urticaria. Haridra is one of the main ingredients used in preparing the Kumkumadi taila by Ayurvedatarian which is excellent for skin complexion and also alleviates skin disorders. Dr. Varun Ram Raj, is leading the research for Ayurvedatarian single herbs and herbal combinations for making the availability of high quality herbal as well as Ayurvedic products to the globe. 

Reach Ayurvedatarian, for Real Ayurveda! 

RESEARCHES ON HARIDRA 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3336727/

https://bioinfopublication.org/pages/article.php?id=BIA0001570

Frequently asked Questions

1) Is Haridra good for controlling Diabetes?

   Yes, According to Ayurveda, Haridra along with  Amla/ Amalaki/Gooseberry is the best medicine for controlling Diabetes .

2) How to use Haridra to increase skin complexion?

 Haridra can be used in powder form and mixed with water to make a paste and can be applied directly on the skin to improve skin complexion. Always take an Ayurvedic consultation before internal as well as external application of any medications. 

3) What is the dosage of Haridra kwatha?

   The dosage of the any medicine depends on the condition of the patient and age of the patient. One must take the dose as suggested by a physician. On general note, the dosage is 90 ml for an adult.

4) What is the scientific name of Haridra?

Curcuma longa is the scientific name of Haridra. Haridra is commonly known as Turmeric in English, Haldi in Hindi and Manjal in Malayalam language.