Haridru (Haridru (Pitadru, Haridra, Pitadaru, Pitaka))
Haridru, botanically known as Haldina cordifolia, is a significant Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial properties. It is employed in various formulations for skin ailments, liver support, and fever management.
Botanical name: Haldina cordifolia. Also known as: Haridru, Haldu, Yellow Teak, Saffron Teak, Halda, Kadami, Haridruka, Pitadaru, Kadambak, Pitkashtha, Manjakadambai, Pasupu kadamba, Anavu.
Properties
COX inhibition, Antioxidant activity, Antimicrobial activity, Hepatoprotection
Dosage
Bark Powder (Churna): 2–6 grams per day, typically divided into two doses taken after meals with warm water, honey, or lukewarm milk. Decoction (Kwath): Boil 5–10 grams of coarsely powdered bark in 200–300 ml of water, reduce to half, strain, and drink twice daily before meals. A daily divided dose of 40-50 ml of decoction may be used to improve liver function and metabolism. For fever, 30-40 ml of heartwood decoction can be used to restore strength. To improve appetite and digestion, 25-30 ml of bark decoction can be taken in divided doses. Tincture: 15–20 drops in water, two to three times a day (using a 1:5 bark-to-alcohol ratio extract).
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
- Raktapittahara (Controls bleeding disorders)
- Vishahara (Detoxifying)
Traditional uses
- Kustha (Skin diseases)
- Jwara (Fever)
- Rakta Pitta (Bleeding disorders)
- Visha (Toxic conditions)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Raw Bark: The bark and heartwood are traditionally harvested for medicinal use.
- Powder (Churna): The bark is dried and powdered.
- Decoction (Kwath): Boil the bark in water to extract its medicinal properties.
- Paste (Lepa): Bark powder can be mixed with neem or turmeric and applied to the skin. Bark paste can also be mixed with curd (yogurt).
- Extracts: Standardized extracts with specific flavonoid or alkaloid content are also available.
- Other forms: Capsules/tablets and ointments are available for consumption and topical application, respectively.
Contraindications
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- People with low blood pressure.
- Those on blood-thinning medications.
- Not recommended for children unless advised by an Ayurvedic doctor.
Side effects
- Generally considered safe when used in traditional dosages.
- Potential side effects include mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, cramps) if taken on an empty stomach or at high doses (over 10 grams per day in powder form).
- Skin contact with raw bark preparations may cause irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
- Excessive use may cause stomach upset or constipation.
- May cause low blood sugar if taken with diabetes medication.
Interactions
- Specific interactions with medications are not detailed in the provided context.
- As a general precaution, consult with a healthcare professional before using Haridru, especially if you are taking other medications, to rule out potential interactions.
Clinical evidence
Animal studies and in-vitro research support anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities. Clinical trials are limited, necessitating further research to validate therapeutic potential.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
- Raktapittahara (Controls bleeding disorders)
- Vishahara (Detoxifying)
Classical clinical indications
- Kustha (Skin diseases)
- Jwara (Fever)
- Rakta Pitta (Bleeding disorders)
- Visha (Toxic conditions)