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Informational only. Do not stop prescribed treatment; seek emergency care when needed.
Harro, also known as haritaki, is a fruit that is part of the triphala mixture. It is traditionally used to treat constipation, cough, and mouth sores. However, there is limited evidence supporting its effectiveness. Some Ayurvedic products may contain metals, which could potentially lead to health issues. Harro may affect the absorption of other medications when taken together. It is important to avoid Harro during pregnancy, if you have diarrhea, or if you are dehydrated. In Nepal, herbal products are registered with the Department of Drug Administration (DDA), and practitioners are registered with the Nepal Ayurveda Medical Council. In India, Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy are regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH, and practitioners must register with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) or the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH). In the UAE, complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and products need licensing by the emirate health authority. Always consult a healthcare professional before using Harro or any other herbal product.
Sources: SI summary (own words); NCCIH Herbs at a Glance; FDA and CDC advisories; NLM MedlinePlus (NLM-authored only) · Reference · Reference · Reference · Reference
Small studies (for example mouthwash and constipation); evidence is weak.
Safety: Diarrhoea and cramps in larger amounts.
Quality concerns: Some Ayurvedic rasa shastra and bhasma products deliberately contain metals; US FDA and CDC have reported lead poisoning cases, and studies found lead, mercury or arsenic in a share of products sold online.
Fruit of Terminalia chebula, one of the three fruits in triphala.
Constipation, cough, mouth sores, digestion.
Small studies (for example mouthwash and constipation); evidence is weak.
Diarrhoea and cramps in larger amounts.
Some Ayurvedic rasa shastra and bhasma products deliberately contain metals; US FDA and CDC have reported lead poisoning cases, and studies found lead, mercury or arsenic in a share of products sold online.
May reduce absorption of medicines taken at the same time.
pregnancy, diarrhoea, dehydration
Herbal products in Nepal are registered with the Department of Drug Administration (DDA). Nepal: the Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine (DoAA, Ministry of Health and Population) runs government Ayurveda hospitals and clinics; practitioners register with the Nepal Ayurveda Medical Council. Ask to see the council registration.
India: the Ministry of AYUSH regulates Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy; practitioners register with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) or the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH).
UAE: complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and products need licensing by the emirate health authority (DHA in Dubai, DoH in Abu Dhabi, MOHAP elsewhere). Check the licence on the authority's public register.
Sources: SI summary (own words); NCCIH Herbs at a Glance; FDA and CDC advisories; NLM MedlinePlus (NLM-authored only) · Reference · Reference · Reference · Reference
AlifZetta text CC BY 4.0 (own words). NCCIH, FDA and CDC are US government works (public domain), used as references.