Chitrak Haritaki Avaleha (Lehyam)

The main purpose of using Chitrak Haritaki Avaleha is to clear the nasal passage, sinuses and respiratory tracts and ease the breathing process. In ayurvedic medicine, 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

Chitrak Haritaki Lehyam has following healing properties.

1. Mucolytic
2. Antitussive
3. Antibacterial
4. Anti-inflammatory
5. Aam Pachak (Detoxifier)
6. Antimicrobial
7. Carminative
8. Antioxidant
9. Immunomodulatory

Mechanism of Action

As per ayurveda, Chitrak Haritaki acts on VATA and KAPHA humors from which it mainly reduces KAPHA. It means it reduces phlegm production in the lungs and balances secretions in the body. It exerts expectorant, antitussive and mucolytic action on the respiratory system.

Chitrak Haritaki acts on fires (metabolic processes and enzymatic actions) in the body, according to ayurveda. It increases digestive fire. It means it acts on digestive juices and increases their secretion, which helps improving appetite.

Therapeutic Indications

Generally, Chitrak Haritaki is useful in all types of respiratory troubles. Here is a list of its main indications.

Main Indications

1. Recurrent Common Cold – when nose blockage or nasal discharge becomes thick, but still white in color
2. Cough with white thick mucus (when large amount of mucus production and sputum is sticky and cloudy)
3. Chronic Bronchitis – Excessive mucus production, which is thick and white in color
4. 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

Asthma and breathing troubles are also indication for Chitrak Haritaki, but it is rarely used specially for asthma and it is not advisable in asthma with breathing troubles and dry cough.

Keynote about Indication

Excess mucus production and secretion with white thick discharge is a main indication to use Chitrak Haritaki. The point is to remember is it should not be used when there is a sign of infection and fever. It reduces phlegm production and dries up the mucus, which is contraindicated if there is an infection.

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 Vasaka (Adhatoda Vasica), e.g. Vasavaleha and Vasa leaves juice are more beneficial and safe.

Warning: Chitrak Haritaki should not be used in thin mucus content and new common cold. It will dry up the nasal cavity and increase the nasal irritation. Moreover, fever (because of infection due to accumulation of bacteria) occurs in these cases (especially in children) when Chitrak Haritaki is used in new cases of common cold.

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.

Warning: If tenderness is a main concern and yellow-greenish discharge is prominent sign in Chronic Sinusitis, then Chitrak Haritaki is not beneficial. It should not be used.

Dosage & Administration

The general dosage of Chitrak Haritaki is as follows.

* Twice a day with warm milk