Haridrakhand (Haridrakhandam & Haridra Khanda)

Haridrakhand (also spelled as Haridrakhandam & Haridra Khanda) is an ayurvedic and herbal medicine used for skin diseases and allergies. It is highly useful in urticaria (chronic hives) and all skin disorders characterized by itching and skin rashes. It is also very useful in blisters and fungal infections of the skin.

Ingredients (Composition)

The main ingredient of Haridrakhand is Haldi (Turmeric).

1. Haldi or Haridra (Turmeric) – Curcuma Longa
2. Nishoth (Trivrit or Turpeth) – Operculina Turpethum
3. Haritaki – Terminalia Chebula
4. Daruhaldi – Berberis Aristata
5. Nagarmotha – Cyperus Rotundus
6. Ajwain (Carom Seeds) -Trachyspermum Ammi
7. Ajmoda (Celery Seeds)
8. Chitrakmool

Medicinal Properties

Haridrakhand has following healing properties.

1. Anti-allergic
2. Antihistaminic
3. Anti-inflammatory
4. Antioxidant
5. Antipruritics

Therapeutic Indications

Haridrakhand is helpful in following health conditions.

1. Allergies
2. Allergic Rhinitis
3. Allergic Bronchitis
4. Urticaria (chronic hives)
5. Eczema
6. Acne or Pimples
7. Psoriasis

Haridrakhand Benefits & Uses

The main indication of Haridrakhand is itching and skin rashes or red spots. It is effective in all types of skin diseases characterized by following symptoms:

• Hives
• Inflammation
• Small and raised skin bumps
• Leaking fluid from the skin
• Itching
• Bad or foul odor from the skin due to any underlying disease
• Swollen skin

Haridrakhand can be used regardless to the dominance of the Dosha. It is good for disorders with KAPHA dominance, then for VATA dominance and then for PITTA dominance. However, it likely has hot potency, but it releases PITTA from the liver, which also makes it effective in excess PITTA disorders. Therefore, it can be used in all types of skin diseases regardless to Dosha dominance.

Urticaria (Chronic Hives)

Haridrakhand reduces occurrence of white or red itchy welts. The effect is due to Anti-allergic and Antihistaminic properties of various ingredients in the Haridrakhand.

1. If itching is dominant symptom, then Haridrakhand should be given with Arogyavardhini Vati.
2. If burning sensation is dominant symptom, then Haridra Khanda should be taken with Gandhak Rasayan and Yashad Bhasma.

In Chronic Hives, treatment duration with Haridra Khanda should be at least six months. Other supportive medicines can be stopped after 3 months or after complete remission of hives.

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Haridrakhand is reported to be more effective in weeping eczema. The local application of ayurvedic-medicated oils (Nimbadi Thailam) should also be used. It is also beneficial for people who also suffer from hay fever or asthma along with eczema. Haridra Khanda may not alone be effective in eczema, so other medicines should also be used. The local application of ayurvedic oils prepared from bitter herbs also plays a significant role to treat eczema.

Itchy skin (Pruritus)

Itchy skin or pruritus can occur due to other health conditions, so treatment should also be included for underlying cause. Haridrakhand along with Khadirarishta can help relieving itching sensation due to its antipruritic, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and blood purifier action. It is also beneficial for blisters and rashes occurring due to scratching skin. Local soothing and antipruritic creams or ayurvedic oils should also be used along with Haridra Khanda. For local application, Gandhak Pishti Tail and Kushta Rakshasa Taila are more beneficial.

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Haridrakhand contains turmeric (Haldi) that has anti-allergic effect. The formulation works better as compared to turmeric powder alone. It helps stopping sneezing and reducing nasal congestion and postnasal drip. In hay fever, it should be given in dosage of 1 teaspoon twice daily with warm water.

Additionally, Sitopaladi Churna and Abhrak Bhasma should also be used twice daily in dosage given below:-

Dosage & Administration

The general dosage of Haridrakhand is as follows.

How to Take

Adjuvants According to Dosha

Safety Profile

Haridrakhand contains many of kitchen ingredients, which are naturally processed as we cook food in our kitchen regularly. It is considerably safe for most individuals. Haridra Khanda should be taken under professional supervision.

Side Effects of Haridra khand

There is no side effect reported with Haridrakhand.

Pregnancy

Haridrakhand contains Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula) and Trivrit (Operculina Turpethum). Both herbs exert mild laxative action and induce mild uterine contractions. However, these effects are insignificant with the amount present in Haridrakhand, but still it will be best to avoid Haridra Khanda in pregnancy.

Lactation

Haridrakhand can be safely used during lactation.

Contraindications

There is no absolute contraindication of Haridrakhand.

FAQs about Haridrakhand

Can Haridrakhand be given to babies?

Yes, Haridrakhand can be given to any age group including infants or babies aged less than 12 months. The dosage should be adjusted according to the body weight and strength of the patient.

Can Haridrakhand be taken during breastfeeding?

Yes, Haridrakhand can be taken during breastfeeding. It does not likely to affect breastfeeding child.

Does it help treating unusual sneezing that occurs in the morning?

The most common cause of unusual sneezing in the morning is allergic rhinitis. Haridrakhand has anti-allergic action and works as natural antihistamine due to curcumin present in its main ingredient (turmeric). The regular use of it reduces all symptoms of allergic rhinitis and helps treating it. Read More: Haridra khanda in Allergic Rhinitis.