EFFECT OF RITU HARITAKI ON SHARIRA BALA:A VOLUNTEER BASED STUDY

Perfect health is one of cherished wish of all individuals. As per WHO, “Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing not merely an absence of disease or infirmityâ€. Even before that thousands of years back, Ayurvedic Acharyas gave an apt definition of health where it is the balanced state of Doshas, Agni, Dhatus, proper functioning of Malas i.e expulsion of wastes and pleasant state of soul, senses and mind. This state of health can be disturbed due to various factors like seasonal changes, infections, diminution of Agni i.e Jatharagni and Dhatvagni, manasa bhavas like stress, tension, depression etc. Further as per the principles of Ayurveda Agni and Bala are the most important factors responsible for restoration of good health of an individual. Various daily regimen, seasonal regimen, codes and conduct, non-suppression of natural urges, control over the mental states like anger, desire, greed, hatred, attachment etc. have been advocated for Health promotion and disease prevention. Now-a-days people are also suffering from early aging due to improper life style, consumption of food containing harmful chemicals like fertilizers, pesticides, preservatives, environment pollution which leads to accumulation of toxins in the body along with impairment of Agni and diminution of Bala. This results variety of metabolic disorders like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemias, obesity, hormonal disorders, early ageing etc.  Even though these disorders are multi factorial basic reason behind them is derangement of Agni and reduction of Bala. Hence to prevent this pathology rectification of Agni and Bala is highly essential. In Ayurveda, Rasayanas have been advocated since time immemorial to enhance Bala.

In the context of Ritucharya administration of Ritu Haritaki for the purpose of prevention of diseases forms a vital component. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Linn.) is one among the important Rasayana Dravyas described in our classics for the purpose of Vayasthapana. It has been considered as harmless by Acharya Bhava Mishra “Kadachit Kupyati Mata Nodarastha Haritaki. Hence Ritu Haritaki can be used as Rasayana for rectification of Agni and enhancing Bala or vitality of the body. The present study is designed to scientifically validate the experience based use of Haritaki with different Anupanas (adjuvant) depending on the Ritu.