Medicine Terminalia Fruit

Chinese: 诃子
Pinyin: He Zi
Latin: Fructus Chebulae

Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as He Zi (诃子), this bitter and sour and astringent, neutral herb enters the Lung and Large Intestine. Traditionally, it astringes the Intestines and stops diarrhea; treats chronic diarrhea and dysentery, both Hot and Cold pattern, most often applied for diarrhea, dysentery, and cough. Modern research has identified Chebulagic among its active constituents.

Part used: Fruit

Also Known As

Terminalia chebula Chebulic Myrobalan Haritaki

Latin: Fructus Chebulae | Pinyin: He Zi | Chinese: 诃子

TCM Properties

Taste: bitter, sour, astringent
Temperature: neutral
Channels: Lung, Large Intestine

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

Astringes the Intestines and stops diarrhea; treats chronic diarrhea and dysentery, both Hot and Cold pattern
Astringes the Lung and stops cough; relieves chronic cough with shortness of breath from Lung Qi leakage
Clears and benefits the throat; used for hoarseness and loss of voice

Secondary Actions

Baked (煨) preparation warms the Middle, stabilizes the Spleen, and strengthens the astringent, diarrhea-stopping action

Classical References

Documented in Tang-dynasty materia medica as an imported astringent fruit valued for chronic cough, diarrhea, and voice loss

Modern Research

Active Compounds

Chebulagic acid
Chebulinic acid
Gallic acid
Ellagic acid
Tannins

Studied Effects

Strong antioxidant activity from phenolic and tannic constituents
Antidiarrheal activity demonstrated by inhibition of gastrointestinal propulsion and fluid secretion in preclinical models
Antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory activity reported across multiple studies

PubMed References

Fruits of Terminalia chebula Retz.: A review on traditional uses, bioactive chemical constituents and pharmacological activities

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

Early-stage external Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat cough, where astringing may trap the pathogen

Cautions

Excess Damp-Heat or food-stagnation diarrhea, due to its astringent, binding nature

Conditions

Diarrhea Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
Dysentery Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Cough Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Sore Throat Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Medicine Terminalia Fruit used for?

Medicine Terminalia Fruit is traditionally used to Astringes the Intestines and stops diarrhea; treats chronic diarrhea and dysentery, both Hot and Cold pattern, Astringes the Lung and stops cough; relieves chronic cough with shortness of breath from Lung Qi leakage, Clears and benefits the throat; used for hoarseness and loss of voice. Research has investigated its effects on: Strong antioxidant activity from phenolic and tannic constituents; Antidiarrheal activity demonstrated by inhibition of gastrointestinal propulsion and fluid secretion in preclinical models.

What are other names for Medicine Terminalia Fruit?

Medicine Terminalia Fruit is also known as Terminalia chebula, Chebulic Myrobalan, Haritaki. In TCM: 诃子 (He Zi); Fructus Chebulae.

Is Medicine Terminalia Fruit safe during pregnancy?

The safety of Medicine Terminalia Fruit during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

What are the contraindications for Medicine Terminalia Fruit?

Medicine Terminalia Fruit should not be used in: Early-stage external Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat cough, where astringing may trap the pathogen. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.