Chebulic Myrobalan
Terminalia chebula
T Traditional useA component of the Ayurvedic Triphala blend. Traditionally used as a mild laxative and, at low doses, as an astringent; clinical data are limited.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
Chebulic myrobalan is the dried fruit of Terminalia chebula, widely used for digestion in Ottoman and Ayurvedic medicine. It is rich in tannins. At low doses it is considered astringent for diarrhoea and at higher doses mildly laxative. Triphala's effect on constipation has been studied in small trials; there are no clinical data on chebulic myrobalan alone.
Updated: October 15, 2026
ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for constipation and indigestion. [1]
How is it used?
Food
Ground fruit powder: 1–3 g with warm water at bedtime.
Amount: Once daily
Duration limit: 2 weeks
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 12 years
- Do not use long term; its tannins may irritate the stomach.
- Do not use with bowel obstruction or unexplained abdominal pain.
- Heavy-metal contamination has been reported in Ayurvedic products; buy from a reliable source.
- Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been shown; ask a doctor before use.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Iron supplements and medicines taken at the same time | Tannins may reduce absorption; leave 2 hours apart. [2] | Minor |
| Diabetes medicines | Lowered blood sugar in animal studies. [2] | Minor |
Side effects
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhoea (high doses)
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Tibetan medicine calls it the "king of medicines"; the Medicine Buddha is shown holding its fruit. [1]
Frequently asked questions
What is chebulic myrobalan used for?
Traditionally for constipation and indigestion; clinical evidence is limited.
What is Triphala?
A traditional Ayurvedic blend of chebulic myrobalan, belleric myrobalan and amla.
How long can it be used?
Short term, at most 2 weeks.
Sources
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Volumes 1–4)World Health Organization · 2009
- Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)Elsevier Health Sciences · 2009
Cite This Page
Chebulic Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chebulic-myrobalan/
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