---
title: "Chebulic Myrobalan: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex"
description: "A component of the Ayurvedic Triphala blend. Traditionally used as a mild laxative and, at low doses, as an astringent; clinical data are limited."
language: en
url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chebulic-myrobalan/
source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com)
---

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# Chebulic Myrobalan

Terminalia chebula

T Traditional use

A component of the Ayurvedic Triphala blend. Traditionally used as a mild laxative and, at low doses, as an astringent; clinical data are limited.

[Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/)

 

Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim

Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid**

Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid**

Children **⚠ Avoid**

Drug interactions **Interaction reported**

## 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.

**Parts used:** fruits

**Key constituents:** Hydrolysable Tannins (Chebulagic, Chebulinic Acid), Gallic Acid

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
    
    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.

\[1\] \[2\]

### 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

1.  [WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Volumes 1–4)](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241545178) World Health Organization · 2009
2.  [Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)](https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780702029332/trease-and-evans-pharmacognosy) 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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This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.
