Haritaki and oxygen

Haritaki (Latin: Terminalia Chebula) has long been considered a life-giving elixir. It represents Prana and, therefore, life itself, which is closely connected to the molecule "oxygen" (molecular oxygen = O2); without oxygen, there is no life. Prana is a Sanskrit term meaning "life breath," "vital force," or "life energy." Naturally, Prana is associated with breathing and the oxygen we inhale. According to yogic teachings and Hindu tradition, the body can be enriched with Prana through specific breathing techniques (Pranayama) and mindfulness exercises, practiced regularly.

In the yogic tradition, the regular intake of haritaki is compared to the effects of pranayama breathing exercises. This is one of the main reasons why monks, yogis, and spiritual masters hold this sacred plant in such high regard.

The supreme nectar that illuminates the mind

- 7th century Buddhists -

The 7th century Buddists therefore also gave it the epithet "The supreme nectar that illuminates the mind". A body that is well supplied with oxygen enables people to think clearly, concentrate and perform extraordinary feats of memory. Last but not least, a good oxygen supply plays a central role in the spiritual development of humans.

The hemoglobin value as an indicator of the oxygen supply to the cells

The oxygen content in the body's cells can be measured by determining the individual haemoglobin value, as the protein “haemoglobin”, as a component of red blood cells, is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the cells. This means that the higher the haemoglobin value, the more oxygen is transported to the cells via the blood. The cells obtain energy by burning nutrients. This requires oxygen, and the more oxygen there is, the more power they can produce.

Some users perform blood tests before and after taking Haritaki to document personal changes in hemoglobin levels. Please note that individual results may vary and this practice does not serve as proof of any specific health effect.

In order to carry out this measurement, we recommend having a blood count prepared by a doctor or a suitable laboratory before starting to take Haritaki regularly. The hemoglobin level should be included in the blood count. After about 6 weeks of daily Haritaki intake of approx. 3 grams per day (powder), you should have a second blood count taken so that you can compare these two values and make an individual statement.

Normal hemoglobin levels vary depending on gender and age.

Here are the general reference values:

Women: 12.5 g/dl to 16.5 g/dl
Men: 13.5 g/dl to 18.5 g/dl
Pregnancy: Levels may be slightly lower during pregnancy, often ranging between 11 and 14 g/dl.
Children: Normal hemoglobin levels vary by age. For example, in newborns, levels typically range from 14 to 24 g/dl and gradually decrease to 11 to 16 g/dl in older children.

Reference values: German Red Cross (g/dl: grams per deciliter)

The hemoglobin level

The physical endurance of top athletes depends directly on the amount of hemoglobin in their blood. This has been demonstrated by Prof. Dr. Walter Schmidt and PD Dr. Nicole Prommer at the Institute of Sports Science at the University of Bayreuth.

Source: IDW Online

When the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood increases, the available blood gains a greater capacity to absorb and transport oxygen, making more oxygen available to the working muscle.

Hemoglobin is an iron-storing protein in the red blood cells and enables the transport of oxygen in the blood. If the hemoglobin level in the blood is too low, one feels listless, tired and listless.

This has been known among athletes for a long time, which is why - especially in elite sports - attempts are made in various ways to increase the hemoglobin value in the blood. Especially in endurance sports such as cycling, speed skating or cross-country skiing, podium places - without hemoglobin value optimization - are hardly achievable nowadays.

For this purpose, athletes and their physicians resort to a wide variety of methods (some of which are prohibited for reasons of sports and medical ethics), such as:

Blood transfusion
(forbidden in competitions)
EPO intake
(forbidden in competitions)
High altitude training
(allowed in competitions)

Blood transfusion and EPO supplementation in particular carry the risk of increasing the hemoglobin level too much, which may entail health risks. Thus, the hemoglobin value should not exceed 18.5 g/dl in men and 16.5 g/dl in women.

Quelle: Deximed

The oxygen tricks in top-level sport

In top-level sports, everything revolves around performance enhancement. This is achieved by improving the oxygen supply (usually by increasing the hemoglobin level in the blood). Athletes and their doctors try to achieve this in a wide variety of creative ways, because every percent increase in performance can make the difference. In recent decades, this form of performance enhancement has become a cat-and-mouse game between athletes their federations and the doping watchdogs.

More oxygen through blood transfusion

One of the most effective methods to increase hemoglobin levels is so-called "blood doping". In this case, hemoglobin-rich blood is transported into the body by means of blood transfusion, which leads to a significant - and short-term - increase in performance.

This method of performance enhancement has been officially banned in competitions since the 1988 Olympics; it is considered unethical.

A blood transfusion with foreign blood also carries certain health risks and is relatively easy to detect. Some athletes, however, have their own blood drawn a few weeks before a competition, enrich it with hemoglobin and inject it again shortly before the competition. The infusion of autologous blood (as opposed to foreign blood) is virtually undetectable, but nevertheless remains prohibited and does not comply with the ethical principles of the sport.

More oxygen through erythropoietin (EPO)

EPO is an endogenous hormone produced in the kidney. It stimulates the formation of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the stem cells of the bone marrow. Since 1983 it has been possible to produce EPO synthetically. Taking it causes an increase in the level of hemoglobin in the blood, thus increasing its oxygen-carrying capacity. This causes a considerable increase in endurance as well as performance, but like blood doping, is officially banned for ethical reasons.

Since EPO is a hormone produced naturally in the body, and there is little difference between endogenous and synthetic EPO, it is difficult to detect EPO doping. The disadvantage of EPO is that if it is used more than once, it can lead to the formation of antibodies, which then inhibit the formation of new red blood cells. Many scientists assume that at least 50% of all cyclists use EPO, others even speak of 90%. The situation is similar for cross-country skiers, rowers and speed skaters.

More oxygen through high altitude training

High altitude training also ensures that the hemoglobin level in the blood is increased, it is a kind of natural "doping", in contrast to blood transfusion it is permitted and is considered ethically harmless.

At altitudes above 2500 meters, the partial pressure of oxygen in the air is lower, i.e. the body is initially undersupplied with oxygen from the outside (hypoxia), and performance drops. Shortly thereafter, however, the body responds with a counterattack by increasing the production of red blood cells (these consist of 90% hemoglobin), the hemoglobin level begins to rise, allowing more oxygen to be transported.

Effect of high altitude training: A high altitude training leads per week to about 1% more hemoglobin in blood, after 4 weeks, the hemoglobin value can thus be increased by about 4%. This effect subsequently lasts about three to six weeks.

Oxygen and Haritaki

As we are not allowed to make any specific statements on health effects due to EU regulations, we would like to refer you to the relevant secondary literature, which can be found in the PubMed database or the National Library of Health, for example.

We recommend searching with the keywords ‘anaemia’ and ‘Terminalia Chebula’. Anaemia is usually characterised by a very low haemoglobin level.

There is currently no scientific evidence confirmed by the EFSA for a specific health benefit of haritaki. The experiences described are based on traditional applications and individual reports.

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Haritaki - the sacred fruit of Buddha

Haritaki is the fruit of the Haritaki tree, which grows up to 30 meters high and is native to Southeast Asia and India. Haritaki is revered in many places as "sacred", as already illustrated by the Sanskrit name "Haritaki", which translates as "He who comes from the house of God". Tibetan monks have been importing Haritaki for centuries - sometimes laboriously - from the southern Himalayan regions, as they consider it essential for their health and spiritual vitality.

Haritaki: "The queen of all medicinal plants"

It is therefore not surprising that Haritaki was already in ancient times, in the oldest medical books in the world such as the "Materia Medica of Ayurveda", "An illustrated Tiebto-Mongolia materia" and the "Principles of Lamaist Pharmacology", based on countless documented empirical values, described in detail pharmakologically. Thus one reads - above all - in the Ayurvedic literature, which describes Haritaki as the "queen of all medicinal plants", of manifold positive effects on body and mind.

The power of Haritaki is recorded in "Chikitsa Sthana", the special therapysection of the early Ayurvedic text "Charaka Samhita" or the "Compendium of Charaka" from 300 BC. Ayurveda is the sacred science of longevity, health and well-being in the Vedic tradition. It is based on thousands of years of medical experience.

Buddha himself, the monks tell us, had recommended the daily intake of Haritaki. Haritaki is also called the "Great Golden Fruit" in Buddhism.

Buddha holds Haritaki fruit and branch in hands

For this reason, to this day, Buddha is depicted in countless Medicine Buddha representations with a Haritaki fruit or branch in his hands, emphasizing his importance for a healthy and long life.

Note: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or have other health problems, talk to your doctor (ideally one who specializes in Ayurveda) before taking Haritaki.

¹ Pranayama is composed of prana (life energy/breathing) and ayama (to master, control). Pranayama means to control the life energy, and this is done, for example, through breathing exercises.