OVERVIEW

Terminalia is a tree. Three species of terminalia are used for medicine. These species are Terminalia arjuna, Terminalia bellerica, and Terminalia chebula.

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Terminalia arjuna has been used to balance the three “humors”: kapha, pitta, and vata. It has also been used for asthma, bile duct disorders, scorpion stings, and poisonings.

The bark of Terminalia arjuna has been used in India for more than 3000 years, primarily as a heart remedy. An Indian physician named Vagbhata has been credited as the first to use this product for heart conditions in the seventh century A.D. Research on terminalia has been going on since the 1930s, but studies have provided mixed results. Its role, if any, in heart disease still remains uncertain.

• Congestive heart failure
• Chest pain (angina)
• Earaches.
• HIV infection.
• Lung conditions.
• Severe diarrhea.
• Urinary problems.
• Water retention.

SIDE EFFECTS

Terminalia arjuna is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth for 3 months or less. But don’t use it without medical supervision. It might affect your heart.

Not enough is known about the safety of Terminalia billerica and Terminalia chebulic. It’s best to avoid use until more is known.