The short answer: In the yogic tradition, haritaki is associated with mental clarity and the “third eye” (the Ajna centre) because of its long-standing role as a digestive cleanser and a herb of clear-headedness. That is a traditional and spiritual association, not a medical claim. Haritaki does not “open” a third eye or cure anything — but understanding why the tradition links a digestive herb to mental clarity is genuinely interesting.
The traditional view
Across Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine, and yogic practice, haritaki (Terminalia chebula) has been valued not only for the body but for the mind. It is the herb held in the right hand of the Medicine Buddha, and monks and yogis have taken it for centuries to support a calm, clear mind during meditation. In the language of the chakras, that clarity is associated with the Ajna, or third-eye, centre between the brows.
It is worth being clear about what this means. “Clearing the third eye” is a way of describing a subjective sense of mental clarity and focus in a meditation practice. It is a spiritual and traditional framing, not a physiological event that has been measured in a laboratory.
Why a digestive herb is linked to mental clarity
Haritaki’s oldest and best-established use is digestive. So why would the tradition connect it to the mind? Modern science offers a plausible bridge in the gut-brain axis — the two-way biochemical signalling between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Researchers now study how the gut and its microbiome influence mood, stress responses, and cognition.
It is important to read this research honestly. As the scientific reviews themselves note, most gut-brain work to date has been done in animals or in small human studies that “could not be generalized,” and whether changes in gut flora are a cause of, or a result of, various conditions “remained unclear.” In other words: there is a real and active field of science suggesting the gut and brain are connected, and that is a reasonable modern lens for why traditional systems paired a digestive herb with mental clarity. It is not proof that haritaki improves cognition or prevents any disease.
The gut-brain axis is the biochemical signalling that takes place between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, expanded to include the role of the gut microbiome. — Wikipedia: Gut flora
Using haritaki in a clarity practice
If you want to explore haritaki the way the tradition intends — as support for a clear, settled mind — the approach is simple and gentle. Take it in the evening, start with a small amount, and pair it with your actual practice: meditation, breathwork, good sleep. The herb is a support to the practice, never a substitute for it. For the full method, see our guide on how to take haritaki.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does haritaki open the third eye?
“Opening the third eye” is a spiritual and traditional idea, not a physical event. Haritaki is traditionally associated with the mental clarity that supports meditation, but no herb literally opens a third eye, and none is a shortcut around practice.
Can haritaki improve brain function or IQ?
There is no reliable evidence that haritaki raises IQ or measurably improves cognition. It is traditionally regarded as a herb of clarity, and there is early research into the gut-brain axis, but any claim of an overnight or guaranteed cognitive boost is not supported.
Is there a real gut-brain connection?
Yes — the gut-brain axis is a genuine and active area of science. But most findings so far come from animal or small human studies and are not yet conclusive, so it should be read as promising early research, not settled fact.
How is haritaki traditionally used for clarity?
Taken in the evening as a powder in warm water or as capsules, starting small, alongside a regular meditation practice. It is considered a daily supportive herb, not a treatment.
Explore more in our Haritaki Benefits Guide, Haritaki and the Pineal Gland, and the complete guide to haritaki.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Haritaki is a traditional herb and food, not a drug, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease — including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia, or any cognitive condition. References to the “third eye” and mental clarity describe traditional and spiritual concepts, not medical outcomes. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any supplement.
there are many benefits from haritaki, so it can be used for any purpose shown on his page,BUT i can not see all the methods in a list how it should be used for each purpose it is useful for. Please tell me or update all methods seperately, how haritaki should be used or consumed, which varieties of methods are available? i just found out 1teasp powder every night with water, making a tea of it, brushing teeth with it through fingers.. what else AND HOW? especially for opening the third eye etc-
Hey there Jiva, thanks for this great question. The site lists so many different uses for haritaki that it is organised with each use as a page. So you can look up any use you are thinking of. The main use for opening the third eye are the ones that you already know, I can add that to make sure you take enough at night to have a great bowel movement in the morning. Finally, to use an enema in conjunction with haritaki does cleanse the system and the third eye even more.
I have recently started a site, the information you provide on this website has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work. “The inner fire is the most important thing mankind possesses.” by Edith Sodergran.
Hello ,
This topic is very useful thanks
I wanted to know if I eat only raw haritaki then it will work or not
Will I get benefit through this method