Can Guduchi or Haritaki cause pustules on the skin?

Question

Hello, Doctor,

I am a 60-year-old woman who has been bed-bound and home-bound for 22 years due to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, and I am currently on a disability pension. Would a sudden outbreak of pustules and fiery inflammation on the face, neck, chest, and back be more likely to be caused by Guduchi or Haritaki?

Last year, I consulted two Ayurvedic specialists. One advised me to continue with what I was already doing, which was essentially nothing. The other charged a considerable amount for consultations and herbal medications, but when I reached out to him about the difficulties I was experiencing, he did not respond to my emails. There was no improvement with his treatment plan, but I continued taking Ashwagandha and Triphala, along with using black sesame oil for massage.

Recently, I made the mistake of self-prescribing Guduchi and Haritaki, believing it might be beneficial. When I went to purchase my usual Triphala powder and black sesame oil, I noticed there was a sale on Guduchi and Haritaki powders. I thought it might be a good opportunity to try them. I took two quarter-teaspoons of Guduchi and one quarter-teaspoon of Haritaki for two days. Soon after, red, fiery, itchy lumps appeared on my face, neck, and chest. Initially, I assumed they were insect bites.

Today, two days later, the lumps have developed into pustules, and I am experiencing intense, red, hot, needle-like pain throughout my body. I have stopped taking all supplements and treatments as of today. Do you have any insights or suggestions regarding what might be happening?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

Based on your symptoms, fiery pustules, inflammation, and hot, needle-like pain, it is more likely that Haritaki triggered this reaction. Haritaki is heating and drying in nature, and in sensitive individuals, or when taken without proper guidance, it can aggravate Pitta and Rakta, leading to skin eruptions and inflammation. Your body is likely already in a delicate state due to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, and may have reacted strongly to the sudden detoxifying effect of both herbs.

You did the right thing by discontinuing them. For now, avoid all heating herbs and foods, and consider cooling remedies such as aloe vera gel for topical application and coriander seed water or amla water for internal use. If symptoms worsen, please consult a local physician for appropriate support. Moving forward, any Ayurvedic plan should be extremely gentle, calming, and carefully tailored to your individual constitution.

I hope this helps.

Please let us know if you have any further queries. We would be happy to answer.

Thank you.