Triphala

What is Triphala?

Triphala literally means: Tri (Three) and Phala (Fruits). This commonly used Ayurvedic (the traditional medicine in India) formula is a dried and powdered blend of three fruits which are known for their potent medicinal and antioxidants qualities.

It has been used in India and by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine as a remedy for a variety of ailments and as a general tonic. Besides several other benefits, it is considered a nourishing, balancing and rejuvenating formula that helps the body to detoxify and support the digestive process.

References to the use of Triphala can be found in the “Sushrut Samhitas” which dates back to the 3rd or 4th Century AD. (The Sushruta Samhita is a Sanskrit redaction text on all of the major concepts of ayurvedic medicine with innovative chapters on surgery, attributed to Sushruta sometimes dubbed the “Father of Surgery”)

Triphala is a blend of these three dried Super fruits:

Amla (Emblica officinalis)

Commonly known as Indian gooseberry or amla is considered one of the best rejuvenating herbs in Ayurveda. It is one of the highest natural sources of vitamin C, containing 20 times more vitamin C than orange juice ie. approximately up to 445mg per 100g. It is a strong natural antioxidant which strengthens the immune system and according to studies has also been found to have the ability to reduce inflammation and edema. In India

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

Harada, this bitter tasting fruit has a long history of use in traditional Asian medicine It is best known for its laxative and astringent qualities In Tibet, Haritaki is so highly revered that in their sacred paintings, it is often depicted in the extended palm of the medicine Buddha.

Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)

Bibhitaki, also known as beleric, is the fruit of a large tree and is closely related to Haritaki. Bibhitaki is traditionally used for reducing inflammation and cleansing the blood. Studies show that it is an excellent rejuvenator and a powerful treatment for a variety of lung conditions, including bronchitis and asthma.

What are the benefits of Triphala?

• It helps to detoxify and cleanse the colon and acts as a complete body cleanser. It also purifies the blood and removes toxins from the liver.

• According to Ayurveda, perfect digestion is the basis of all health, including skin health. So it should not come as a surprise that a traditional ayurvedic tummy tonic is also considered the best herbal food for your skin. Triphala makes an excellent skin tonic and is useful for all skin types.

• It is considered especially beneficial for the digestive system and is used to treat several digestion related disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.

• Triphala is an effective laxative and can be safely used for longer periods without any known side effects unlike many other usual laxatives.

• Other cleansing benefits of Triphala include reducing some forms of cholesterol (serum cholesterol) and high blood pressure.

• It is also found to have high antioxidant qualities.

• The herb also has a high nutritional value, including high levels of vitamin and linoleic oil.

• Test-tube studies have suggested that triphala offers several bacteria-killing, and immune-enhancing benefits.

• In other studies on animals, triphala has demonstrated anti-cancer effects. A report published in 2008, for instance, found that feeding triphala to mice helped suppress the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. It’s important to remember, though, that animal studies do not prove equal effectiveness in humans.

How to have Triphala?

Triphala is available in capsules and tablet form and sometimes can be found as a medicinal tea. It is advisable to closely read the labels and not to exceed the recommended dosage no matter which form you decide to take it in. According to Ayurveda , mostly everyone can benefit from taking triphala, but it is contraindicated for pregnant women, people with chronic liver conditions and for those taking blood-thinning drugs.