Triphala is a herbal formulation composed of three fruits and it is the most commonly used formulation in Ayurvedic medicine. The name triphala means “three fruits” and it comes from Sanskrit, (tri – three; phala – fruits). These three fruits are native to the Indian Subcontinent. The three fruits are dried and mixed in equal proportions to create the powder formulation that is widely used in Ayurvedic therapies. These fruits are Amalaki or Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).
Benefits and Uses of Triphala
Triphala is tridoshic; it has a beneficial and balancing effect for all three doshas, vata, pitta, and kapha, and is therapeutic for multiple pathogens. According to the Ayurveda Encyclopedia (2005, 70) triphala is “for all tridoshic diseases; constipation, diarrhea, eyes, cleansing or detoxing the colon, good for kapha conditions, gas distention, diabetes, parasites.” Triphala has been found to be high in Vitamin C and flavonoids which have an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Because of its high Vitamin C content, triphala also strengthens the immune system. Most commonly, triphala is used to aid in digestion.
Detoxification: In Ayurveda, ama is a substance which forms in the body when unmetabolized waste builds up. In Sanskrit, ama translates to “unripe,” “uncooked,” or “undigested.” When ama builds up in the body, it decreases the digestive fire and can cause disease and imbalance. Triphala is a natural source of tannins, flavonoids, and phytosterols (naturally occurring compounds similar to cholesterol, and can help to reduce blood cholesterol). These compounds have a cleansing and detoxifying effect on the body. Regular use of triphala will cleanse the buildup of ama in the body and gastrointestinal tract. Triphala is also known as a colon cleaner.
Supports regular bowel movements: Triphala supports and improves peristalsis, the contraction and relaxation of muscles in the digestive tract which moves the food along. It usually has a laxative effect and can provide relief for occasional constipation.
Digestion and absorption: When taken regularly, triphala can improve digestion, absorption, and elimination in the gut, and kindles the digestive fire, agni, which increases its detoxifying effect.
Promotes healthy gut microbiome: Triphala has been found to have polyphenols, naturally occurring micronutrients that have an antioxidant effect. It has been found to promote healthy gut bacteria.
How and When to Take Triphala
It’s recommended to take triphala on an empty stomach. It can be taken first thing in the morning or before bedtime. To taste the herb fully, it’s best to make a tea. Add half a teaspoon of triphala powder to a cup of hot water. The tea can be left to steep and later strained, or it can be taken immediately. As a cold tea, it tends to have a constipating effect and when warm, it tends to have a laxative effect. It can also be taken in the form of capsules. Triphala is therapeutic as well as diagnostic. The taste of the drink indicates what taste is missing in your diet for better balance. Triphala has five of the six tastes recognized by Ayurveda. These are sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and astringent. It does not have the salty taste. When it tastes sweet, it indicates that balance has been reached.
Modern lifestyle and diet can throw the doshas out of balance and lead to poor health. Unhealthy digestion can lead to the buildup of toxins (ama) in the body. In both allopathic and Ayurvedic medicine, it is said that health and disease begin in the gut. Triphala as a herbal supplement can help to gently support healthy digestion and absorption, detoxification, and a healthy gut microbiome. It is a simple yet potent formulation, and generally safe for most people.
Article written by Mitchelle Lumumba
References
https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/pages/plants-triphala
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33465446/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5567597/
https://ayurvedainstitute.co.uk/health-benefits-of-integrating-triphala-into-your-patients-ayurvedic-diet-treatment-plan/
Tirtha, Sada Shiva, and Swami Sadashiva Tirtha. The Ayurveda encyclopedia: natural secrets to healing, prevention, and longevity. Sat Yuga Press, 2007.