Benefits of Triphala
What is Triphala?
Triphala is the combination of three Ayurvedic herbs – Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki. It has been used for thousands of years as a daily health tonic and is one of the most widely used herbal formulations in Ayurveda. While each herb has its own individual benefits, when combined together in the Triphala formula, these herbs create a supercharged daily health tonic.
The three plants that make Triphala
Three of the following plants' dried fruits are used in equal amounts to make Triphala:
Amalaki
Amalaki, also known as Indian gooseberry, Malacca tree, or amla, is a member of the Phyllanthaceae family of deciduous trees. Southern Asia and the tropics make up its natural habitat. It is one of India's earliest edible fruits.
It's an edible fruit that grows on a medium-sized tree that's widespread in India. The berries have a tart flavour and a fibrous texture. As a result, the berries are usually pickled, cooked into dishes, or covered in sugar syrup. The fruit is the most significant portion of the plant and is used to treat a variety of ailments.
The fruit is used either by itself or in conjunction with other plants to cure a variety of illnesses, including the common cold and fever, as well as being used as a digestive, laxative, liver tonic, coolant, restorative, alterative, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory.
Haritaki
Terminalia chebula, often known as Haritiki, is a native of China, Malaysia, and Vietnam as well as South Asia. It is known as "Harad" in Hindustani, "Horitoky" in Bengali "Hirada" in Marathi, "Hilikha" in Assamese, and "Kadukkai" in Tamil. All of these names are used within India.
Haritaki is high in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, including Vitamin C, iron, zinc, and B-complex vitamins. It is a natural source of chlorophyll, which contains many of the same nutrients as blood and is used as a blood cleanser. It has been traditionally prescribed for those with low appetite and poor digestion.
Bibhitaki
Beleric or bastard myrobalan, also known as Terminalia Billerica, is a huge tree belonging to the Combretaceae family. Body cooling is a benefit of bibhitaki. Minerals like iron, zinc, and potassium are abundant in them.
Ayurveda uses bibhitaki, which has a naturally high level of vitamin B6, to soothe the mind and lower tension. Bibhitaki is used for hoarseness of voice, worm infestation, cough, eye, and hair issues. The narcotic, easily digestible, and astringent-tasting seed kernel is used to quench thirst. Additionally, it is utilised to produce purgation therapy and to calm the Kapha and Vata doshas.
What are the benefits of using Triphala?
The three herbs that constitute Triphala were chosen for their special properties that work together to rejuvenate and nourish the entire being. These herbs are natural cleansers and are especially good for people with excess Kapha (cold and sluggish) or Pitta (hot and fiery) in their bodies.
Anti-ageing properties: Globally, the number of degenerative physiological changes connected to ageing is rising. Nearly all essential body systems are affected by these disorders. The Ayurvedic system of Indian medicine focuses on preventing, treating, and curing geriatric illnesses by boosting the body's total immunity.
Along with its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimutagenic qualities, Triphala contains elements that are responsible for its powerful antioxidant properties. Triphala is a potent treatment for elderly degenerative disorders due to these qualities.[1]
Dental benefits: Cavities are a common infectious condition that affects people all over the world. Also known as tooth decay or caries, they are brought on by a number of things, including oral bacteria, frequent eating, consuming sugary beverages, and inadequate tooth cleaning. It is possible to treat gum disorders and dental cavities with Triphala. It can also be used to treat oral pathogens and as an irrigant for root canals.[2]
Anti-cancer properties: The second biggest cause of cancer-related fatalities in the USA is colon cancer. The population of pathogens can continue to grow under the control of cancer stem cells. Therefore, methods that target these stem cells may be efficient against colon cancer as well as in lowering the likelihood of relapse and disease spread. The effects of Triphala on colon cancer cells and human colon cancer stem cells are antiproliferative and proapoptotic. [3]
Benefits of Triphala for Weight loss
Ayurvedic herbs have long been used for their ability to help people lose weight. Triphala may be especially helpful for those who are overweight or obese and want to shed a little weight. Along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, taking Triphala into the routine can significantly reduce body weight and cholesterol.
According to a recent study, Triphala and its ingredients have the potential to be used as anti-obesity medications with favourable lipid-profile modifying characteristics and can counteract the effects of an environment with high dietary fat intake.[4]
Triphala Benefits for Constipation
One of the most prevalent gastrointestinal ailments worldwide is functional constipation. Constipation is a significant public health problem due to its high prevalence rate, financial burden, and detrimental effects on quality of life. It has been discovered that Triphala has effective laxative qualities, increases hunger, and lowers gastric hyperacidity.
Triphala's polyphenols influence how the human gut microbiota functions. They prevent the growth of harmful gut germs while promoting the growth of advantageous bacteria. For the treatment of constipation, Triphala extract is a potent, secure, and non-habit-forming herbal laxative composition.[5]
Traditional Use of Triphala in Ayurveda
Triphala is a well-known multi-herbal preparation in Ayurveda. It is a Rasayana medication according to Indian medical practice. All individuals, regardless of age, can use it.
According to Ayurveda, it is a tridoshic Rasayana that can harmonise and revitalise the three constitutional forces that control human life—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Triphala is a dietary supplement that can regenerate healthy tissues, enabling one to age gracefully. It is referred to as the "nectar of life" for this reason. It is well recognised for its gentle effects on the bowels, which include boosting peristalsis and eliminating toxic waste buildup.[6]
Modern Scientific Research on Triphala
Research has testified most of the ayurvedic claims that are made for Triphala. It is claimed to be helpful in weight loss, immunity boost, hyperacidity, dental problems and certain types of cancer as well. Some of the research are listed below.
- “Triphala and its constituents ameliorate visceral adiposity from a high-fat diet in mice with diet-induced obesity” - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23251942/
- “Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Triphala – A literature review” - https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2016/vol5issue3/PartA/5-2-33-672.pdf
- “The anti-inflammatory effect of Triphala in arthritic-induced rats” - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25289531/
- “Triphala Extract Suppresses Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Stem Cells via Suppressing c-Myc/Cyclin D1 and Elevation of Bax/Bcl-2 Ratio” - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488090/
- “Triphala in the prevention of dental caries and as an antimicrobial in the oral cavity- a review” - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25966965/
How to take Triphala as a supplement
Triphala is most commonly available in pill form, but can also be found in powder form and even as a tea. Keep in mind that because Triphala is a strong herbal formula, you may want to start with a smaller dose to see how your body reacts before increasing your dosage.
Powder: Boil a glass of milk in a pan and add 200mg of Hesh’s Triphala Powder to it. Stir the pan until the mixture becomes consistent. You can drink this concoction once it is at room temperature. You can also take it directly with a glass of warm water, or mix the Triphala powder with your favourite smoothie.
Tablets: Tablets are a very convenient and effective option to consume Triphala. If you choose to take Triphala as a pill, it is recommended that you take one pill with water before meals 2-3 times a day.
Capsules: Capsules tend to have a higher concentration of the substance. Therefore, capsules make it easier for the ingredients to be absorbed into your bloodstream. You can take Hesh’s Triphala Vegan Capsules twice a day after meals for the best results. Take the capsules with a glass of water or warm milk.
Using Triphala tea: You can also take Triphala as tea. Simply boil 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder in about a cup of water for about 10 minutes, strain, and drink.
Taking Triphala with Ashwagandha
One popular combination in Ayurvedic practice is taking Triphala with Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is another powerful Ayurvedic herb that has many benefits. The three herbs that constitute Triphala are Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, as opposed to Ashwagandha, which is a single plant. These herbs can all be taken together.
All of the ingredients in Triphala have astringent and warming properties, like Ashwagandha. The herbs listed above are all adaptogens or Rasayana.
The Ashwagandha and Triphala combination is especially helpful for those who experience anxiety, stress, insomnia or persistent constipation. It can also help reduce feelings of nervousness and irritability. Adults should take 1 teaspoon each of Ashwagandha and Triphala once a day.
Is it safe to take Triphala?
Triphala is a natural health tonic and is considered safe for most people across ages. However, as with any medication or supplement, it is important to first check with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.
Keep in mind that Triphala is made from herbs and not all herbs are safe for everyone. If you want to try Triphala, start with a lower dose and see how your body reacts. If you are unsure about taking a new supplement, talk to your doctor or get a recommendation from a trusted health professional.
