Triphala Guide: What, Benefits and Side-effects Kwath Tablets
Triphala Guide: What, Benefits and Side-effects
JULY 13, 2023

What is Triphala? A Complete Guide of Origin, Benefits, and Everything Else

What is Triphala Churna?

Triphala is an Ayurvedic mixture of three dried fruits, namely Amalaki (Emblica officinalis or Amla), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica or Baheda), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula or Harad). Since it is made up of “three fruits,” Triphala’s scientific name simply becomes Tri (meaning three) + Phala (meaning fruits) = Triphala. This thousand of years old plant-based formula is most commonly used for gastrointestinal complications, particularly as an appetite stimulant, aiding digestion while building immunity.

Ayurveda reveals that Triphala is also known as the Tridoshic Rasayana, referring to its therapeutic effects on the Vata, Pitta and Kapha Doshas. This is one reason Ayurvedic practitioners often recommend using Triphala for Pitta Dosha balance.

The blog below discusses several similar pointers about Triphala, its composition, benefits, and dosage. So, whether you are confused about how much Triphala to take, or struggling to choose the best Triphala product, this blog will help you.

Benefits of Triphala

The three fruits (Amla, Baheda, Harad) present in Triphala have useful properties by themselves and by combining them, they give even better results for a number of health issues. Triphala also promotes longevity and overall health and well-being in numerous ways so it's not confined to people who are predisposed to illnesses:

Digestion

It enhances the digestive process by acting as a digestive tonic that cleanses the digestive organs. Its mild laxative properties (Rechana) help prevent and cure constipation, general gastrointestinal discomfort, and irritable bowel syndrome. It also improves metabolism, preventing any kind of blockage due to impurities.

Also read: Gut Health and Digestion: A Comprehensive Guide!

Immune System

Through the Triphala Rasayana, i.e. rejuvenating properties, it strengthens the immune system. It is rich in antioxidants which help fight against oxidative stress. In this way, it also fights lethargy and fatigue in the body by generating energy and getting rid of the bodily toxins.

Diabetes

Triphala is rich in healthcare properties that can help people manage diabetes and other similar diseases by inhibiting glycolytic enzymes. The presence of tannins, which are polyphenols that bind and precipitate proteins, and the promotion of lower blood glucose levels, also inhibit and prevents glycation. In simpler words, it inhibits the digestion and absorption of starch,‌ preventing post-meal hyperglycemia, an excess of sugar in the blood.

Eye Care

Strain because of screen time and pollutants in the air makes our eyes vulnerable to various kinds of diseases and irritation.

Triphala is rich in Vitamin A, which facilitates the cure and prevention of such problems. One may regularly use Triphala churna juice as an eyewash, but not without the prescription of an ophthalmologist.

Also read: Ayurveda for Eye Care: Everything You Need to Know!

Skin and Hair Problems

Triphala antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help heal and prevent dermatological issues like skin inflammation, redness, acne, oxidative injury, dryness of skin, etc.

It rebuilds skin protein and keeps moisture, resulting in healthy skin. Triphala does wonders for healing wounds as it increases collagen formation and reduces the risk of infection because of harmful bacteria. Rich in Vitamin C because of Amla, Triphala suits every skin type, eliminating the risk of side effects. Regular use of products, especially ones with heavy chemicals, can take a toll on your hair.

Triphala has solutions for various kinds of hair problems as well. It can help reduce hair fall, prevent hair damage and dandruff, unclogs hair follicles, cure and prevent premature hair graying, etc., to attain shinier, softer hair.

Arthritis and Gout

Triphala has shown anti-arthritic effects in a study on rats, reducing the inflammation caused by arthritis. It may help combat the breakdown of bone and cartilage in rats with arthritis in the study, as seen with the decrease in levels of bone collagen.

High levels of uric acid that lead to painful inflammation of the bone joints cause gout. A study conducted on mice reported a “strong anti-inflammatory effect” against gout in animals.

The study showed that Triphala might flush out excess uric acid and naturally lower uric acid levels, relieving those having gout.

Antioxidant

In a number of animal and test-tube studies, Triphala has been shown to boost antioxidant activity.

Stress and Anxiety

According to research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Triphala can help protect one from stress. It moderates the corticosterone levels as required to help cope with the stress.

Corticosterone is also called the stress hormone which helps humans deal with environmental stresses.

Triphala has a lot more benefits for very specific illnesses. For example, it may restore healthy enzymes in the stomach to prevent and cure stomach ulcers, treat hyperacidity, aid in liver problems due to its rejuvenating quality, asthma, jaundice, dental disease and cavities etc.

Also read: Stress Management in Ayurveda: Natural Coping Strategies for Stress

Composition of Triphala

Triphala is available as capsules, extracts, tea, powder, tablets, and tincture. The method recommended for making Triphala churna varies from recipe to recipe. Some suggest adding Harad, Baheda, and Amla in 3:2:4 ratios, while others suggest adding all three fruits in equal ratios. One method for making Triphala churna is by taking an equal quantity of Amla (150 gms), Harad (150 gms), and Baheda (150 gms). Dry the ingredients in the shade for a week or until well dried. You may even dry roast it. Grind it together and sift through a sieve to get a fine powder.. Triphala churna has an expiry period between 3 to 6 months, depending on its exposure to moisture.

Triphala and Its Various Forms

Kerala Ayurveda has a wide range of Ayurvedic products, with Triphala as the primary ingredient, offering myriads of health benefits. This section talks about such products. Let’s look at them.

Triphala Tablets

Triphala Tablets
Triphala Tablets

Boosts Gut Health & Relieves Constipation

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Another way of adding Triphala to your life is through our Triphala tablets. These tablets help you use Triphala for digestion, offering a variety of other benefits too.

Wondering when to take Triphala tablets?

The dosage is simple. For optimum results, take one to two tablets twice a day after food, or as suggested by the practitioner. If you are thinking “can I take Triphala at night,” the answer is “Yes, you can.” Just ensure to not exceed a healthy dosage amount.

Also, note that it’s advisable to avoid it when you are lactating or pregnant.

Here are some key benefits of Triphala Tablets:

  • Relief from constipation.
  • Improves digestion.
  • Maintains a healthy gut.
  • Easy to carry and all natural.

Triphala Choornam

Triphala Choornam
Triphala choornam

Although all our Triphala products are rich with natural Triphala, consuming Triphala Choornam can give you the most natural Triphala experience. Reason - Triphala is naturally in the form of a powder.

If you want to take Triphala for weight loss, Triphala Choornam could be your best bet. However, that’s not where its benefits end. Using the churan of Triphala for constipation is also a great idea.

Wondering how to take Triphala choornam?

Taking Triphala choornam between meals on an empty stomach is most advisable. Speaking of the quantity, one teaspoon twice a day should be enough.

Here are some benefits of Triphala Choornam:

  • Can help with weight management.
  • It is a natural laxative.
  • Can help improve digestion.
  • Triphala for skin: Triphala powder can keep your skin healthy.
  • Triphala wash can help with eye diseases, non-healing skin wounds.
  • It is helpful in maintaining sugar balance in diabetes

How to Take Triphala & Its Various Uses?

Owing to its popularity in the mainstream market, Triphala is abundantly available, especially as tea and powder. It can be used in various ways for different purposes. Some ways of using Triphala are:

  • For Hair: Boil four tablespoons of Triphala churna with two pints of water for ten minutes. You may add two tablespoons of any oil to your liking if your hair is too dry. Take it off the heat to let it cool. Once it has cooled down to a comfortable temperature, slowly pour over your hair, taking pauses to massage the hair wash in properly.
    Wait 30 minutes before rinsing it out. It is recommended to do this every week for astonishing and favorable results.
  • As Eye Wash: Boil half a teaspoon of Triphala churna in one cup of water for two to three minutes to make Triphala tea and strain it till no particles are left behind. If this step is skipped. It may cause extreme irritation in and around the eyes.
    Let the tea cool.
    Wash your eyes with the concoction by splashing it in your eyes and blinking in between to facilitate proper cleansing in the eye.
    In case you have any underlying eye condition,consult your Ayurveda doctor before use.
  • Skin Cleanser: Mix Triphala churna with warm coconut oil to make a paste and gently scrub your skin. If you suffer from dry and patchy skin, this paste will become your best friend in rejuvenating and hydrating your skin.

Another method for more sensitive areas is to make a Triphala tea as instructed for the eyewash and strain it through a fine cloth. Once it has cooled down, wash your skin carefully with the tea. This method will soothe your skin if you have non-cystic acne or areas with excessive oil in the skin.

  • Toothpaste: Triphala has been acknowledged by many health experts to impact dental hygiene if used correctly greatly. Although it may not taste the best, a paste made of Triphala can help remove the buildup of toxins on our teeth, gums, and tongue. It is effective in removing plaque on the teeth.

Mix a small amount of Triphala churna with warm water to form a paste. Scrub your teeth and gently massage your gums with this paste using your finger or toothbrush. Rinse your mouth with warm water.

  • Juice: Half a teaspoon of Triphala churna with two tablespoons of aloe vera juice in 1 cup of warm water helps in case of low liver functioning or other general liver disorders.
    Drink one before going to bed every night. Aloe vera can be a hydrating and cooling agent of the body.
  • Tea: Daily and regular Triphala tea intake
    can facilitate healthy bowel movements.
    - helps build a stronger immune system.
    - is beneficial for your skin, hair, mouth, stomach, liver, etc.
    -Help with maintaining sugar balance.

You may add a spoon of honey to your Triphala tea for a better, sweeter taste. Drinking one glass of tea before bed and in the morning helps cure constipation.

Side Effects and Risks of Triphala

  1. Triphala’s laxative properties may benefit many cases, but it can cause diarrhea and upset your stomach if taken in higher doses. If you suffer from such problems, reduce or stop taking your dosage altogether for some time.
  2. As mentioned above, Triphala is beneficial for decreasing blood sugar in cases of hyperglycemia. However, if taken in higher doses, it may lower your blood sugar below the optimum levels.
  3. Research is underway for Triphala’s possible effects on pregnant women and children. Always consult an Ayurvedic physician before consuming Triphala if you are pregnant.
  4. If you are buying Triphala from the store, be conscious of all its ingredients and only buy products that have undergone testing from an independent third party, as they may contain preservative supplements that can prove harmful to the body if taken regularly.

Recent research recommends the administration of “specific probiotic species” may enhance the benefits of Triphala as they are “capable of mediating the increased digestion” and other effects of Triphala. This can further enhance its effects and make the response of the human body to Triphala more uniform.

Conclusion

The wide range of problems shot down by Triphala and its side effects may sound overwhelming and daunting to some, but moderate intake of Triphala, especially after consultation with a doctor, may soothe your mind and body and become a part of your routine in no time. Research on Triphala and its properties is still underway. It is exciting to see what new wonders Triphala may present for us!




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