Living a life of rush hours and complex work schedules, stress, regular anxiety, and resultant constant ailments makes one yearn for a healthier way of leading life away from external stressors. But many cannot escape their lives to find peace in an alternative reality. We could incorporate elements of health and wellness into our daily routine. Long and tedious routines are challenging and can deter one from wellness. But what if it could be made more accessible?

Ayurveda has the solution for all of it!

A simple herbal concoction of 3 dried (medicinal) fruits can fulfil the body's various needs and be the one-stop remedy for several problems.

What is Triphala Churna?

Triphala Churna is the powder formulation of three herbs in Ayurveda namely Amalaki (Emblica officinalis or Amla), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica or Baheda), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula or Harad). 'Tri' means three, and 'Phala' means fruits in Sanskrit. Triphala is one of the best Tridoshic Rasayana, which regulates the three doshas in the body, which are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, the constitution of which differs in every individual.

Benefits of Triphala.

Triphala herbs :

• Benefits of Haritaki :

  Haritaki has the unique ability to cleanse and rejuvenate. It is a Tridoshahara herb that cures all three doshas to their optimal levels. It's widely known for its ability to fix all Vata imbalances, aiding its Vatanulomana property. For the same reason, Haritaki supports digestion, especially in Vatika imbalances such as bloating, gas, variable appetite, and a wavering digestive fire.

  Haritaki is Pancharasa and Alavana. It has a predominance of all five out of six rasas, and it is devoid of lavana rasa. Thus, the herb can help curb excess pitta dosha levels, accounting for bitter, pungent and astringent tastes. It also helps remove excess kapha dosha with the help of Rasas, and its sweet and sour taste helps with excess vata. Haritaki, above all its heavenly benefits, fixes Prana, which is the life force and the super fine component of Vata dosha.

• Benefits of Bibhitaki :

  In Sanskrit, Bibhitaki means 'destroyer of the fear of diseases.'

  All parts of the plant have active components—the fruit stores beta-sitosterol, tannins, gallic acid and ellagic acid. The seed contains a yellow oil highly valued for its laxative properties. Bibhitaki has been known for longevity and helping with stamina and power.

  In Ayurveda, it is highly considered for three properties. It is a jwarahara, Kasahara and Virechanopaga drug. This means that it destroys fever, helps relieve cough and is used as a drug to induce purgation. For its functional properties, the herb relieves Kapha and Vata doshas. It also possesses qualities that help combat stress and anxiety.

  Hence, Bibhitaki is mainly dried and ground to a fine powder to use in Ayurveda, or it is usually seen incorporated into Triphala alongside Haritaki and Amlaki.

• Benefits of Amalaki :

  Amalaki is popularly known for its natural antioxidants. It is also a storehouse of Ascorbic acid, aka Vitamin C. Sources have noted that Amlaki, even for a small part, has the highest known concentrations of Ascorbic acid in the plant kingdom. Vitamin C found in Amalaki is in its most stabilised form due to the association of tannins.

  The fruit also consists of polyphenol content and tannins, a key group of phenolic compounds found only in amla fruits. This further contributes to the effectiveness and supporting action on the digestive tract, curbing metabolic errors. It also helps with the body's natural detoxifying process.

  Amalaki is also a renowned source of Vitamin E and vitamin A. Significant amounts of Calcium, Iron and Dietary fibres are also found. All the benefits of Amalaki get multiplied upon combination with other ingredients of Triphala.

  

  The three fruits (Amlaki, Bibhitaki, Haritaki) present in Triphala have useful properties by themselves and by combining them, they give even better results for several health issues. Triphala also promotes longevity and overall health and well-being in numerous ways, so it's not confined to people predisposed to illnesses.

1. Boosts gut health and relieves constipation

Triphala is an incredible herbal formulation to maintain optimum gut health, facilitate bowel movements, and relieve constipation. The laxative effect of its wondrous ingredients accounts for this benefit. Bibhitaki seamlessly breaks down food particles and ensures the absorption of essential components, keeping gastrointestinal issues like stomach ulcers and constipation in check.

2. Immunity Booster( Roga Nirodhaka Shakti)

Besides being a gut healer, Triphala helps the immune system works with its complex network of cells to promote health and build resistance against potential antibodies and microbes entering our body. Hence, one goes under the weather once the immune system fails to work at its best. Triphala Churna benefits our body as it contains antioxidant properties that regulate the stimulation and suppression of the immune system. Thus, Triphala acts as an immunomodulator. Daily intake of Triphala powder benefits in a way that it can effectively eliminate bodily toxins and helps to ward off lethargy.

3. An efficient digestive (Deepana-Pachana)

A robust biofire and a healthy digestive system are essential for good health, especially from the perspective of Ayurveda. Metabolic errors resulting from impaired Agni give rise to a hoard of health problems as it directly weakens the body's immune system. Thankfully, the components of Triphala churna, with its three herbal ingredients, have complementary qualities that strengthen the digestive system. Amalaki, rich in Vitamin C, smoothly eliminates endotoxins. Haritaki acts both as a Rasayana drug and helps direct Vata dosha in its normal direction, fixing the issues of defective biofire like constipation, indigestion, etc.

4. Blood Pressure Regulator (Sroto Shodhan)

Blood pressure irregularity primarily shows no symptoms, which is why it is called the “silent killer.” High blood pressure can result in heart failure and increase the chance of developing a stroke. Triphala can effectively regulate blood pressure and help maintain it within optimum levels. Daily intake of Triphala churna benefits the body by removing blockages and deposits of fat from blood vessels. Its anti-inflammatory activities lower the strain on blood vessels, ensuring smooth blood flow and circulation.

According to an NCBI report, daily consumption of Triphala churna aids in removing plaque from blood vessels. Its anti-inflammatory activities lower the strain on blood vessels, ensuring smooth blood flow and circulation.

5. Managing Arthritis and Gout

Inflammation of joints comes with age and worsens further over time. The herbs composing Triphala possess anti-inflammatory properties that help to manage arthritis and the morning stiffness that comes with it. High levels of uric acid that lead to painful inflammation of the bone joints cause gout. Triphala is known to have a “strong anti-inflammatory effect” against gout.

Triphala flushes out excess uric acid and naturally lowers uric acid levels, relieving gout. By actively flushing out toxins and eliminating excess uric acid, it reduces inflammation and offers relief.

6. Aid for Diabetes

Triphala helps inhibit the digestion and absorption of starch, thereby preventing post-meal hyperglycemia (Excess of sugar in the blood after meals). Triphala helps reinvigorate the pancreas, which promotes insulin secretion. People with Type 2 diabetes stand to benefit from Triphala churna and Triphala tablets as it reduces blood sugar levels and cholesterol. The anti-diabetic properties of its components help the cells to overcome their insulin resistance.

7. Antioxidant Agent

The free radicals forming inside our body due to several external factors induce oxidative stress. Antioxidants help in the elimination of these free radicals and aid in preventing oxidative stress damage and resultant diseases. Triphala in the form of Triphala powder and Triphala tablets benefits by helping restore antioxidant levels due to the presence of polyphenols, vitamin C, and flavonoids, all contributing to reducing the same.

8. Upkeep of Oral Health

A mouthwash or toothpaste with Triphala could do wonders as it strengthens the tooth, helps with bleeding gums, and aids in developing tolerance to hot and cold foods. It prevents dental caries and plaque without any staining.

• Tips to use Triphala churna for teeth:

  As toothpaste: Mix Triphala churna with a small amount of water to form a thick paste and use it as you would use any toothpaste.

  As mouthwash: Mix a half teaspoon of Triphala powder with half a cup of warm water. Use it as you would use any mouthwash

9. A Stimulant for Hair (Keshya)

Triphala helps with nearly all hair problems, accounting for its key ingredients. They cater to the all-around nourishment of hair follicles. Amalaki is an acclaimed ingredient that features in a range of hair care regimens because of its antioxidant properties, which help to maintain optimum pH levels of the scalp. Vitamin C in Triphala can add lustre and maintain natural hair colour, strengthening the hair and stimulating growth. Split ends, which are the culprits of stunted hair growth, can also be tackled using Triphala. It also helps reduce hair fall, prevents hair damage and dandruff, unclogs hair follicles, cures and prevents premature hair greying, and helps to attain shinier and softer hair.

• How to use Triphala churna for Hair

  As a hair mask, Add Triphala churna to some warm water to prepare a thick paste. Apply this paste on the scalp, leave the mask for half an hour and then rinse it with water.

  Oral Consumption: Mix Triphala churna with water, jaggery, or honey, and consume it like a drink.

10. Skin Protectant

Most skin ailments arise from clogging pores and pH imbalances. These result in inflammation and breakouts. Triphala, rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helps to manage redness, dryness and skin inflammation. It naturally helps to rejuvenate the skin and prompts moisture retention and collagen formation. The Vitamin C present in Amla is known to enhance radiance without any side effects, which makes it suitable for every skin type as well. Triphala effectively helps with acne and oxidative injury.

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.

• How to use Triphala churna for skin

  Direct application as a face mask/pack/scrub: After adding triphala churna to water to create a thick paste, one can apply it directly on a cleansed face as a face mask, pack, or exfoliate the skin by using it as a scrub.

  Oral Consumption: Adding Triphala churna to daily tea can intrinsically make one’s skin appear more radiant and healthy.

11. Eye Care (Chakshushya)

Triphala helps to undo the damage of UV Rays to the eyes. This, over time, could lead to conditions like cataracts. It keeps eye muscles healthy, and its antioxidant properties prevent eye damage caused due to oxidative stress.

How to use Triphala churna for the eyes

Eye Wash: Add Triphala churna to boiling water and strain it. Once cooled down, this activated water can wash the eyes. One must consult one's doctor before administering said eyewash.

12. Stress and Anxiety

Incorporating Triphala churna in our diets daily is known to moderate corticosterone levels in the body, also known as the stress hormones, because it helps the body cope with stress. Triphala tablets benefit us by helping with behavioural issues that are caused by stress.

Composition of Triphala.

The proportion of Triphala drugs in each formulation differs. Conventionally, the churna is made by taking an equal quantity (150 g) of all three drugs and drying it under the sun for over a week, followed by thorough grinding and sieving to receive thin powder form. Triphala churna made as such, has a shelf life between 3 to 6 months, depending on its exposure to moisture.

Triphala and Its Various Forms.

Triphala is available in the form of

• Capsules
• As Kashaya
• As herbal extract
• Powder aka churna
• Triphala Tablets and
• Tincture.

Triphala Tablets

Triphala tablets are best indicated in digestive errors. These are compositions of Triphala made into tablet form for easy consumption and use.

Triphala Tablets

Boosts Gut Health & Relieves Constipation

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Here are some key benefits of Triphala Tablets:

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

Here are some benefits of Triphala Choornam:

• Can help with weight management.
• It is a natural laxative.
• Can help improve digestion.
• Triphala can keep your skin healthy.
• Triphala can help with eye diseases, and non-healing skin wounds.
• It helps maintain sugar balance in diabetes

How to Take Triphala & Its Various Uses?

• For Hair: Boil four tablespoons of Triphala churna with two pints of water for ten minutes. (Optional : Add a few drops of oil). Cool it down and can be used on hair directly. Wash it off after 30 minutes.
• 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. 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.
• Skin Cleanser: Mix Triphala churna with warm coconut oil to make a paste and gently scrub your skin.

Side Effects and Risks of Triphala

• Take Triphala only in advised quantities.
• 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.
• Get advice from a licensed Ayurvedic physician before administering Triphala while pregnant.
• Buy Triphala from medical stores that store authentic formulations only and be cautious to avoid packages containing preservative supplements which can harm the body on regular use.

Conclusion.

Some people may find the vast array of issues that triphala can address and its potential side effects intimidating, but moderate use of triphala, particularly after consultation with a doctor can quickly calm your body and mind and become a regular part of your routine.