Ayurveda is an age-old science wholly developed in India which focuses on holistic health. The therapeutic course of Ayurveda straightaway puts the impact on the root cause of a disease. It states that a healthy stomach means a healthier life and on the other hand, unhealthy stomach brings several diseases to the body.
Ayurveda offers several medicinal formulations that work without side effects in helping attain good health. I would like to dedicate this article to Triphala – which is truly the most versatile ayurvedic formula.
Triphala, a staple of Ayurvedic medicines, has been used for over 2,000 years. It is essentially a combination of three, well-balanced and exotic dried fruits or herbs:
- Amla or Indian gooseberry: Rich in vitamin C content (almost 20 times more than an orange). Used as a digestive laxative, liver tonic and restorative agent.
- Bibhitaki: is a powerful traditional rejuvenator with detox properties
- And Haritaki or Harad: Another widely used Indian herb. Treats variety of issues including high blood pressure, diabetes and constipation.
Triphala acts as an effective laxative, bowel cleanser, and a great support for the optimal working of the digestive tract. It is also a highly nutritional food supplement.
Though Triphala powder or churna is a very common medicine amongst Indian families yet many are still unaware of its amazing remedial benefits. However, with the popularity of Ayurveda, people from diverse parts of the world are getting inclined toward accepting & appreciating Triphala as a medicinal boon.
Triphala contains five out of six tastes those are recognized in Ayurveda – Sweet, Bitter, Sour, Pungent, and Astringent, except Salty.
Health Benefits
Triphala is beneficial for treating a variety of health issues. It can be utilized for both internal as well as external treatments.
- Helps in ailments related to the stomach
- Reduces excess fat
- Suppresses the spread of cancer stem cells
(Source:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26167492, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15899544)
- Natural laxative
- Lowers bad cholesterol
- Positively affects the metabolic health
- Strengthens the hair roots and enriches its color
- Acts as an excellent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent
Directions to Consume
Triphala is available as a Powder, found as a tablet or liquid supplement or be obtained in the form of a juice.
I would recommend taking it on an empty stomach. You can consume half – one tablespoon of the Triphala Churna with room temperature water or prepare a hot water tea by adding half a teaspoon of the churna. Triphala is considered best during the evening hours if it has to be consumed as a digestive tonic.
Ayurveda recommends Triphala to be taken differently in different seasons. See below table:
| Seasons | Ingredient to be added to Triphala* |
| Basant Ritu (Spring) | Honey |
| Grishma Ritu (Summer) | Gur (Jaggery) |
| Varsha Ritu (Monsoons) | Sendha Namak or Rock Salt |
| Sharad Ritu (Autumn) | Brown Sugar (Desi Khaand) |
| Hemant Ritu (Pre-Winters) | Dry Ginger or Sonth |
| Shishir Ritu (Winter) | Long pepper (Pipli) [Piper Longum] |
*Recommended Dosage: An individual weighing 50-60kgs should take 1tbsp Triphala powder with 0.5 to 1gm of above ingredient as per the prevailing season
Cautions to Apply
Please make sure to consult an ayurvedic practitioner or a specialist before consuming Triphala who will advise you with dosage directions as per your prakriti and prevailing weather conditions. The use of Triphala is not recommended for pregnant women and children.
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