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Triphala is quite a common wonder drug in Ayurveda. Most people familiar with Ayurvedic formulations must have heard about Triphala in association with most health conditions. As an Ayurveda doctor in my Chennai clinic, I am surprised at how often patients inquire about Triphala, asking whether they can take this formulation for detoxification and rejuvenation.
So here is a quick introduction to one of the super tonics of Ayurveda – Triphala.
What is Triphala?
As the name suggests, Triphala is a combination of three fruits (“tri” + “phala”) – amalaki (or the Indian gooseberry), haritaki (commonly called harra or kadukkai), and bibhitaki (commonly called tannikay). Interestingly, in earlier days, people used to assess whether the Ayurveda doctor was indeed the best based on how well he used Triphala to manage different health conditions. There is a strong reason why people chose Triphala as the ultimate test of an Ayurveda doctor’s capability. The perfect combination of the three fruits creates a magical formulation that’s more powerful that most other herbal rasayana. Its power to detoxify the body, enhance immunity, and rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul is unparalleled. It powers the positive energy of the body, purifying the blood, muscles, and even the bones. One of the best cures for Vata rogas, Triphala helps the body regain its balance of the three rogas.
Each component of Triphala
The fruit of amalaki, or the Indian gooseberry, is rich in antioxidants, which makes it a powerful rasayana, rejuvenating the entire body and delaying signs of aging. Triphala uses the dried form of the haritaki fruit, and many of its acidic constituents act as laxatives, are great for nourishing the skin and hair, and boost immunity. The fruit of bibhitaki is rich in minerals such as iron, potassium, and copper. It also has vitamins, proteins, and cardiac glycosides. Bibhitaki is a powerful rejuvenator in case of respiratory complications. This fruit too has laxative properties.
Hence, the combined effect of all the three components in Triphala makes this formulation a superpower in Ayurveda.
Applications of Triphala
Triphala has a wide range of amazing benefits on the human body – from the digestive system to the respiratory system. Its laxative effect makes it sought after for constipation issues. It also helps in regaining the acid-base balance of the digestive tract in case of hyperacidity. It also promotes the growth of only the useful gut flora, destroying the harmful microbes. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help in removing all the ama from the digestive tract and enhancing the digestive fires. In addition, Triphala has powerful immunity-enhancing properties. It also has cancer-preventive characteristics. Experts recommend Triphala for nourishing the skin and eyes, and its overall rejuvenating effect makes it the formulation of choice for complete detoxification, body nourishment, and anti-aging.
Triphala acts in the long term since the body absorbs it all the way up to the core of the body and it influences every aspect of the body. Hence Ayurveda doctors often prescribe it for long durations of time. A common form of dosage is a powder (churnam) or pill and doctors recommend warm water as a common vehicle.
Triphala – the wonder therapy tool from Ayurveda
Although most of us understand the benefits of Triphala quite well, I recommend that you first take the guidance of an experienced Ayurveda specialist before you attempt self-medication. If you consume triphala excessively without monitoring, you are risking diarrhea and dehydration. Consume Triphala with caution in case of pregnancy and conditions such as diabetes. Hence always go in for a thorough evaluation with an experienced doctor before you proceed.
