Triphala
Triphala
Triphala as the name describes is a combination of three fruits or herbs “Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amalaki”. In Ayurveda, it is known as Tridoshic Rasayana i.e., a therapeutic agent that balances all the three doshas, “Kapha, Vata and Pitta”.
Triphala is useful for internal cleansing and detoxification. It is a rich source of vitamin C and helps in building immunity.
It has strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, laxative, antipyretic (fever reducing) and antibacterial properties. It helps to manage constipation, dental problems and promote weight loss[1-5][7][8].
Triphala is useful for internal cleansing and detoxification. It is a rich source of vitamin C and helps in building immunity.
It has strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, laxative, antipyretic (fever reducing) and antibacterial properties. It helps to manage constipation, dental problems and promote weight loss[1-5][7][8].
What is the source of Triphala?
Plant Based
Benefits of Triphala
1. Constipation
Triphala is the most common Ayurvedic formulation that is used to get relief from constipation. Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata dosha. This can be due to frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Taking Triphala helps to relieve constipation because of its Rechana (mild laxative) and Vata balancing properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½- 2 teaspoons of Triphala Powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water preferably at the bedtime to get rid of constipation.
2. Weak immunity
Triphala is widely used for increasing immunity to fight day to day health issues. This is due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property.
Tips:
a. Take ½ - 2 teaspoons of Triphala Powder with honey in the morning after taking light food.
b. Repeat this daily to boost your immunity.
3. Obesity
Triphala is one of the safest Ayurvedic formulations to reduce weight. An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in meda dhatu, and resulting in obesity. Taking Triphala helps to remove Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also corrects the imbalance of meda dhatu. Triphala also removes waste material from the intestine due to its Rechana (mild laxative) property.
Tips:
a. Take ½- 2 teaspoons of Triphala Powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water preferably at the bedtime to control obesity.
4. Liver problems
Triphala helps to correct liver problems. According to Ayurveda, liver has a close relationship with Agni (digestive fire) and Pitta dosha. Any imbalance in Agni and Pitta dosha leads to liver impairment. Regular intake of Triphala helps to balance Agni and Pitta due to its Tridosha (Vata-Pitta-Kapha) balancing property. It keeps liver healthy and strong because of its Rasayana (rejuvenating) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Triphala juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water.
c. Drink it before taking food once or twice a day.
Triphala is the most common Ayurvedic formulation that is used to get relief from constipation. Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata dosha. This can be due to frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Taking Triphala helps to relieve constipation because of its Rechana (mild laxative) and Vata balancing properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½- 2 teaspoons of Triphala Powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water preferably at the bedtime to get rid of constipation.
2. Weak immunity
Triphala is widely used for increasing immunity to fight day to day health issues. This is due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property.
Tips:
a. Take ½ - 2 teaspoons of Triphala Powder with honey in the morning after taking light food.
b. Repeat this daily to boost your immunity.
3. Obesity
Triphala is one of the safest Ayurvedic formulations to reduce weight. An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in meda dhatu, and resulting in obesity. Taking Triphala helps to remove Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also corrects the imbalance of meda dhatu. Triphala also removes waste material from the intestine due to its Rechana (mild laxative) property.
Tips:
a. Take ½- 2 teaspoons of Triphala Powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water preferably at the bedtime to control obesity.
4. Liver problems
Triphala helps to correct liver problems. According to Ayurveda, liver has a close relationship with Agni (digestive fire) and Pitta dosha. Any imbalance in Agni and Pitta dosha leads to liver impairment. Regular intake of Triphala helps to balance Agni and Pitta due to its Tridosha (Vata-Pitta-Kapha) balancing property. It keeps liver healthy and strong because of its Rasayana (rejuvenating) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Triphala juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water.
c. Drink it before taking food once or twice a day.
Recommended Dosage of Triphala
- Triphala Powder - 1/2-2 teaspoon once or twice a day[9].
- Triphala Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Triphala Tablet - 1-2 tablets twice a day.
- Triphala Juice - 2-3 teaspoon once or twice a day.
How to use Triphala
1. Triphala Powder
a. Take ½- 2 teaspoons of Triphala Powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water preferably at the bedtime
c. To get rid of constipation
Or
d. Take ½ - 2 teaspoons of Triphala powder with honey in the morning after taking light food
e. To maintain better immunity.
2. Triphala Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Triphala.
b. Swallow it with water twice a day preferably after meals.
3. Triphala Tablet
a. Take 1-2 Tablets of Triphala.
b. Swallow them with water twice a day preferably after meals.
4. Triphala Juice
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Triphala juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water.
c. Drink it before taking food once or twice a day.
a. Take ½- 2 teaspoons of Triphala Powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water preferably at the bedtime
c. To get rid of constipation
Or
d. Take ½ - 2 teaspoons of Triphala powder with honey in the morning after taking light food
e. To maintain better immunity.
2. Triphala Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Triphala.
b. Swallow it with water twice a day preferably after meals.
3. Triphala Tablet
a. Take 1-2 Tablets of Triphala.
b. Swallow them with water twice a day preferably after meals.
4. Triphala Juice
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Triphala juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water.
c. Drink it before taking food once or twice a day.
Benefits of Triphala
FAQs about Triphala benefits
1. Hair loss
Triphala helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied on the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Triphala helps in balancing Vata and also controls dandruff which is the prime cause of hair fall.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 tablespoon of Triphala powder.
b. Add 2 cups of water, boil the water on a medium flame until it reduces half in quantity.
c. Let it cool completely and apply on your scalp.
d. Keep for 30 minutes.
e. Wash your hair with a mild herbal shampoo.
f. Repeat it once or twice a week.
2. Acne
Triphala gives good result in case of skin problems like acne or pimples. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha leads to an increased sebum production and clogging of pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. Another factor, an aggravation of Pitta causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. . Using Triphala on skin helps to reduce acne or pimples because of its Pitta-Kapha balancing properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon Triphala powder.
b. Mix it with coconut oil and make a paste.
c. Apply this paste on your face by gently rubbing the paste onto the skin.
d. Leave the Triphala mask for 15 minutes.
e. Then rinse the face with plain warm water.
Triphala helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied on the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Triphala helps in balancing Vata and also controls dandruff which is the prime cause of hair fall.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 tablespoon of Triphala powder.
b. Add 2 cups of water, boil the water on a medium flame until it reduces half in quantity.
c. Let it cool completely and apply on your scalp.
d. Keep for 30 minutes.
e. Wash your hair with a mild herbal shampoo.
f. Repeat it once or twice a week.
2. Acne
Triphala gives good result in case of skin problems like acne or pimples. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha leads to an increased sebum production and clogging of pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. Another factor, an aggravation of Pitta causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. . Using Triphala on skin helps to reduce acne or pimples because of its Pitta-Kapha balancing properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon Triphala powder.
b. Mix it with coconut oil and make a paste.
c. Apply this paste on your face by gently rubbing the paste onto the skin.
d. Leave the Triphala mask for 15 minutes.
e. Then rinse the face with plain warm water.
Precautions when using Triphala
FAQs about Triphala precautions
Recommended Dosage of Triphala
- Triphala Powder - ½ -1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Triphala
1. Triphala Chickpea Facepack
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder.
b. Add chickpea paste to it.
c. Also add turmeric powder to it.
d. Make a paste and apply evenly on the face and neck.
e. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes.
f. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
g. Use this remedy 3-4 times a week to get rid of fine lines and blemishes.
2. Triphala Powder
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of fine Triphala powder.
b. Add it to 1 cup of boiling water.
c. Let it cool.
d. Strain the water with fine strainer.
e. Dip a cotton pad into the Triphala water.
f. Wipe your eyes gently with that water.
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder.
b. Add chickpea paste to it.
c. Also add turmeric powder to it.
d. Make a paste and apply evenly on the face and neck.
e. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes.
f. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
g. Use this remedy 3-4 times a week to get rid of fine lines and blemishes.
2. Triphala Powder
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of fine Triphala powder.
b. Add it to 1 cup of boiling water.
c. Let it cool.
d. Strain the water with fine strainer.
e. Dip a cotton pad into the Triphala water.
f. Wipe your eyes gently with that water.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Triphala is generally safe to take. However it may cause gastrointestinal problems if taken in large quantities.
Ayurvedic View
Triphala can be taken in the form of powder, juice or even tablets and capsules. You can take ½-2 teaspoon Triphala powder at night.
Modern Science View
It is best to take Triphala 30 minutes before going to bed as it is the best time to get its laxative and other digestive benefits.
Modern Science View
Triphala gently cleanses the colon and relieves constipation, flatulence and bloating. This is due to its mild laxative property[6].
Modern Science View
Triphala is good for eyes. It is a rich source of vitamin C and flavonoids. Studies also states that the antioxidant activity of Triphala helps to increase certain enzymes that are useful to improve eye health[2].
Modern Science View
Studies state that Triphala may exert anti-diabetic activity by inhibiting digestive enzymes. It may also decrease the absorption of glucose by inhibiting glycolytic enzymes. This helps in controlling blood glucose levels[2].
Modern Science View
Triphala has anti-inflammatory property and is good for arthritis. It reduces the activity of inflammatory mediators by blocking the channel from which they are generated. This reduces pain and inflammation in the joints[2].
Modern Science View
Triphala has anti-stress property and might help to control stress[2].
Ayurvedic View
Stress is usually attributed to an imbalance of Vata dosha, and is associated with irritation, irregular lifestyle, insomnia and fear. Taking Triphala helps to manage stress and its symptoms due to its Vata balancing property.
Modern Science View
Studies suggest that Triphala helps in weight loss and reduction of body fat. Regular intake of Triphala helps to lower total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL (bad cholesterol)[2].
Modern Science View
Triphala is useful for maintaining gastrointestinal health. But it is advisable not to consume Triphala in excess as it has mild laxative property[2].
Ayurvedic View
Triphala helps to correct overall digestion and maintain healthy gut function. But it has Rechana (mild laxative) property which can cause diarrhea if taken in excess with warm water.
Ayurvedic View
Triphala has Tridosha balancing (Vata-Pitta-Kapha) property and does not cause high blood pressure. But if you already have high blood pressure, it is advisable to consult your doctor before having Triphala.
Modern Science View
Yes, Triphala has anti-aging effects. Triphala affects ‘gene expression’ which is a mechanism that helps to generate new skin cells and repair the older ones. It also enhances elasticity and improves skin texture to make it look younger[2].
Modern Science View
Melanin is a pigment that is responsible for the skin tone. Higher the quantity of melanin, darker will be the skin tone. Studies state that Triphala contains some constituents that helps to inhibit the formation of melanin thus helps to get you a lighter skin tone[2].
Ayurvedic View
Triphala is safe for all types of skin as it keeps it healthy and glowing. But if you have a dry skin, it is advisable to use it with coconut oil.
Modern Science View
No Triphala helps control eye irritation. Triphala is a rich source of vitamin C and flavonoids. It has potent antioxidant activity that helps to maintain eye health[2].
Ayurvedic View
No, in fact, Triphala is widely used for treating eye problems like burning, itching or irritation due to its Pitta balancing property. It gives cooling effects and removes eye irritation when Triphala mixed water is used to clean the eyes.
References
- Kumar NS,Nair AS, Nair AM, et al.Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Triphala – A literature review.Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2016; 5(3): 23-27.
- Peterson CT, Denniston K, Chopra D.Therapeutic Uses of Triphala in Ayurvedic Medicine.J Altern Complement Med. 2017 Aug 1; 23(8): 607–614.
- Chouhan B, Kumawat RC, Kotecha M.Triphala:A Comprehensive review. Int.J.Res.Ayuveda Pharm.2013;4(4):612-617.
- Chandran U, Mehendale N, Tillu G, et al.Network Pharmacology of Ayurveda Formulation Triphala with Special Reference to Anti-Cancer Property.Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening, 2015;18(6):1-9.
- Gowda DV, Muguli G, Rangesh PR, et al.PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF Triphala: AYURVEDIC FORMULATION - A REVIEW.Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res.2012;15(2):61-65.
- Munshi R, Bhalerao S, Rathi P.et.al.An open-label, prospective clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TLPL/AY/01/2008 in the management of functional constipation.J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2011; 2(3): 144–152.
- Bajaj N, Tandon S.The effect of Triphala and Chlorhexidine mouthwash on dental plaque, gingival inflammation, and microbial growth.Int J Ayurveda Res. 2011; 2(1): 29–36.
- Kamali SH, Khalaj AR, Hasani-Ranjbar S, et al.Efficacy of ‘Itrifal Saghir’, a combination of three medicinal plants in the treatment of obesity:A randomized controlled trial.Daru. 2012; 20(1):33.
- Ayurved Sarsanghrah.Shri Bidyanath Ayurved Bhavan Ltd.DPB Publications.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.