All you need to know about Triphala

What is Triphala? 

The word "Triphala" comprises two Sanskrit words ", 'tri' meaning three and 'phala', meaning fruits. Triphala is a combination of three fruits, namely Hared, Baheda and Amla. The fruit rind of these three myrobalans is used in Triphala powder. This combination is more effective than taking these herbs individually.  

Triphala is known to possess all tastes except salt.  

Composition of Triphala  

Usually, the three myrobalans are mixed in an equal ratio in Triphala powder. But in some cases, Hared, Baheda and Amla are added in the ratio 1:2:4, respectively. This is to reduce the heating effect of Triphala and also to reduce its laxative effect.

However, most of the Triphala powder available in the market has an equal ratio of the three herbs. This Triphala is known to pacify vata and pitta dosha.

Sanskrit Name	Common Name	Botanical Name	Family
Hareetaki	Hared	Terminalia chebula	Combretaceae
Vibhitaki	Baheda	Terminalia bellerica	Combretaceae
Amalaki	Amla	Embilica officinalis	Euphorbiaceae

 

Benefits of Triphala

Triphala has several benefits, from digestion to the immune system. Here is what Triphala can do for your body.  

Triphala for Hair

Triphala is an excellent cleanser for hair and scalp. Triphala is also known to reduce hair fall when taken internally.  

• Regular intake of 1 tsp of Triphala powder mixed with 1/2 tsp Bhringaraj powder or 1/2 tsp Gokshura Powder with lukewarm water in the night itself reduce your hair fall and stimulates new hair follicles.  
• Triphala powder mixed with Yashtimadhu (liquorice powder) and Reetha is a natural hair cleanser.  
• Applying Burnt Triphala powder mixed with coconut oil or castor oil over the hairline improves receding hairline and stimulates the growth of new hair follicles.

Triphala for gut health  

Ayurveda believes that any disease results from diminished 'Agni' or digestive activity in the body. Agni may get reduced due to variations in seasons, irregular meal timings, intake of mutually contradictory food and excessive eating. This results in some toxins in the digestive system. These toxins may also reach some other parts of the body through the bloodstream causing joint stiffness, pain, lethargy, skin problems, excessive urination, constipation or bloating. Triphala is an easy and best remedy to clear off the toxins from the gut. Taking Triphala helps in removing the toxins and also keeps your immune system healthy.

Triphala for weight loss  

Triphala powder is very effective in reducing body fat. Being prominent in bitter and astringent tastes, Triphala has a scrapping effect on body fat. Intake of 5 g Triphala powder daily with honey or warm water or buttermilk gives visible results in reducing waistline and abdominal fat.  

Triphala also reduces LDL and VLDL cholesterol. Intake of Triphala powder combined with regular exercises cures some lifestyle problems. Triphala is also known to cure laziness and lethargy in the body.  

Triphala for skin problems

  

You might be curious how to detox skin with Triphala? But, it is very simple and effective to cure various types of skin problems.   

Ayurveda believes in a healthy gut giving a healthy glowing skin. Triphala can cure acne problems, rashes, itching, allergic conditions of the skin when taken internally. Externally Triphala is also mixed with other herbs like neem or turmeric and applied locally to cure wounds, ulcers, psoriatic patches and eczema.  

Triphala for eye problems 

Triphala is known to be very effective for eye problems when taken both internally and applied externally. Regular intake of Triphala churna with honey the night before sleep is known to cure vision problems.  

A lukewarm decoction of Triphala made by boiling 1 tsp Triphala powder in a litre of water can be used to wash your eyes after straining the mixture. Cleaning eyes with Triphala water cures infections, stye, itchy eyes and conjunctivitis. Washing eyes with Triphala water is also effective in relieving the stress or burning in the eyes due to gadget/ laptop use.  

Take a mixture of 1/2 tsp Triphala powder with 1 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp ghee regularly before sleep cures Computer Vision Syndrome.  

Triphala for UTI  

Triphala has antimicrobial properties and is very effective in treating a Urinary Tract Infection. A lukewarm decoction of Triphala made by boiling 1 tsp Triphala powder in a litre of water can be used to wash the intimate areas. This Triphala water cures rashes, itching or any secretions from the urinary tract, relieves burning sensation and pain during urination.  

Sitz bath with Triphala water is also beneficial in UTI and relieves pain and burning due to piles.  

Triphala for diabetes 

Combining three bitter and astringent fruits, Triphala is highly beneficial in treating type 2 diabetes. Intake of about 5g of Triphala powder for 45 days significantly reduced blood sugar levels.  

Triphala powder is made into a paste with water, smeared to the iron vessel, and dried for 24 hours. After 24 hours, it is scrapped and powdered. This Triphala powder, when taken with warm water, manages blood sugar levels. Triphala also helps to prevent and treat retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy and in healing diabetic ulcers.   

Triphala for oral health  

Triphala treats various oral problems like Oral plaque, Oral bacterial infection, gum diseases and cavities. Triphala has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Just swishing or gargling with Lukewarm Triphala decoction itself helps to cure the condition.   

Triphala, the elixir 

Triphala churna is a recipe explained by Acharya Charaka in his book Charaka Samhita. Acharya Charaka was a renowned physician who practised general medicine between 150-200 BC. In his book, He explained Triphala as a rejuvenator that is known to have anti-ageing effects. This is also mentioned by Acharya Sushruta practised Ayurveda between the 12 to 13th Centuries in his book Sushruta Samhita.  

Triphala fruits or dried powder of the fruit rinds are used to achieve anti-ageing effects. It is known to reverse signs of ageing like wrinkling, greying of hair, and shrinking skin.  

Triphala is used in various types of Rasayana (anti-ageing) therapies mentioned in these texts.  

Detox with Triphala  

Detox in Ayurveda means clearing toxins off the gut. Some toxins get accumulated in the inner lining of the digestive system as a result of improper digestion. These toxins are sticky substances and prevent the effective absorption of nutrients from the blood. These toxins can also get deposited in various joints causing pain and inflammation. Regular intake of Triphala with lukewarm water helps to clear off these toxins through the bowels. 

Dosage, shelf life and preparations of Triphala 

• When consumed in powder form, 1 tsp is the standard adult dose of Triphala. It is to be taken with warm water or buttermilk.  
• When taken as tablets or capsules, 2-4 tablets (500 mg to 2 gm) can be taken daily.  
• Triphala is also taken in a decoction form. 1/2 tsp of Triphala is boiled in a glass of water and reduced to one-fourth of its original quantity. This mixture is strained and taken once or twice a day.  
• The dosage of Triphala juice is 15-20 ml per day mixed with lukewarm water.  

Triphala is also added to several fermented Ayurvedic preparations like Asava and Arishta, lehyam such as chyavanaprash etc.  

The shelf life of Triphala churna is 12- 18 months. However, Triphala decoction has to be consumed fresh within a day. Do not refrigerate Triphala decoction to have the next day.   

How to take Triphala according to seasons? 

Taking Triphala with different adjuvants help to increase its efficacy in the body. Here is a table on how to take Triphala in each season.

Season	Rtu	Corresponding Month	Adjuvant of Triphala churna
Late winter	Shishira	Feb- Mar	Peepal bark  powder
Spring	Vasanta	Apr- May	Honey
Summer	Greeshma	June-July	Jaggery
Rainy	Varsha	Aug-Sep	Rock salt
Autumn	Sharada	Oct - Nov	Sugar
Early winter	Hemanta	Dec - Jan	Dry ginger powder

Taking Triphala as per this regime gives a rejuvenating and anti-ageing effect on the tissues of the body.   

For how long can I take Triphala? 

• Triphala can be taken continuously for 45-90 days with lukewarm water to treat any medical condition.  
• If taken with honey or ghee, it acts as a rejuvenating herb and can be taken regularly without any worry.  

Triphala side effects 

• Overuse or overdosage leads to loose stools.  
• Intake of Triphala without taking enough water leads to constipation and bloating. Drink 2-3 litres of warm water during the day to help flush off toxins.  
• Triphala is a mild laxative but can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like cramps, stomach upset and diarrhoea.   

• Pregnant and lactating women should avoid Triphala as it may lead to complications for the mother and child.   

Is it safe to take Triphala with milk?

Triphala powder is a mildly acidic composition, and hence adding milk would actually curdle it. Triphala is not advised to be taken with milk. It can be taken with lukewarm water, ghee, honey or buttermilk for better results.  

The final word 

Triphala is a rejuvenizing herb having antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties and can cure several health concerns. A healthy balanced diet with Triphala powder helps you balance your doshas and fix all your health woes.