Triphala Benefits, Ingredients & Side effects

“An expert Ayurvedic Doctor is one who knows all the benefits of Triphala! For, it is said in the Samhitas (classical text books) that there is NO DISEASE that Triphala can’t cure if used in the right ratio and in the right combination”.

Triphala Benefits

A cursory search for Triphala on Google Scholar yields 31200 results. Indeed, Triphala is one of the most researched Ayurvedic formulations and rightly so. Benefits of Triphala include (but are not restricted to the following):

1. Weight loss – Triphala when processed with the right herbal decoctions is an excellent tool in fighting obesity.
2. Detoxifying – Triphala is very high in antioxidants. It’s touted for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral abilities, and it’s prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners for a wide variety of ailments.
3. Immunity – given the fact that Triphala is a rich source of Vitamin C, it is no surprise that it functions as an excellent booster of the body’s immunity.
4. Oral health – A mouthwash made of Triphala works very well to prevent plaque and gingivitis. A bonafide toothpowder/toothpaste SHOULD contain triphala in order to be effective and give complete oral protection.
5. Skin care – Triphala protects the epidermis and the dermal fibroblasts (which help in recovery from injury). Triphala also increases collagen production (which helps in reducing wrinkles). Triphala is also used to deal with skin conditions such as severe acne and eczema.
6. Constipation – A spoon of Triphala with warm water or milk in the night functions as an excellent laxative. Gentle yet cleansing. Triphala is the most superior of laxatives without any side-effects. 
7. Diabetes – Triphala along with proper medical advice can help in regulation of blood sugar. Please remember this is NOT a stand-alone cure for high blood glucose levels
8. Improves hair quality – Triphala also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Applying a paste in your hair can help you get a squeaky clean scalp. 
9. Enhances vision – Triphala has ocular enhancing properties, which helps you enhance vision and also protects you from severe eye ailments such as cataract or glaucoma. This can be achieved by regular consumption of Triphala in any form. Doctors also prescribe Triphala water to cleanse eyes. However, you shouldn’t do so unless recommended by a bona fide Ayurvedic Doctor
10. Liver Ailments – Triphala is an excellent support therapy for people with liver ailments.

However, there are more esoteric benefits of Triphala and that is beyond the scope of this blog article. Suffice it to say that the benefits of Triphala are innumerable and this wonderous formulation has untold positive effects on the body.

Ingredients:

Triphala is made from three fruits of the myrobalans family – Amlaki (Phyllanthus emblica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica).

Typically, those available most easily is the Triphala Churna made with the above three fruits in a ratio of 1:1:1. This is generally recommended as a rasayana (a rejuvenative) for the body.

However, the same three fruits can be combined in various ratios using various different decoctions for very different indications.

Each ratio in combination with a different anupana (accompanying medium to consume the Triphala. For example milk, honey, water, ghee etc are all examples of anupana) has a different effect on the body. THIS RATIO AND THE CORRESPONDING ANUPANA is where the Ayurvedic physician’s genius and acumen comes into the picture.

Suffice it to say that Triphala is indeed a wonderful formulation that can be used to address and cure plethora of diseases in the hands of a well-versed Ayurvedic Vaidya.

Triphala Side Effects

Rarely seen side effects include gas, diarrhoea, cramps and an upset stomach.

Narasimham Jammi

Published : September 30, 2020