Triphala

Triphala is a perfect balancing formula for rejuvenation and detoxification. It is a combination of 3 potent herbal ingredients that have been used in the ancient Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, for treating a range of ailments.

The word ‘Triphala’ is derived from the terms ‘Tri’, which means Three and ‘Phala,’ which means Fruits. So, Triphala literally means ‘three fruits’, which include Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), and Bibhitaki (Terminalia Belerica).

It promotes the natural internal cleansing processes of the body and nourishes the tissues. It also supports the digestion and absorption of food. It is considered an effective tonic for the digestive system.

The combination of these three fruits produces a unique synergistic effect that bolsters several other systems as well. 

Triphala is one of the longest-used natural remedies in the world. The references regarding the use of this formula found in the Sushrut Samhita that dates back to 1500 BC proves this. Let us have a look at the great nutritional content of Triphala and its medicinal powers that help in the management of disorders. 

Nutritional content of Triphala

• Triphala offers a rich source of essential nutrients including vitamins and minerals. The nutritional content of 1 gram of Triphala Powder is given below: 
• Calories: 10.0
• Sodium: 5.0 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrate: 2.0 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 1.0 grams
• Total Fat: 0.0 grams
• Saturated Fat:0.0 grams
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.0 grams
• Monounsaturated Fat: 0.0 grams
• Cholesterol: 0.0 milligrams

The Nil content of fats and cholesterol signifies the safety and efficacy of this formula for the patients suffering from obesity and high cholesterol levels. The rich content of fiber confirms the usefulness of Triphala as a digestive tonic. In addition to this, it also contains a high amount of iron and vitamin C. The ORAC value of Triphala is 706,250 μ molTE/100g.

The health benefits of Triphala are discussed beneath: 

Supports digestive functions

Triphala has laxative properties. It can be used to stimulate the bowel movements. It can increase the motility of the intestine and thus, provide relief from constipation. It cleanses the colon naturally and ensures an effective eliminating of bacteria, excess fatty acids, and toxic metals from the body.

It can help in treating colitis by producing a strong antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. It prevents inflammation in the colon and the flavonoids protect the mucosa of the colon against damage or ulceration. 

Protects the heart 

Regular consumption of Triphala powder or capsules can strengthen your heart and improve its functions. It works by producing a strong antilipemic action. It prevents the build-up of plaques in the arteries supplying blood to the heart thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. This helps to prevent narrowing of the arteries and ensures an uninterrupted supply of blood to the heart. 

It helps to prevent a heart attack that occurs due to the loss of blood supply to this organ. It reduces the cholesterol levels by enhancing the functions of the liver and supporting the elimination of excess cholesterol from the body. 

Reduces the risk of cancer

Triphala produces a potent anticancer activity. It acts as an antiproliferative agent and stops the multiplication of cancer cells.  It possesses proapoptotic properties, which means it encourages the programmed cell death of abnormal cancer cells. Triphala contains several phenolics compounds including quercetin, naringin, isorhamnetin, and homoorientin, which are responsible for the proapoptotic action of this formula. 

The high gallic acid content of Triphala is specifically beneficial for controlling the growth of prostate cancer. Triphala can also be used for the treatment and prevention of tobacco-induced oral cancerous and precancerous lesions. 

Promotes weight loss

The primary weight loss benefits of Triphala can be attributed to its effect on the digestive tract. It encourages the bowel movements, and promotes the digestion of food, thus producing a regulating effect on the appetite of a person. It ensures proper absorption of food from the intestine as a result of which the body is supplied with a consistent source of energy. This prevents the excessive signaling from the brain to eat more food that usually occurs when you are on a low-calorie diet. This can stop you from overeating and enable weight loss. 

Triphala also counters the effects of high intake of fats on the body by producing a lipid-profile modulating action. It also acts as an antioxidant, and anti-hyperlipidemic agent, thereby improving the metabolic health and discouraging obesity.

Improves eyesight

Vitamin C in Triphala acts as an antioxidant. It prevents free radical damage to the optic nerve and retina thus preserving the vision even in older age. It is a natural eye tonic that can keep the eyes healthy and improve the eyesight. It can also reduce the risk of conjunctivitis by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. 

Regularizes menstrual periods

Triphala has the ability to regulate the production and release of female sex hormones called estrogen and progesterone. This helps to regularise menses. It can also be used to treat infertility caused due to hormonal imbalances or polycystic ovarian disease. It restores the balance of hormones and helps a woman to conceive. 

Controls diabetes

Triphala is one of the most effective naturalanti-diabetic medications. It is beneficial for the patients suffering from type 1 as well as type 2 diabetes. It produces a hypoglycemic effect, and lowers the blood sugar levels. The regular use of Triphala powder can also reduce your dependency on insulin injections and the oral hypoglycemic agents. 

The antioxidant effect produced by Triphala protects the beta cells of Langerhans in the pancreas thus increasing the insulin production. It also reduces insulin resistance of the body’s cells and tissues and improves their response to this hormone. This helps to control diabetes and prevent its complications. 

Boosts immunity

Triphala offers a rich source of vitamin C, which is considered a boon for the immune system. It also contains bioflavonoids that support the healing processes and improves the functions of the immune system. 

Controls hypertension

Triphala powder, when taken regularly, can help you to achieve proper control over your blood pressure.  It regulates the blood flow to different parts of the body. 

It also reduces the cholesterol levels. The essential fatty acids in Triphala such as linoleic acid help to lower blood pressure and prevent heart problems. 

Improves the skin complexion

Though Triphala is not primarily used for treating skin problems, its detoxifying and rejuvenating effects reflect on the health of the skin. Skin is considered the mirror of physical and mental health. 

Triphala helps to eliminate harmful toxins from the body and improves the natural flow on the face. It also promotes the rejuvenation and regeneration of the skin cells thus restoring its youthful appearance. 

It also increases the production of collagen, which is one of the most important structural proteins in the skin. It helps to maintain the elasticity, flexibility, and firmness of the skin and reduces wrinkles and fine lines. 

Improves hair growth

Triphala has been found to strengthen the hair roots, and prevent hair loss. It also enriches the hair color and prevents premature greying of the hair. It is also beneficial for treating dandruff. It works by acting as an antioxidant and stimulating the production of collagen, which is the major constituent of hair. This helps to improve the growth of hair. 

How to use Triphala

Triphala is available in the form of powder as well as capsules. You can consume the powder directly or use it to prepare tea. The tea can be prepared by adding half a teaspoon of Triphala powder to a cup of hot water. Allow it to cool down and add one teaspoon honey. Drink this tea once every day. Drinking tea prepared from Triphala powder allows you to feel the taste and aroma of each herb fully. (I have confirmed this)

Taste is considered an important part of the healing process by Ayurveda. It begins with the sensation in the taste buds, and sends signals to the other parts of the body about what to expect, thus initiating the body’s own natural pharmaceutical processes. 

It helps to balance all the systems and rejuvenates the cells and tissues. It is advisable to take Triphala on an empty stomach in the morning.

What are the side effects and precautions to be followed while using Triphala?

Triphala offers a natural detoxifying formula. It is common for the body to release toxins from the deeper tissues into the blood as a part of the cleansing process. When the toxins are released into the bloodstream all at once, you may experience some unpleasant symptoms like a headache, skin rash, and nausea. However, these symptoms last for a short duration and tend to resolve spontaneously leaving you feeling fresh and completely rejuvenated. 

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children, can be given this remedy. It does not cause any serious side effects.