Triphala: A Wonderful Herbal Medicine

in Sanskrit, tri means three while phala means fruits. So triphala is a concoction of 3 fruits. This herbal preparation has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years.

Triphala has been used in Ayurveda to treat many different types of ailments, from tooth decay to digestive problems. It is a prime example of poly-herbal medicines, as Ayurveda believes that a synergistic action of different herbs could show a better effect than the individual action of one medicine.

Triphala consists of powdered fruits / extracts of 3 fruits – Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica).

These 3 fruits are detailed below.

a) Amalaki (Emblica officinalis):

The fruits of this tree are widely known as Indian gooseberries or Indian gooseberries amla. This fruit is a treasury and has many benefits –

• It is one of the greatest rejuvenating agents in Ayurveda

• Acts as a powerful natural antioxidant

• Helps lower cholesterol levels

• Is a great source of vitamin C

• Is very helpful in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics

• Helps to strengthen the immune system and metabolism

• Improves skin and increases hair growth

• It improves vision

• It balances Pitta

b) Haritaki (Terminalia chebula):

Commonly known as Harada, this herb is also called the Tibetan “King of Medicine”. Some of the benefits of these fruits are:

• It improves cognitive functions,

• supports digestion,

• promotes weight loss

• It is very helpful in treating an enlarged spleen or liver

• helps control diabetes

• Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

• Used as a laxative

• It’s considerably calming vata dosha

c) Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica):

It is commonly known as Baheda and has the following advantages:

• The fruits of this plant have rejuvenating properties

• The powder of this fruit helps in curing many respiratory diseases

• Helps with hepatitis, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, asthma, dyspepsia, etc.

• Detoxify blood, muscles and adipose tissue

• It improves eyesight and hair growth

• A paste of this powder and water is applied to the painful or swollen areas of the body to relieve pain

• balance kapha

When these fruits are combined for preparation triphalahave the following advantages:

1. Stimulates digestion

2. Relieves the stomach and heals ulcers and gastritis.

3. Acts as a laxative

4. Lowers blood cholesterol levels

5. Reduces high blood pressure

6. Helps treat anemia, palpitations, arrhythmia

7. Helps to balance high blood sugar levels in diabetics

8. Cures the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer

9. Widely used to treat eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, progressive myopia, early stages of glaucoma and cataracts.

In conclusion, it is advisable to consume 1 tablespoon of this powder with warm water before bed for at least a month.

Thanks to Dr. Aakanksha Vatsal