TRIPHALA

Triphala Botanical Names:
Emblica Officinalis, Terminalia Chebula, Terminalia Belerica

Triphala is a Sanskrit word that means three fruits, triphala is a combination of 3 fruits from three trees, Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Vibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), It is the most popular Ayurvedic herbal formula of India.

Definition of each triphala’s fruits

Amalaki Fruit

Amalaki (emblica officinalis): Known as Indian gooseberry or amla, is considered one of the best rejuvenating herbs inAyurveda. It’s a strong natural antioxidant containing 20 times more vitamin C than orange juice. In India, amalaki is known as the “nurse herb” because it strengthens the immune system and cools the body, balancing the Pitta dosha.

Haritaki Fruit

Haritaki (terminalia chebula) has the strongest laxative powers of the three fruits contained in triphala. In Tibet, haritaki is so highly revered that in their sacred paintings, it’s often depicted in the extended palm of the medicine Buddha. The herb also has astringent properties and balances Vata.

Vibhitaki

Bibhitaki (terminalia belerica) is an excellent rejuvenative with both laxative and astringent properties. It eliminates excess mucous in the body, balancing the Kapha dosha. In addition, bibhitaki is a powerful treatment for a variety of lung conditions, including bronchitis and asthma.

Study of Triphala
Studies performed since 2000 suggest that Triphala may be antioxidant, antimutagenic, antineoplastic, chemoprotective, radioprotective, and chemopreventive. Furthermore, a recent report reviews the evidence of Triphala for treating and preventing cancer.

Triphala’s historical use as a digestive cleanser has been backed up with numerous modern scientific studies.

Triphala churna (powder) is a mild laxative, which cleanses and tonifies the gastro-intestinal tract.Triphala is known as a cleaning agent, including a blood cleanser. Because of its high vitamin content, Triphala is often used as a food supplement like vitamins are in Western countries. In fact, the benefits of this herb are so well known that a well known Indian saying goes like this: “You do not have a mother? Don’t worry, as long as you have Triphala in your life!”. In recent years, a number of research studies have found new uses for this herb, including treatment for various forms of cancer. It is also found to have high antioxidant qualities, and is even useful for treatment against noise and stress induced conditions

Because of its high nutritional content, Ayurvedic doctors generally do not regard Triphala as a mere laxative. Some of the scientific research and practical experience of people who have used it down through the ages has demonstrated that Triphala is an effective blood purifier that stimulates bile secretion as it detoxifies the liver, helps digestion and assimilation, and significantly reduces serum cholesterol and lipid levels throughout the body. As a result, it is regarded as a kind of universal panacea and is the most commonly prescribed herbal formula.

The Benefits of Triphala
Has been found to act as a complete body cleanser. Not only does Triphala help to detoxify and cleanse the colon, it also purifies the blood and removes toxins from the liver. Other cleansing benefits of Triphala include reducing some forms of cholesterol (serum cholesterol), and reduces high blood pressure.

The plant’s popularity in India stems from the vegetarian diet of much of this country’s population, requiring a laxative that does not counteract with the diet of these people. Triphala is categorized as a purgative form of laxative, i.e. an herb type of intestinal stimulant that works similar to Senna and Rhubarb. Purgative preparations are often needed by people who have certain degrees of liver and gall bladder congestion. As Triphala is known as a cleaning agent, including a blood cleanser, the herb is very beneficial for these people. The herb also has a high nutritional value, including high levels of vitamin C.

Triphala, said to contain three different ‘fruits’ is well known in ancient Indian folklore, and is widely used by natural healers experienced in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, which literally translated means ‘long life practice’. The fruits, Harada, Amla, and Bihara, relate to the three sections or ‘humors’ of Indian medicine. Harada, which is bitter tasting, is best known for its laxative qualities as well as being an astringent and antispasmodic. Amla, which is high in Vitamin C (20 times more than citrus fruit) is sour tasting and is considered good for inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

Because of its high vitamin content, Triphala is often used as a food supplement like vitamins are in Western countries. In fact, the benefits of this herb are so well known that a well known Indian saying goes like this: “You do not have a mother? Don’t worry, as long as you have Triphala in your life!”

General triphala benefits 
Triphala for all tridoshic diseases, constipation, diarrhea, eyes cleansing or detoxing the colon, good for Kapha conditions, gas, distantion, diabetes, parasites.

  • Feeling pure, light & revitalized
  • Removing toxins, accumulations, gas & distention without irritating the colon
  • Reducing Fibromyalgia pain
  • Nourishing your nervous system, blood & muscle
  • Improving Adrenal function
  • Nourishing the bones, nervous system, & reproductive organs
  • Strengthening immune system
  • Eliminating excess mucous
  • Astringent properties
  • Reducing noise & stress induced conditions
  • Laxative properties
  • Potent healing properties
  • Fighting Scabies
  • Being a great rejuvenator & antioxidant
  • Increasing digestion, assimilation & reduce fat
  • Helping a variety of lung conditions, including bronchitis & asthma
  • Improves digestion
  • Reduces serum cholesterol
  • Improves circulation (potentiates adrenergic function)
  • Contains 31% linoleic acid
  • Exerts a marked cardio-protective effect
  • Reduces high blood pressure
  • Improves liver function
  • Has proven anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties
  • Expectorant, hypotensive

Triphala benefits of each fruits 

Amalaki or Amla (Emblica Officinalis)

  • Is a fruit rich in vitamin C that builds immunity and an effective antioxidant that removes harmful toxins from the body.
  • Amla helps to strengthen and nourish the lungs and the respiratory tract by removing mucus. Vitamin C in Amla helps to maintain good reproductive health in both males and females, in whom it further helps to regulate menstrual cycles.
  • Amla induces iron that aids blood circulation and maintains proper functioning of the heart.
  • Its detox function helps in the formation of fresh tissues leading to a glowing skin.

Vibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica)

  • Vibhitaki acts as a blood purifier and curbs haemorrhage
  • It is an internal cleanser removing harmful toxins and excess fats out of the body
  • Its anti-viral and anti-bacterial abilities nurtures voice quality and improves eyesight
  • Hair roots are strengthened and it enriches hair colour.

Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)

  • Haritaki has five rasas, or tastes, being sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent
  • It stimulates the functioning of the digestive system and sensory organs
  • It is an effective in combating piles, anaemia, gastro-intestinal problems and gall stones