Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal rasayana churna consisting of equal parts of three myrobalans, taken without seed: Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).name=formulary>Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia committee. The Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, 2nd English ed. New Delhi: Controller of Publications; 2003 The word triphala (better triphalā, from Hindi/Sanskrit: त्रिफला, widely pronounced /triːˈfɑːlə/ or /triːˈfælə/ by English speakers) means literally “three fruits”.
Triphala churna is a mild laxative, which cleanses and tonifies the gastro-intestinal tract. It is made from the three most important herbs in Ayurveda : Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), and Vibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica). Triphala is known as a cleaning agent, including a blood cleanser. The herb also has a high nutritional value, including high levels of vitamin C. 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.
Benefits of Triphala Churna
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, pungentand 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
Precautions: Not recommended for acute diarrhea or during pregnancy. Very underweight persons should avoid using this product as it will decrease weight.
Instructions: Recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon. If you wish to take more you should gradually increase it. Place one rounded tablespoon for purging effect or one level teaspoon for mild cleansing into one cup of water or fruit juice and let it sit overnight or at least 2 hours. Triphala has a strong taste, so it is easier if you drink it with juice or even better is to place some honey on the tongue before swallowing each gulp. About 45 min. later if you are doing purging or break fasting drink one liter of slightly salty, warm water. This will flush through the intestines and help remove what the Triphala has loosened from the intestinal walls. There should be many evacuations shortly after. If nothing happens, it means you are very clogged up with toxins so you may need to increase the dosage.
If the Triphala makes you feel like vomiting you should drink extra water and induce vomiting with your fingers. Nausea is an indication that there is accumulated phlegm or undigested food held up in the stomach which the Triphala has stirred up. By removing this through vomiting you can cure digestive problems as well as strengthen the digestion. Triphala is also available in pill form from your local health food store however the powdered tea is much more effective. Purging should be done in the morning, the teaspoon dosage can be taken just before bedtime to help regulate morning bowel movements and mildly cleanse the intestines.