When we talk about Ayurveda, Triphala is one herbal mixture that is always mentioned as it has popular properties in the traditional Indian medicinal system. To treat different remedies for over 1000 years the herbal concoction has been used in Ayurveda. Due to its potent health benefits, the Triphala Churna has become increasingly popular around the world. To treat several ailments ranging from stomach issues to dental cavities it can be consumed in powdered or supplements form. Besides all this, it is also believed that it promotes longevity and improves overall health.
What is Triphala?
Triphala is a word that is made from two words, that is tri + Phala – which means three fruits. It is named like that because the herbal mixture of it is made of three dried fruits that are native to India namely- Indian Gooseberry (Emblica Officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), and Black Myrobalan (Terminalia Chebula)
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It is considered a polyherbal medicine that consists of several different medicinal herbs. Polyherbal formulations are popular in Ayurvedic medicines because it is believed that combining synergistic herbs results in increasing therapeutic effects and benefits.
Three Fruits of Triphala are.
Triphala is a mixture of three different kinds of dried fruits of the plants mentioned below that are native to India:
Indian Gooseberry :
This fruit is also known as Amla, it is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, amino acids, and other compounds like tannins, phenols, rutin, phyllembelic, emblicol and curcuminoids. Indian Gooseberry is a fruit that helps in removing toxins from the body to regulate the health of the pancreas, keep the bones strong and manage cholesterol levels.
Haritaki :
This is a nu-shaped fruit that is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit is loaded with phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, polyphenols, and terpenes. Haritaki is popularly used in Ayurvedic medicine which helps in treating digestive issues like constipation.
Black Myrobalan :
This fruit is also known as Bibhitaki (Baheda) and it helps to regulate cholesterol levels and keeps the muscle and bones strong and healthy. The fruit is packed with nutrients like gallic acid, lignans, tannins, flavonoids, and ellagic acid.
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Triphala Churna Benefits
Below are some of the best Triphala health benefits mentioned. You can consume it in the form of Triphala juice, Triphala churna, and Triphala tables in your daily diet. As this Ayurvedic medicine offers a lot of benefits to complete health including skincare, haircare and even has different medicinal uses.
Lowers the Cholesterol :
Triphala has a high concentration of linoleic oil and oleic which is beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease. In increasing, HDL cholesterol linoleic oil is essential while reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
Digestive System :
Triphala as a churna works great for digestion as a laxative and can be used to stimulate bowel movements. Taking one spoon of Triphala powder before going to bed at night can help people with digestive problems or bowel movement issues. People can also take a spoon of it early morning on an empty stomach with loads of water and a big farewell to fussy stomach, diarrhea, and bloating.
Triphala powder and churna help in cleansing the stomach and ensure clearer bowel movements provide nutrition in the form of nutrients, vitamins to the entire digestive tract, improve and strengthen the rectal muscles, relieve flatulence, and start from the esophagus to the anus.
Improves Removal Of Stored Fats From the Body As In Weight Loss Benefit :
Triphala powder helps approach weight loss in many different ways rather than focusing on exercising more and eating less. The Triphala powder works to cleanse the digestive system and promote healthy nutritional uptake. Triphala is an active participant in removing belly fat and weight loss. It also controls the satiety center by inducing the secretion of cholecystokinin. For losing weight faster take a tablespoon of Triphala churna with warm water three times a day. Alternatively, you can mix half a tablespoon of churna with half a tablespoon of trikatu churna with honey in lukewarm water and take it every morning and night.
Dosage for Constipation :
In Triphala effective constipation properties are found. It helps in regulating bowel moments that get rid of constipation. One should take a full glass of warm water with 2 teaspoons of Triphala powder every night.
Boost Immunity :
Triphala is rich in vitamin C which is a boon to the immune system and a potent antioxidant. It is rich in bioflavonoids which are reported to speed the healing of certain cases. Triphala can help in cleaning the gastric and digestive tract, nourishing the body from within by providing the necessary nutrients and minerals, and improving blood circulation which helps in boosting the body’s immunity.
Acts as an Anti-inflammatory :
Triphala’s regular consumption helps in reducing the internal and external inflammation that one can have due to a lack of nutrients in the body or poor immunity.
Benefits for Cancer Patients :
It is said that Triphala churna carries anti-cancer properties and exhibits radioactive chemoprotective and antineoplastic effects which help in preventing cancer.
Benefits for Skin :
Triphala powder acts as a moisturizer, smoothens and softens the skin, and rejuvenates it. This is because of the strong presence of antioxidant compounds that are present in Triphala that clears the pigmentation and kills the acne-causing bacteria and the emmolient property makes Triphala ideal for sooting flaky and dry skin. For best results, one should use it thrice a month.
Treated Dandruff Stimulates Hair Growth :
Triphala has emollient properties that lock moisture in the hair and save one from the threat of alopecia. Mix the Triphala churna with water and consume it or apply it topically to help stimulate hair growth.
Prevents Bacterial Infections, Viral And Anti-Allergic Properties :
Consuming Triphala churna can help prevent bacterial and viral infections. It can be taken by highly sensitive people without triggering harmful allergic reactions.
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Side-Effects of Triphala
Triphala churna benefits is a safe choice but there are a few risks involved in it. It is advisable that pregnant women should not take Triphala due to its downward energy flow that can lead to miscarriages. Also if you are a new mom or even breastfeeding then you should avoid taking Triphala as this herb can be passed on to the child via breast milk and can be harmful as well.
If you are giving the powder to the baby then don’t give more than a pinch as it can lead to diarrhea and other stomach troubles. Never take more Triphala churna than the recommended quantity as it may cause loose motions and dehydration. If you are a diabetic patient consult your doctor before consuming Triphala.
Since Triphala is highly rich in fiber, excessive use of this can lead to bloating problems. So if you are suffering from gastric troubles then take mild dosages.
Dosage to be Taken of Triphala Powder or Churna
Triphala Ayurveda is found on many drugstore shelves. You can even find the product online or in the stores that are specialized in Ayurvedic healing.
Triphala is available in the following forms:
- Capsule
- Juice
- Powder
- Tablet
- Extract
- Tincture
So far the easiest preparations to use are capsules and tablets. Most of the Triphala supplements are sold in doses of 500 mg to 1000 mg. The dose is referred to as the total amount of extract used rather than the individual ingredients. The problem is the amount of each ingredient can vary based on supplier manufacturer uses.
The juice of Triphala can be diluted with water to create a mouthwash. The powder of Triphala is mixed with coconut or jojoba oil sometimes for use in scalp and hair treatments. Always use a measuring spoon rather than a dining utensil to measure Triphala powder or juice. With an eyedropper, Triphala tinctures, and extracts are commonly dispensed.