Triphala: The Incredible Benefits On Your Health (Science-Based).
Triphala (Tri-fruits) is said to be the wonder of Ayurveda because of its incredible health benefits (Fayda). Triphala is a powerful polyherbal formula with countless effectual remedial applications.
In Ayurveda, it has been used for both the prevention as well as treatment of numerous diseases.
Triphala has become increasingly popular over the years across the world due to its positive effects on health. Triphala Guggulu (gum resin) is widely used for treating various inflammatory conditions and skin diseases.
The purpose of this article is to provide evidence-based information about the proper usage, health benefits, and risk factors associated with Triphala.
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Science-based health benefits of Triphala |
Several scientific studies have proclaimed evidence-based validation of numerous traditional uses of this Ayurvedic formulation.
Ayurveda is one of the ancient medical systems (approx 3000 years old) that originated in India. More than 7000 plants are used to prepare medicines for healing several ailments, and around 15000 trees have been recorded as medicinal plants in India.
What is Triphala?
In Ayurveda, different miraculous herbs are often mixed to prepare effective herbal medicines. Triphala is a Sanskrit Word where Tri means 3 and Phala means fruits. As the name suggests, this Ayurvedic formulation consists of 3 fruits typically in equal proportion.
In layman's terms, Triphala is an Ayurvedic mixture of 3 dried medical fruits. These 3 fruits are collected from 3 different popular medicinal plants- Emblica Officinale (Amlaki), Terminalia Chebula (Haritaki), and Terminalia Berecilla (Bibhitaki).
In Ayurveda, it is believed that the combination of the 3 fruits is more effective than if used separately. Triphala churna (powder) and Triphala tablets are two common forms widely used.
Let me tell you something about the 3 different fruits used in Triphala.
1. Amlaki or Amla (Emblica Officinale)
The first ingredient of Triphala is amlaki(amla), aka Indian Gooseberry. The botanical name is Emblica Officinale Gaertn. It is one of the most important medicinal plants.
Amla is considered a good liver tonic and hair tonic in Ayurveda. Amla oil is widely used in India for the nourishment of hair. The fruit has been used for many thousands of years for treating many diseases.
Although all parts of the tree are used to prepare Ayurvedic medicine, I'd limit my discussion to the fruit only.
The fruit contains :
- vitamin C (ascorbic acid),
- punicafolin,
- phyllanemblinin A,
- flavonoids,
- kaempferol,
- ellagic acid, and
- gallic acid.
As amlaki is a nutritious fruit, you can use it as food.
The medicinal value and health benefits of this miraculous fruit Amlaki are described in 10 Miracle Herbs to Guard Your Health Better.
2. Bibhitaki (Terminalia Berecilla)
The next ingredient is Bibhitaki that has a great value in Ayurveda and Unani. The word Bibhitaki is derived from the Sanskrit word Vibheeta/Bibhita, meaning fearless.
The other names of Bibhitaki include-
- Bahera in Hindi
- Behada/Bhenda in Marathi
- Vadikaya in Telugu
- Tanri in Tamil.
- Talelah in Arabic
- Baleal in Farsi
Bibhitaki fruit contains-
- sitosterol
- tannins
- garlic
- ethyl
- elegiac acid.
Bibhitaki is a large deciduous tree found throughout India and some regions of South East Asia. The grey-colored Bibhitaki fruits are used in Ayurveda to treat several diseases, including lung disorders like asthma.
Bibhitaki is commonly used to reduce blood sugar levels, the cause of diabetes. The fruit is also used to treat several problems of the eye, hair, and throat.
Further reading: Sugar Destroyer, Gurmar
3. Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)
Haritaki, aka Hirada/Harad, is the third ingredient of Triphala. Its botanical name is Terminalia Chebula. Terminalia Chebula is also known as Chebulic myrobalan and Indian walnut.The other names include-
- Shilikha (Assamese)
- Kadukkai (Tamil)
- Karakkaya (Telegu)
- phenolics- chebulinic acid, ellagic acid, and anthraquinones
- polyphenols- corilagin, galloyl glucose, punicalagin, maslinic acid, etc.
- Antioxidant,
- Antibacterial,
- Antifungal,
- Antiviral,
- Antiprotozoal,
- Antidiabetic,
- Antiinflammatory
- Antiarthritic.
Health Benefits of Triphala
Triphala is a natural cleanser and considered effective herbal medicine for all three Doshas as per Ayurvedic principles (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha-Tridoshas).
Among all Ayurvedic medicines, Triphala occupies the top position because of its numerous health benefits.
The principal chemical constituents of Triphala include tannins, quinones, gallic acids, vitamin C, flavones, flavonoids, and flavonols.
Triphala performs the cleansing and replenishing (Two essential elements of well-being as TCM ) of your body. It can eliminate toxic elements from your body helps nourishment.
It can boost your immune system and is good for maintaining your overall health. Furthermore, Triphala is safe and cost-effective.
- wound healing,
- immunomodulating,
- analgesic,
- adaptogenic,
- hypoglycemic,
- hepatoprotective,
- chemoprotective,
- appetite stimulation,
- gastric hyperacidity reduction,
- prevention of dental caries,
- improve blood circulation,
- relax bile ducts,
- diminish serum cholesterol levels,
- prevent immunosenescence,
- maintain homeostasis of the endocrine system,
- and enhance the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin,
- radioprotective and chemopreventive effects,
- and more.
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Method of use and multiple health benefits of Triphala. Image Source-Sciencedirect. |
Gastrointestinal Effects
Reduce Dental Caries and Oral infections
Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
Promote Weight loss and helps Weight Management
Cancer Prevention
Market Demand
FAQ
Which brand is best for Triphala Churna?
Should I take Triphala every day?
What is the perfect time to Take Triphala?
Are there any Side Effects Of Triphala?
Who shouldn't intake Triphala?
Final Thought
Further References:
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes and should not be construed as recommendations or medical advice. We are not medical experts. Consult a doctor before use of any supplement. Please read our Disclaimer Statements.
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