Triphala: The Incredible Benefits On Your Health (Science-Based)

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.

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. 

In Ayurveda, Haritaki fruit is known as ''Sarva Roga Nivarani'', which means able to cure all diseases. 

The other names include-

• Shilikha (Assamese)
• Kadukkai (Tamil)
• Karakkaya (Telegu)

Because of its excellent therapeutic effects, it is called the ''King of medicines'' in Tibet. 

The fruits of Terminalia Chebula are rich in tannies (32%-34%), such as gallic acid, chebulagic acid, punicalagin, chebulanin, corilagin, neochebulinic acid, ellagic acid, and chebulinic acid. 

 Other ingredients include-

• phenolics- chebulinic acid, ellagic acid, and anthraquinones
• polyphenols- corilagin, galloyl glucose, punicalagin, maslinic acid, etc. 

The fruit has various pharmacological activities that include the following- 

• Antioxidant, 
• Antibacterial,
• Antifungal,
• Antiviral, 
• Antiprotozoal, 
• Antidiabetic, 
• Antiinflammatory
• Antiarthritic.

There are different varieties of Haritakies, such as Vijaya, Rohini, Putana, Amrita, Abhaya, Jivanti, and Chetak. It is widely used for wound healing and fungal infections. 

Haritaki is useful for healing common cold and cough, lung disorders, gastritis, and more.

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.

Triphala has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antistress, antipyretic, anticancer, antibacterial, antimutagenic,  and anti-cariogenic properties.

Various studies have confirmed several potential uses of Triphala, including the followings:

• 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.

According to ScienceDirect, Triphala is a constituent of nearly 1500 Ayurvedic formulations.

Method of use and multiple health benefits of Triphala.
Image Source-Sciencedirect.

Gastrointestinal  Effects

Triphala may encourage proper digestion and absorption of food promote regular bowel movements. 

In some parts of the Globe. Triphala is known typically for its beneficial impacts on the digestive tract. So it is known as a digestive tonic and/or natural bowel tonic. 

For gastrointestinal treatment in Ayurveda, Triphala is widely used as a base medicine. Triphala has gained popularity worldwide due to its wide use for the healing of gastrointestinal disorders. It helps reduce hyperacidity and gastric.

Ayurvedic Triphala can reduce constipation, colitis, mucous, and abdominal pain. You can use Triphala as a Natural Laxative to improve the frequency and consistency of bowel movements.

A human clinical trial has reported that Triphala is efficacious in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and improves healthy bowel movement. 

Triphala has been used mostly for treating constipation, piles, and other common gastrointestinal problem. It can strengthen your digestive system.

A clinical trial on 37 patients suffering from functional constipation has reported excellent results. A significant improvement was observed within a week. 

Reduce Dental Caries and Oral infections

Terminalia Chebula (one of the ingredients of Triphala) is effective in preventing various oral diseases, such as dental caries, bleeding gums, gingivitis, and treating them.

Triphala is beneficial for your dental health as it can reduce plaque and cavities. Regular use of Triphala mouthwash can reduce plaque, gingivitis, and gum inflammation.

A study on 90 people with chronic gingivitis has reported a significant reduction in microbial counts after using the Triphala-based mouthwash for 60 days compared to other mouthwash. The study indicated that the Triphala-based mouthwash can be used for the potential treatment of gingivitis.

Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) refer to diseases related to blood vessels and the heart. Examples of CVDs are heart failure, stroke, blockage of blood flow, cardiac arrest, peripheral artery disease, and more.

Triphala is a natural antioxidant that can protect cell damage from free radicals. It strengthens the cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of heart diseases. It helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. It reduces inflammation.

Various studies show that Triphala helps improve a healthy cholesterol level and strengthen the cardiovascular system.

Promote Weight loss and helps Weight Management 

 You know the importance of weight management. Overweight/Obesity is a common health problem among people of different parts of the world, even in the USA.

Triphala is rich in antioxidants. So, it helps remove toxins from your body and reduce fat absorption. It also helps maintain a healthy stomach, intestines, and colon.  

Triphala helps to manage a healthy weight. Triphala may be beneficial for the people of obese and overweight.

Overweight is related to diet, digestion, and physical movement. Triphala is a good digestive tonic. Vaidyas (Ayurvedic Practitioners) often recommend Triphala Churna and Yoga to get faster results.

Studies indicate that Triphala is useful to lose fat, especially the fat in the belly area. 

This Ayurvedic formulation is useful for stimulating and toning the colon tissues, improve digestion. It also helps detoxification and boosts metabolism and thus, reduces excess fats and removes heavy metals from your body.

The result of a study on 48 rats fed the HFD for 6 weeks (to make Obese) and supplemented with Triphala combined with Garcinia Cambogia extracts showed a significant weight reduction.

Another study on two different groups of obese adults has shown better results about weight reduction who consumed 10 gm of Triphala powder daily than those who used a placebo.

Cancer Prevention

Various Studies suggest that Triphala may prevent several types of cancers including colon cancer, the second most cause of cancer-related death in the USA.

Experimental studies have shown that Triphala is efficacious in the prevention of cancer. It has radioprotective and chemoprotective effects.

According to The FASEB Journal, Triphala demonstrated a substantial antiproliferative impact against several human cancer cells, including breast cancer cells.

There are various forms of Triphala available in the market. Suc as, Powder/churna, tea, juice, tablet, capsule. Since ancient times Triphala churna (powder) has been used as Ayurvedic medicine to improve digestive health.

Further reading: Amazing health  benefits of green tea

Market Demand

 Due to its outstanding health benefits, the demand for Triphala powder is increasing worldwide. The highest demand is being witnessed from the Asia Pacific and the Middle East. But the increasing demand in Africa, Europe, North America, and Latin America is noticeable.

FAQ

Which brand is best for Triphala Churna?

Almost all leading Herbal medicinal brands are producing and marketing this ayurvedic medicine. It is difficult for a layman to assess the quality of ''Tri-Phala''.

Buying from a renowned brand is safe for you. Himalaya, Vaudyanath, Dabur are some reputed brands.

Should I take Triphala every day?

Yes, you should. Due to its rejuvenating (Rasayana) property, daily use is beneficial for your overall health. But you should intake the recommended doses that may vary from brand to brand.

 

Typically, for use as a health tonic,  the recommended doses per day are 500 mg- 1000 mg. But, Vaidyas may recommend higher doses for the healing of chronic diseases. (such as constipation, Itching anus, Haemorrhoids). 

What is the perfect time to Take Triphala?

Typically, early morning and at night before bed are considered ideal to use this ayurvedic tonic.

Are there any Side Effects Of Triphala?

Although Triphala is considered healthy and safe, it may cause side effects for some people because of its laxative effects such as a decline in BP, abdominal discomforts, stomach upset, cramps, diarrhea, and other intestinal problems.

Who shouldn't intake Triphala?

Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children shouldn't use it. People with chronic medications, especially for diabetes and high BP, should avoid Triphala. 

Final Thought

People around the world prefer herbal remedies because it has fewer side effects and cost-effective. 

Triphala is a powerful herbal medicine that has a long history of therapeutic use. 

If you use it in consultation with an Ayurvedic Practioner, you can lead a healthy and disease-free life.

Further References:

Verywell health

Healthline

Wikipedia

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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