“An Ayurvedic Herbal Fruit Cocktail”

Triphala has been described in the ancient Ayurvedic text as a Rasayana dravya(Rejuvenating herb) and in Virecan Gana (purgative herb). As the name itself indicates “Triphala” being a combination of three herbs like Haritaki(Terminalia Chebula) + Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellerica) + Amala (Embilica Officinialis). It is usually equal proportion or by mixing one part of Haritaki, two parts of Bibhitaki and four parts of Amalaki. It is also known by these names Vara, phalatrikam and sreshthatamam.

Triphala is the combination of three herbs :-

1. Amlaki (Emblica officinalis) : It reduces Pitta (fire) dosha. It is one of the richest sources of Vit.C, reduces the toxic effects of known carcinogens & mutagens.It acts as good eye tonic, hair tonic, rejuvenating and aphrodisiacs.

2. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) : It reduces Vata(wind) dosha. It is good laxative , good for skin and liver diseases. Possesses anti-microbial, anti-HIV, anti-malarial, anti-fungal, anti-diuretic and anti-mutegenic effects.

3. Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica) : It reduces Kapha(water) dosha. It has anti-mutagenic, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-anaphylaxis, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and free-radical scavenging activities. It also has a protective effect against oxidative stress induced hepatotoxicity.

Triphala is very well known as Tridoshic Rasayana, a therapeutic agent with balancing and rejuvenating effects on the three constitutional elements in Ayurveda Vata (wind), pitta(fire) and kapha(water). The combination of these herbs Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica) have warm energy, while Amala (Emblica officinalis) is cool in nature, thus balances all three dosha’s.

Triphala actually works on every organ in the body, reduces blockage, and restores the natural functions of every organ. It flushes out the toxins and reduces the tendency of diseases. It has a unique ability to gently cleanse and detoxify the digestive tract while replenishing, nourishing, and rejuvenating the tissues.

Therapeutic Uses of Triphala :

– laxative in chronic constipation and colon cleansing
– digestion problems and poor food assimilation,
-cardiovascular diseases, 
-control high blood pressure, 
-reduce serum cholesterol, 
-improve liver function, 
-reduce large intestine inflammation, 
-ulcerative colitis
-reduces itchiness hence useful in itchy eyes, itchy skin infections etc.
-reduces hairfall and improves hair growth

Triphala is an antioxidant-rich herb hence it is used in many formulations and possesses diverse beneficial properties. It is widely used in making different herbal formulation described in the traditional Indian texts like Charaka and Sushruta Samhita.

Triphala is used in the most prestigious classical Ayurvedic preparation like : Triphala Guggulu ,Triphaladi Ghritam, Triphaladi Thailam, Triphaladi Choornam, Chandraprabha vati ,Arogyavardhani vati ,Triphala kashayam etc.

Administration and Adjuvants :

According to health condition and purpose of the Triphala use, adjuvants can be different. Adjuvants like warm water, honey, Ghee, milk etc. are to be decided according to age, prakruti, imbalance dosha and disorder of the individual. For constipation it can be taken about half an hour before bed, steep ½ teaspoon triphala powder in a cup of freshly boiled water for 10 minutes. Cool and drink. Or, take 2 triphala tablets with a glass of warm water. (or follow Dr’s instructions)