Benefits, Facts, and Tips for Using Triphala

Did you know that Triphala has been one of the main Ayurvedic medical preparations for over 2,000 years. In India, this blend of herbs is even considered to be the most effective and broadest range of herbs.

Well, what is Triphala? It is a traditional herbal blend made from three different, dried fruit powders. The name of this preparation is derived from Sanskrit, where "tri" means three and "phala" means fruit.

Triphala contains gallic acid, ellagic acid and chebulinic acid, all of which have strong antioxidant effects. It contains flavanoids and polyphenols with antibacterial and strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Triphala is used to fight oncological diseases, infections, digestive disorders, inflammatory processes, high cholesterol and immune system disorders. When you look at the effects of each substance in triphala individually or in combination, its beneficial properties seem to be endless.

Triphala Plant Ingredients

Triphala is made from the following fruits: amla, haritaki and bibhitaki. The dry powder of these medicinal plants is mixed in equal parts to produce triphala. Each ingredient in this dietary supplement has valuable properties for human health and when combined, you can enjoy them all.

Indian gooseberry (Lat. Phyllantus emblica, syn. Emblica officinalis) is another well-known Ayurvedic medical remedy that has been highly valued for centuries.  This fruit contains extremely high levels of vitamin C. This herb is used both alone and in combinations to combat temperature, as a diuretic, laxative, as an anti-inflammatory remedy and liver tonic.

Haritaki (Lat. Terminalia chebula) is also known as the King of Medicines in Tibet. Haritaki is widely used in India and Iran to fight body disorders such as constipation, dementia and diabetes.

Prickly pear (Lat. Terminalia bellirica) is another effective herb with detoxifying and revitalizing properties. It is widely used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of diabetes, high blood pressure and rheumatism.

5 Useful Properties of Triphala

1. Oncological Diseases

A study conducted in 2015 analyzed the antiproliferative (an inhibitory effect of cancer cell growth) and proapoptotic (promoting a programmed death of cancer cells) effects of triphala on intestinal cancer cells and human intestinal cancer stem cells. The methanol extract derived from triphala was found to contain a complex of several phenols such as naringin, quercetin, homoorientin and isorhamnetin.

Among other things, scientists have noted that triphala extract has been able to stop the spread of human intestinal cancer stem cells and promote their programmed death.

The gallic acid in triphala also has potent anti-cancer properties, particularly in the fight against prostate cancer.

2. A Natural Laxative, an Intestinal Cleanser and, Possibly, an Assistant in the Fight Against Colitis

Natural laxatives, such as triphala, tend to have a much smoother effect than the medicines sold in pharmacies. Natural preparations protect the gastrointestinal tract and promote regular bowel movements. Normal intestinal peristalsis is particularly important for the elimination of harmful bacteria from the body, the removal of heavy metals and excess fatty acids.

Intestinal cleansing can have a positive effect on the nervous system and help relieve the symptoms of anxiety and fatigue. In terms of the elimination function, amla helps maintain bowel repair processes, haritaki strengthens the bowel muscles and helps them contract more effectively, and bibhitaki removes the outdated mucus layer from the intestinal wall.

3. Weight Loss

Although there are many articles about the beneficial properties of triphala for weight loss, can this supplement really be useful in the fight against overweight? Because triphala promotes regular intestinal peristaltic movements, it is logical to assume that it can help with weight loss and overweight.

A study conducted in 2012 observed that overweight rats supplemented with triphala supplements showed a greater reduction in body weight and body fat over time than those that were not supplemented with triphala herbs. Administration of triphala to mice also helped to restore pathological changes in liver tissue.

Studies in humans have also shown similar results. Triphala has been found to have antioxidant, free radical scavenging properties, and positively affect the body's metabolism and thereby reduce overweight.

4. Levels of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is an abnormal substance found in the body that is produced in the liver and is needed to support the body's normal functioning of cells, neurons and hormones. As a result, a certain amount of cholesterol is essential for the body to function normally, but too much of it can cause a variety of problems. Cholesterol, when combined with fat, calcium and other substances, can form plaques in the blood. Over time, as such plaques accumulate and harden in arteries, this ultimately leads to narrowing of the blood vessels. The excessive build-up of plaques in blood vessels, called atherosclerosis, can lead to a variety of heart conditions and even infarction.

Triphala can help lower cholesterol levels in the body and arterial plaque levels. In one study, a significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL ("bad cholesterol") levels was observed in animals treated with triphala supplementation. One of the ingredients of this supplement, bibhitaki, is also involved in stopping the progression of atherosclerotic plaques.

5. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Arthritic Effects

The high content of antioxidants and polyphenols in triphala has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Almost any disease causes some degree of inflammation in the body. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease: it is an inflammation of one or more joints that causes pain and stiffness in the joints, which gets worse with age.

In order to curb arthritis, it is suggested to help and incorporate anti-inflammatory foods and supplements into your diet. Animal studies have shown that triphala has natural soothing properties for people suffering from arthritis.

The Story of Triphala and Interesting Facts

• Indications for the use of a triphala herb mixture can be found as early as 1500 BC. Thus, it is not strange that triphala is considered to be one of the oldest supplements of plant origin on Earth.
• They say in India: You don’t have a mother? Don't worry while you have triphala. " Indians believe that triphala cares for the body's internal organs in the same way that a mother cares for her children.
• Triphala boasts five of the six ayurvedic flavors (sweet, bitter, spicy, tart and sour). The only taste that is not typical of it is salty.
• The three fruits of triphala complement each other’s activity, just like the three doshas in Indian Ayurvedic medicine do.
• Amla, one of the ingredients in triphala, has 20 times more vitamin C than orange.
• Triphala can also be applied directly to the skin, speeding up the healing process of bruises and burns.
• Triphala is often used in hair and eye cleansers.

How Should Triphala Be Used?

Triphala supplements can be found at almost any pharmacy or online supplement store. This supplement is available in the form powder, capsules, tablets or liquid.
Triphala is usually recommended before or during meals. There are several different ways to take this supplement: powdered supplements can be added to tea: simply pour half a teaspoon of triphala into a cup of hot water, mix well and wait for the drink to cool. The powder can also be mixed with honey before meals. Triphala tablets or capsules are recommended to be taken twice daily. Triphala liquid supplements should be taken 1-3 times a day: 30 drops should be mixed in a glass of water or juice and taken before meals.

In order to experience the effect of triphala as a digestive tonic and laxative agent, it is recommended to take it in the evening, approximately 30 minutes before going to bed. Whether you choose powders, capsules or tablets, the way the supplement is used must always be clearly stated on the product label. Generally speaking, the higher the dose of triphala, the stronger the laxative effect will be, while lower doses of the supplement will help to gradually clear the blood.
If you are unsure when choosing triphala herbal supplements, be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist. Triphala is not addictive and can be used for a long time. However, the recommended duration of use is usually 10 weeks, followed by a break of two to three weeks, which gives the supplement the strongest effect.

Potential Side Effects and Warnings of Triphala

Triphala can cause undesirable side effects on the digestive system. As soon as this substance is consumed, intestinal gas can begin to build up due to ongoing detoxification processes. If you have liquid stools or increased diarrhea after you star using the supplements, this means you are overdosing the product and it should be reduced.

If triphala is used for its laxative properties, then you should closely monitor your well-being and by all means avoid dehydration due to muscle weakness, general weakness, dizziness, or increased feeling of thirst. Stop taking the supplement if you experience any of the above symptoms.

Triphala is recommended for use with caution or not at all in people taking blood thinning medicines. Triphala is also not recommended for pregnant, lactating women and children.

If you have a specific disease, or if you are taking supplemental medicine or supplements, be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking triphala.
The information contained herein should not be construed as a recommendation for treatment or other health issues. We encourage you to make personal health decisions individually, based on an evaluation of a variety of information sources.