Triphala is an Ayurvedic preparation, composed of thre
e herbs, which has been used in India for thousands of years. The translation of its Sanskrit name would be “Tri” which means three and “phala” fruit. There is a popular saying in India that says: “Is there no mother? Do not worry, as long as you have Triphala”. The reason is that the Indians believe that Triphala is able to take care of the internal organs of the body like a mother takes care of her children. But to understand a little better how this preparation works in our organism we must go to the root, to the composition of these three herbs which are Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki.
Amalaki is sweet, bitter, spicy and astringent, that makes Vata, Kapha and especially Pitta reduce. It is a natural antioxidant so it is considered one of the greatest rejuvenators in Ayurveda. It is also an extraordinary purgative and it helps to stimulate the immune system. This fruit is one of the natural sources that contains more vitamin C, it has 20 times more than an orange. It is also beneficial for the circulatory system and for the digestive system.
Haritaki is sweet, sour, spicy, bitter and astringent which makes the doshas balance and mainly decreases Vata. Its actions are digestive, it increases agni (digestive fire), it is a mild laxative and has the function of retaining. That makes it a classic tonic for heart, brain and longevity.
Bibhitaki is astringent, sweet and dry, so it decreases Kapha. Its actions are similar to those of haritaki,it increases agni (digestive fire), it is digestive, it retains and it is a mild laxative. It is good for bronchitis and asthma, for the voice, for the eyes and in pregnant women to calm vomiting. Good for inflammatory processes, allergies and parasites.
Once analyzed its three ingredients, we must know that the three together make Triphala a very powerful combination and one of the most appreciated preparations in Ayurveda. It is Tridosha which means that it can be used by all three humors, Vata, Pitta and Kapha; strengthening them as well as the seven dhatus (tissues of the body) and balancing ojas (immune system), tejas (fire) and prana (life energy).
It cleans and detoxifies the organs at deeper levels without depleting the body’s reserves. Triphala combines both nutritional cleansing actions on the blood and liver (it is detoxifying).
Triphala is good for correcting constipation, cleans and tones the gastrointestinal tract, detoxifies the entire body, nourishes and rejuvenates tissues, supports healthy digestion and absorption, improves blood circulation, it is antibacterial, natural antioxidant, intestinal tonic that helps correct diverticulitis, diverticulosis, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. It can be used as eye drops in the eye for conjunctivitis, progressive myopia, early stages of glaucoma and cataracts. It is also anti-inflammatory, stimulates bile flow. It helps in natural internal cleansing useful for losing weight and fat reduction.
Contraindications
Triphala may have some contraindications, for example in pregnancy should not be consumed in excess, because it may irritate the baby and makes it hyperactive. People with Vata constitution and/or Vata problems can dry out excessively. The best thing would be to consult a therapist when in doubt whether to take this medication.
How to take it
The best time to take it will depend on what effect we want to achieve, if we want a rasayana effect (rejuvenating) we must take it on an empty stomach in the morning. On the other hand, if what we want is to lower Vata, it is better at night but since it is very diuretic for people who have retention problems, it is better to take it in the morning.
To take it we give you some ideas:
1- It can be taken in infusion. Pour between ½ and 1 teaspoon of triphala powder into a cup of boiling water. Let it stand for 10 minutes, until it is cold enough to drink. You can strain the grass or leave it at the bottom of the cup.
2- Place between ½ and 1 teaspoon of dried triphala powder on the tongue and swallow with warm water.
3- The same amount of powder mixed directly with warm water and drink.
4- Mix the same amount of powder with honey, to soften the taste of the herb.
5- Take it in pill form. It is more comfortable and the taste is not noticed.
Now that you know this preparation better and you know all its full potential, it is not strange to think that Triphala is one of the most valuable preparations in the world.