Triphala: 8 Incredible Medicinal Health Benefits

Triphala Health Benefits, Description, Medicinal Properties, Health Beneficial Uses, Availability, Possible Side Effects, Precautions and FAQ

What is Triphala?

Triphala is one of the major components of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, one of the oldest medicinal treatments in the world to have emerged in India over 3,000 years ago. 

triphala health

Due to its many alleged health benefits, triphala has become increasingly popular all over the world. This herb mixture is made up of three medicinal plants found in India. 

Triphala Health Benefits and Uses

Triphala literally means “three fruits” in Sanskrit. They are-

  • Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica)
  • Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica)
  • Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

These ingredients are said to be more effective when consumed together as a mixture than consumed separately.

Further this article discusses the health benefits and uses of triphala and other related information.

Also Read: Benefits of Fish Mint – 8+ Amazing Health Benefits, Uses, Side Effects.

Health Beneficial Medicinal Properties of Triphala

Triphala powder contains a teaspoon (2.8 g) of

  • Calories: 10
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 gram
  • Sugar: 0 g

Each of the three fruits of triphala has important health nutrients:

Amalaki 

Amalaki or amla is high in vitamin C, essential minerals and amino acids. It contains powerful antioxidants, such as phenols, tannins, and curcuminoids. Antioxidants help prevent damage to your cells. Cell damage can lead to serious health issues like cancer. Some test tube studies show that amla extraction may have anti-cancer properties. More studies are needed to understand the benefits for humans.  

Also Read: 10+ Health Benefits of Indian Gooseberry (Amla)

Bibhitaki

Bibhitaki  or bhomora has many antioxidants, such as oleic acid, tannin, lignan, and flavon. These compounds can help improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, as well as provide anti-inflammatory effects.

Also Read: Amazing Health Benefits of Belleric Myrobalan

Haritaki 

Haritaki contains vitamins and minerals (e.g. vitamin C, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium). Like other components of triphala, haritaki also contains strong antioxidants, such as polyphenols, tarpon, and anthocyanins.

Benefits of Triphala

  1. Cancer

In a laboratory study, this ayurvedic mixture has been proven to be effective in controlling the growth of cancer cells. The compound here can prevent the development of lymphoma, as well as stomach and pancreatic cancer, in tests done on mice. Triphala contains powerful antioxidants such as gallic acid and polyphenols which are believed to be helpful in fighting cancer.

  1. Weight loss

Triphala is a powerful detoxifier. It helps in extracting toxins from the stomach, small intestines and large intestines. The mixture also acts as an intestinal tonner and helps strengthen and tone the colon tissues, which keep your digestive system healthy. A healthy digestive system speeds up the digestion process to fight constipation and helps you control weight.

Also Read: 12+ Effective Ways to Fight Obesity and Related Problem

  1. Inflammation Reductor

Triphala contains several antioxidants that perform protective functions in the body. It contains compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins and saponins that can help fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent you from chronic diseases. Regular consumption of triphala has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, some cancers, diabetes, arthritis and premature aging.

  1. Dental Problems

Triphala has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect you from several dental problems. It can prevent plaque formation, cavity and gingivitis. According to clinical research, using triphala with mouth fresheners can prevent plaque and fungal infections. Its antioxidant properties can also heal facial sores.

  1. Skin Quality

Apart from eating triphala, some people apply it on their skin. It is believed that its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help cure some skin problems and protect skin cells. According to a study, applying triphala paste to the skin can help rebuild skin proteins, maintain moisture in the skin, increase collagen formation and help you recover faster from injuries.

  1. Stress and Anxiety

Taking these three herbal fruit combinations can also be effective for your mental health. Several studies prove that taking triphala can protect you from stress and help your body to fight against it properly. Another study revealed that the mixture can help reverse some of the behavior problems caused by stress.

Also Read: 10 Effective Ways to Fight Anxiety Disorder Problem

  1. Natural Laxative

Triphala has been used in ancient times to treat stomach related problems. It acts as a natural laxative and can improve constipation, abdominal pain, bloating and the frequency and stability of bowel movements.

Also Read: Constipation Health Impacts: 9+ Ways to Cure

  1. Type-2 Diabetes

Triphala ingredients- Amla and Bibhitaki have some anti-diabetic properties. Studies show that its antioxidant activity can play a role in reducing blood sugar and preventing nerve damage caused by diabetes. However, clinical evidence for the human body is preliminary and limited.

Also Read: Effective Ways to Minimize Damaging Impacts of Diabetes

Availability and Uses of Triphala

Triphala is found in the form of capsule, tablet, liquid and powder. The form you use depends on the purpose of using it. 

For example, if you want to use it on your skin or as a mouthwash, powdered form of triphala would be much more facilitating. 

Capsules and tablets can be helpful if you want to use triphala internally (to treat ulcers, arthritis or constipation).

Triphera has no predefined doses for internal use, but many supplements include about 300 mg of each element of each dose. A single dose can bear upto 900-1,000 mg of triphala.

Always consult your doctor before taking any new remedy, as they can react with other medications you are taking and cause complications.

Side Effects of Triphala

As triphala acts as a mild laxative, it can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, including:

These side effects can even occur with small doses.

If you experience mild diarrhea or other side effects, try to reduce the dose. If your symptoms are not improved, stop taking triphala immediately and completely.

There are no such reliable sources about the safety of long-term use of triphala, or how it reacts with other medicines. Some possible reasons for this uncertainty are –

  • The doses may vary from one preparation to the next.
  • Some healthcare providers add other herbs and ingredients depending on the conditions treated.

Pregnant and lactating women should be careful while taking this herbal medicine. They should first consult their doctor to avoid any complications.

Who should not consume Triphala?

If you are taking any of the following, you should avoid triphala:

  • Kava Kava
  • Alcohol
  • Antiarrhythmic drugs like Quinidine
  • Anticonvulsant like Tegretol and Trileptal
  • Antifungal drugs like Nizoral and Vfend
  • Antipsychotic drugs such as Orap 
  • Nefazodone-like atypical antidepressants
  • Benzodiazepine sedatives such as Klonopin and Halcion 
  • HIV medicines such as Reyataz and Crixivan
  • Immune-suppressing drugs like Sandimmune 
  • Macrolide antibiotics like Clarithromycin and Telithromycin
  • Migraine medicines such as Ergomar 
  • and Alfentanil like the same as the android panel Duragesic
  • Rifampin-based medicine used to treat tuberculosis

Also Read: Immune System of Human Body

Conclusion

The information provided about the health benefits of triphala by the above article is only for educational purposes and not meant to replace any professional advice and clinical treatment.  Please consult your doctor before taking this herbal mixture if you are on medication and seek medical help if you face any health issues or side effects after using triphala.

Also Read: Triphala Benefits (Assamese)

Sources: NCBI Article I, NCBI Article II

FAQ

1) What is Triphala?

A- Triphala is a powerful mixture of three superfruits: Amla, Haritaki and Bibhitaki.

2) How is triphala compared with other super fruits?

A- One of the major measurements of super fruits is the ability to support healthy antioxidant function. A scale of measuring it is called TEEC number. Blueberry scored nearly 10th and Raspberry scored about 15. Triphala fruits are literally off the charts, with haritaki in a 679th position. 

3) How does triphala help in digestion?

A- Triphala is generally known for its impact on GI tract and especially for colon. In addition to increasing regularity, it helps to balance all three areas of digestion:

  • Dissolving food in the stomach
  • Fat, carbohydrates and protein breakdown in the small intestine
  • Imbibing nutrients in the colon

4) What should I consume triphala with?

A- With a glass of warm water.

5) Can I have triphala with tulsi tea?

A- Yes, you can. Tulsi is an excellent “carrier” for triphala, working collaboratively to increase triphala activity, such as increasing the ability to assist in healthy antioxidant functions.

6) Can I have it daily?

A- You can, Triphala is safe for daily use. In Ayurveda, Triphala is balanced in all types of individual constitutions, so whether it is Vata, pitta or kapha, you can use it.

Leave a Reply