Also known as the “nectar of life”, it is one of the most potent herbal remedies in Ayurveda owing to the amazing healing properties it has. Literally meaning three fruits, Triphala is a combination of three fruits with medicinal properties. These are dried and mixed in a fixed proportion.
Ingredients of Triphala
Amlakai (Emblica Officinalis)- Amla or Indian gooseberry for a cooling effect. Manages pitta.
Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)- Commonly known as Baheda or Vibhidaka in Sanskrit. Good for Kapha and hence supports the respiratory system.
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)- Also known as harad or Haritaki in Sanskrit. This is a nut like fruit which balances all three doshas (pitta, kapha, vata). It removes toxins and maintains healthy weight levels.
When these fruits are mixed in the right proportion, they become a highly potent antioxidant and natural detoxifier that cleanses and rejuvenates the body. Well known for its gentle effects on bowels, it also nourishes the body and improves digestion.
Triphala is primarily to balance the doshas of the body. For starters, Ayurveda has defined three doshas or bio-elements of the human body, namely- Kapha, Pitta, Vata. This three substance fluctuates in the body according to the season, time and several factors.
Doshas of the human body
Vata or the airy element is characterized by properties light, dry, cold, minute and movement. Diseases like gout, rheumatism, and flatulence are caused by Vata Dosha. Vata is the origin for the other two doshas.
Kapha, the watery element that is characterized by heaviness, cold, tenderness, slowness, lubrication and the carrier of nutrients. It plays an important role in governing fluids, taste perception and joint lubrication in the body.
Pitta is the fiery element or bile secreted between stomach and bowels. This flows through liver, heart, eyes and skin. The chief quality is heat and is characterized by body heat, redness, burning sensation, hotness, sharpness or sourness.
Out of the above three, one of the doshas would predominate and determine the constitution of mind and body. Understanding your body type and emotional responses help in identifying the type of dosha your body has. Imbalance or excess of dosha would cause a certain disease or imbalance in the body. For example, Kapha dosha may cause obesity, lung disease or excess mucus. Excess pitta may lead to infection or inflammation while excess vata may cause digestive, nervous disorder or low energy. Triphala aims to balance the doshas of the body. Interestingly it has a sour, pungent, bitter, astringent and sweet taste. Every human being would get a different taste of the powder. Ayurveda says that whatever you taste in Triphala is the taste or element missing in your body. Post regular consumption, as the dosha balances in the body, the taste would change. It is very rare to taste sweet, but in case you do, it’s time to stop consuming Triphala.
Multiple benefits of Triphala
Here are the multiple benefits of Triphala at a glance:
- Helps in weight loss
- Fights cancer
- Improves digestion
- Purifies blood
- Anti-inflammatory benefits
- Anti-allergic properties
- Acts as immunity booster
- Corrects constipation
- Relieves bone and joint pain
- Strengthens hair roots
- Regulates blood pressure
- Lowers cholesterol
- Strengthens respiratory tract
- Helps control diabetes
- Maintains good reproductive health
- Treats dandruff
- Strengthens hair roots
- Treats acne and eczema
- Natural antioxidant
- Cures anemia
- Cures bad breath
- Improves eyesight
- Heals wounds quicker
- Cures dizziness and motion sickness
- Regulates hormonal imbalance
You can take Triphala powder with water or consume Triphala tea. As another alternative, you can mix it in other drinks as well. Though there are no high-risk side effects of Triphala, it is advisable to consult a doctor before consuming the same.
Ayurveda science has existed for centuries in India. The power of nature is strongly embedded in this school of medicine. The process of curing the ailments starts with understanding the type of body and balancing the doshas. Triphala works on the same principles and naturally heals the human body. Bring home the power of Ayurveda for amazing benefits that can change your life.