Triphala: A wonderful herbal medicine

Triphala: A wonderful herbal medicine

In SanskritTrimeans three, whilePhalameans fruits. Thus, Triphala is a preparation of 3 fruits. This herbal blend has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years.

Triphala has been used in Ayurveda to treat many different types of illnesses, from dental cavities to digestive problems. It is a prime example of polyherbal medicines as Ayurveda believes that synergistic action of different herbs could show better effect than the individual action of one medicine.

Triphala consists of powdered fruits/extracts of 3 fruits – Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica).

These 3 fruits are listed below.

a) Amalaki (Emblica officinalis):

The fruits of this tree are widely known as Indian gooseberries orAmla. This fruit is a treasure house and has many benefits –

• It is one of the greatest rejuvenators in Ayurveda

• Acts as a powerful natural antioxidant

• Helps lower cholesterol levels

• Is a great source of vitamin C.

• Is very helpful in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics

• Helps to strengthen the immune system and metabolism

• Improves skin and increases hair growth

• It improves visibility

• It equalizesPitta

b)Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)::

Commonly known asHaradaThis herb is also called the Tibetan “King of Medicine”. Some of the benefits of these fruits are:

• It improves cognitive functions,

• helps with digestion,

• promotes weight loss

• It is very helpful in treating an enlarged spleen or liver

• helps control diabetes

• Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects

• Used as a laxative

• It calms them downVataDosha

c)Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica)::

It is commonly known asBahedaand shows the following advantages:

• The fruits of this plant have rejuvenating properties

• The powder of this fruit helps in curing many respiratory diseases

• Helps with hepatitis, piles, diarrhea, asthma, dyspepsia, etc.

• Detoxify blood, muscles and fatty tissue

• It improves eyesight and hair growth

• A paste made of this powder and water is applied to the painful or swollen parts of the body to relieve the pain

• balanceKapha

When these fruits are combined to prepareTriphalashow the following advantages:

1. Stimulates digestion

2. Relieves acidity in the stomach and heals ulcers and gastritis.

3. Acts as a laxative

4. Lowers blood cholesterol levels

5. Reduces high blood pressure

6. Helps with anemia, palpitations and cardiac arrhythmias

7. Helps diabetics balance high blood sugar levels

8. Cures the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer

9. Widely used to treat eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, progressive myopia, early stages of glaucoma and cataracts.

Finally, it is advisable to consume 1 tbsp of this powder with warm water before bed for at least a month.