Triphala or triphala churna (powder) is a renowned Ayurvedic formulation which is made from three fruits namely amla (Emblica Officinalis), Bibhitaki or Baheda (Terminalia bellirica) and haritaki or harad (Terminalia chebula). In fact, the name Triphala literally translates to “three fruits” (tri = three and phala= fruit). In Ayurveda, Triphala is sought mainly for its “rasayana” properties which means this formulation is very effective in maintaining the health and vitality of the body and preventing the occurrence of diseases.
Triphala is first of all a rejuvenating herb in Ayurveda but its used in the treatment of a number of diseases. In fact, in Ayurveda, it is believed that Triphala takes care of your body as much as your own mother would take care of you. What is so great about this formulation? One might ask. So, let’s explore some of the health benefits of Triphala:
A)Weight Loss:
Consumption of Triphala assists in the process of weight loss as apparent by several clinical studies. As compared to controls, study subjects who were given Triphala lost more weight and even had a lesser waist and hip circumference.
B)Eyes:
Triphala is an important component of Ayurvedic formulations used for the management of cataract and glaucoma. Clinical studies also confirm the anti-cataract and eyesight-improving benefit of this herb.
C)Hair:
Triphala has protective benefits for your hair and is commonly used as a remedy to ward off early greying of hair. It also helps in reducing hair fall and provides your scalp with all the desired nutrition when applied topically.
D)Abdominal Issues:
Flatulence, constipation, bloating and irregular bowels form a majority of the abdominal issues. Studies have found that the inclusion of Triphala in the diet helps manage these common digestive complaints and thus helps to get rid of excess toxins in the body
E)Periodontitis:
The antimicrobial activities of Triphala warrants its use in the management of common oral problems like gum disorders and periodontitis. When used as a mouthwash along with chlorhexidine, it helped to reduce plaque build-up and improve oral health.
F)Antimicrobial:
Triphala has been used as an antimicrobial agent for the treatment of several infections and even clinical studies have supported this use. Triphala is evidenced to have an effect against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae.
G)Antioxidant:
Triphala has been confirmed as an antioxidant food due to its rich vitamin C content. Thus, it will help to protect your body against harmful and damaging effects of free radicals.
H)Diabetes:
Triphala has been evidenced to have an anti-diabetic effect by having a function on the hormone insulin. It works by reducing the accumulation and release of glucose in the bloodstream.
How to Use Triphala Churna?
The ratio of the amount of the three herbs for preparing Triphala powder varies with the individual body type but generally, the three herbs are added in the 1 (harad) 2 (baheda 4 (amla) ratio. ½ tsp of the powder can then be taken with water (in the form of a tea) either early in the morning or at night after your meals.