Literally meaning “three fruits”, triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal formulation consisting of three fruits native to the Indian subcontinent: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).
Benefits of Triphala
Assists natural internal cleansing*
Gently maintains regularity*
Nourishes and rejuvenates the tissues*
Supports healthy digestion and absorption*
Natural antioxidant*
Triphala is most commonly known for its use as a gentle bowel tonic, being helpful in digestion, and supporting regular bowel movements. The combination of the three fruits has a synergistic effect to bolster many other systems as well. In addition to the GI tract, Ayurveda uses triphala to support healthy respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, reproductive, and nervous systems. Triphala has also been shown to be a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.The three fruits involved in making triphala are also known for their individual effects:
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): Has a cooling effect that manages pitta, supporting the natural functions of the liver and the immune system.
Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica): Is particularly good for kapha, supporting the respiratory system as well as kapha accumulations in all systems.
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): Though having a heating nature, it is still good for all three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha). Is known for its “scraping” effect, which removes toxins and helps maintain healthy levels of weight.
Triphala and Weight Loss
In conditions of excess weight, triphala can be used as part of a weight loss program that includes a healthy diet and exercise. Proper digestion and elimination are important factors in achieving long-term success in maintaining an optimal body weight. Triphala also promotes healthy eating habits and cravings by supplying the body with the full spectrum of natural tastes. By promoting healthy absorption and assimilation of nutrients, triphala keeps the body feeling properly nourished and balanced.
Triphala and Ayurveda: Traditional Uses
Triphala is recommended and used more often than any other Ayurvedic herbal formulation. It is popular for its unique ability to gently cleanse and detoxify the system while simultaneously replenishing and nourishing it. In Ayurvedic terms, triphala, used in moderation, is said to have a beneficial effect on all three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha. It is most well-known for its gentle effects on the bowels, improving peristalsis and cleansing toxic build up of wastes; but Ayurveda also views triphala as a nourishing supplement known for its ability to rejuvenate healthy tissues, allowing one to age gracefully.
The Caraka Samhita, one of the main texts of Ayurveda, describes Haritaki as the remover of disease and promotes haritaki and amalaki for rasāyana, or rejuvenation of the body.
Triphala is also traditionally used as a tonic in hair and eye washes.
For those with sluggish digestion and build up of ama, triphala is said to kindle the digestive fire (deepana) and help improve digestion (pachana), allowing one to get the most nutrition from one’s dietary intake.
Culturally, Haritaki is given the highest respect for restoring health. The Medicine Buddha is often depicted with a haritaki fruit held in his hand. It is said to give the blessing of long life, and along with amalaki and bibhitaki, will nurture you like a mother.
How to use Triphala
Triphala Tea
The traditional way of ingesting triphala is as a tea. This method allows one to taste the herb fully, and taste is considered by Ayurveda to be an important part of the healing process. Taste starts the digestive process, and sends signals to the body as to what to expect, already initiating your body’s own inner pharmacy. To take triphala as a tea, make a decoction by adding ½ teaspoon of triphala powder to a cup of hot water. Stir and allow the tea to cool, and drink. Triphala contains five of the six tastes recognized in Ayurveda (sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, and astringent), only missing the salty taste. Perhaps because the Western diet is so lacking in bitter and astringent, these are the two most prominent tastes for most people, which can make drinking the tea somewhat unpleasant initially. Over time, as the system becomes more balanced, it is not uncommon for the taste one perceives to evolve into a sweet experience. Triphala is usually taken on an empty stomach, most commonly in the evening before bed. Some prefer to take it first thing in the morning, especially if taking it at bedtime makes one urinate at night.
Triphala Tablets
A common amount to take would be two tablets (1000 mgs) before bed or upon rising in the morning. This can be a more convenient method, especially for those that travel a lot, have a shortage of time, or do not like the taste of triphala tea. Many Ayurvedic practitioners prefer to give their patients tablets over capsules as there is still some mild tasting of the herb that occurs, sending signals to the digestive system, as explained above in the Triphala Tea section.
Triphala liquid extract
Triphala liquid extract provides an alternative method of taking triphala. It’s convenient, easy to assimilate, and has a long shelf life. This extract is made from the same certified organic fruits used in making the herbal tablets and is extracted using non-GMO, gluten-free grain alcohol. A typical dose is a dropper full (about 30 drops) taken in 1–2 ounces of water or juice, one to three times daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Modern Research
Studies have shown that triphala supports not only the GI system, but also bolsters a healthy immune and cardiovascular system. It positively affects normal cell life cycles and promotes healthy lipid and cholesterol levels. Triphala has also been shown to have powerful antioxidant effects, protecting cells from the damage of free radicals. The result is thought to be largely related to the Vitamin C content of the amalaki, believed to be one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C in any food. Other research shows that the Vitamin C may have been misidentified, and the antioxidant effect may be attributed to the tannins/polyphenols unique to the herbs used in making triphala. Regardless, it has been shown to produce an antioxidant effect, and in accord with Ayurvedic principles, this is related to the synergistic/holistic effects of the components of all three fruits. For more information and links to articles on modern research, you can find multiple resources online. Two such sources include:
Side Effects
Triphala is a natural detoxifying formula. As part of the cleansing process it is not uncommon for toxins to be released from the deeper tissues and enter the bloodstream on their way to being ushered out of the body. When many toxins are released at once it can prompt a “healing crisis”. For some people this can manifest as a headache, a rash, or nausea, in addition to gas, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
Since triphala supports healthy elimination, it is not uncommon to experience looser motions than usual. All of these reactions can be byproducts of cleansing. If your cleansing experience becomes too intense, you can stop taking triphala until the symptoms subside and restart using less, or simply reduce the amount you are ingesting. If the symptoms recur, it is best to stop use and consult a practitioner.
Contraindications
Contraindications can include diarrhea, dysentery, and pregnancy. There are no known drug interactions with the herbs that make up triphala. Some studies do report findings that would advise caution in people taking blood-thinning medicines, as triphala may affect platelet function. From an Ayurvedic perspective, if your stools are dry and hard, consider using haritaki in place of triphala.
