Also known as:

Triphala powder is made of a blend of equal parts Amlaki (Emblica officinalis) Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Bibhitaki (Terminalia Belerica)

Introduction:

Triphala (which, in Hindi/Sanskrit, means literally "three fruits") is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine and is said to balance the three constitutional elements of human life: the nervous system, the metabolic processes, and the body’s structural integrity. Formulated by Ayurvedic Practitioners thousands of years ago, it is considered the most effective and safest laxative. It is the three constituents of Triphala that make it such an effective herbal remedy. Amalaki is a great rejuvenator and a strong natural anti-oxidant and is also known to help boost the immune system. Reportedly having 20 times the vitamin C content of an orange, it is the highest known natural source of vitamin C. Haritaki, the Tibetan "king of medicine", is a classic heart-brain-longevity tonic, and is believed to be what is in the extended palm of Buddha. Bibhitaki is a rejuvenative believed to reduce liver and heart disease as well as to improve the voice, vision and promote hair growth. When combined to make triphala, these constituents cleanse and detoxify without depleting the body's reserves. Because of its ability to combine nutritional, blood and liver detoxifying actions, it is one of the most valuable herbal preparations in the world.

Parts Used:

Powdered or cut and usually in the form of tea. May be used as a capsule or extract.

Typical Preparations:

Triphala has a strong taste. It is recommended to drink it with juice or to place honey on the tongue before swallowing. It is often possible to find Triphala in pill form however, the powdered form is much more effective and can be mixed thoroughly in a small amount of cold or warm water or simmered in water and drunk as a medicinal tea. When used as a digestive tonic or laxative, it is best taken in the evening, about two hours after eating, and at least 30 minutes before bedtime. No food should be eaten for one and a half hours after ingestion.

Summary:

Among the many uses for Triphala the most common is for the alleviation of constipation. It is also widely used to cleanse and tonify the gastro intestinal tract,  detoxification of the whole body, nourishment and rejuvenation of the tissues, support for healthy digestion and absorption, improved blood circulation, antiviral, antibacterial, a natural antioxidant, as an aid to help correct diverticulitis/ diverticulosis, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. Tripahla is also used as eyewash for treatment of conjunctivitis and progressive myopia as well as the early stages of glaucoma and cataracts. Studies in recent years have suggested that it may even have potential as an anti-cancer treatment, reducing the incidence of tumors in animals and improving tolerance for radiation treatment.

Precautions:

Not recommended during pregnancy or while nursing and should not be used with cases of diarrhea and dysentery.

 This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

For educational purposes only.