Triphala: The Three-Fruit Ayurvedic Remedy for Digestion and Beyond

Without a doubt triphla is the most commonly mentioned ayurvedic medicine in the consultations I hold. Amala, bibhitaki, and haritaki are the three ingredients that compose triphla, which translates to three fruits. Triphla is a legendary medicine, and I have grown to appreciate the validity of this claim based on my experience in the field.

There are many reasons a formulation is successful, and triphla is the perfect example. Triphla has innumerable beneficial properties and is often included in the same category as analgesics, hepatoprotectors, antibacterial, and hypoglycemics. It is extremely rare for a formulation to be this broad in its range.

Treating illnesses is only one aspect of triphla. Rasayana is the term which refers to triphla’s ability to promote longevity and rejuvenation. For the purposes of general wellness, it is often seen as a tonic. I often prescribe triphla for its supportive function to the immune system and to address a general sense of tiredness, weakness and lack of energy.

Ayurvedic Triphala

The ancient texts say that Triphala has a complete taste system having sweet, sour, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Its potency (virya) is neutral and its post-digestive effect (vipaka) is sweet. Its potency and vipaka help balance all the three doshas.

There are three fruits in Triphala. Each of them has unique properties. Amalaki is considered heavy and dry (guru, ruksa) while Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, are considered (laghu, ruksha) dry and light. These properties help in balancing the formulation and helps in working with a variety of constitutions.

Triphala Benefits

Triphala helps in many issues related to digestion. This includes constipation, gastritis, and flatulence. Triphala helps improve the ability to absorb nutrients and digest food. It works as a laxative, but much milder than other purgatives.

Triphala can help support a healthy metabolism. It can help lower cholesterol levels and improve overall circulation. Because of the support Triphala can help aid in weight loss and can help aid in diabetes.

Triphala is a good support for overall eye health. It is rich in many vitamins that can support health and help protect the eyes from damage. It can help support healthy aging of the eyes over time.

Skin health. Triphala is effective for a number of skin conditions thanks to its combination of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing characteristics. Triphala is effective for treating skin problems like rashes and redness, acne, dry skin, and even dandruff.

How Triphala is Traditionally Taken

The way Triphala is traditionally taken is quite important for its efficacy. Traditionally, it is taken at night with warm water. This leads to a gradual and gentle effect, and helps with smooth and regular bowel movements. Triphala has a mild laxative effect, so it is traditionally taken with this effect in mind. For individuals who want to take Triphala for its rejuvenative and rasayana properties, Triphala can be taken in the morning on an empty stomach.

The form of the Triphala can also determine how it is taken. It can also be taken due to the reason for its use. Triphala choorna is often mixed with warm water, while ‘vatti’, the tablet form, offers a more convenient option for patients who find the taste of the powder difficult to tolerate, since Triphala does have a distinctly bitter and astringent profile. Triphala is traditionally taken due to its digestive benefits; however, it is often taken for its rejuvenative benefits. Generally, a lower dose is recommended and can be increased due to its bitter taste and patients’ tolerance.

Triphala Documentation on Safety and Risks

Although Triphala is well tolerated by many individuals, and generally thought to be safer than many other supplements, there are always exceptions. Pregnant women should probably avoid Triphala, due to some ingredients which may not be safe to take during pregnancy. People with very loose stools or who currently suffer from diarrhea should probably avoid Triphala due to its laxative properties. Triphala should be used with caution in people who take blood-thinning medications, or any other medications, as there may be interactions with the herbs contained in Triphala.

As in many other cases, the best option may be to avoid self medicating, and to consult with a qualified practitioner for professional medical advice regarding Ayurvedic remedies.

Standard Triphala Dosages

Triphala can be prescribed in several different forms, choorna (which is a powder form), ghritha (which is medicated ghee), vati (which are tablets), and many rasayana preparations. The form that is prescribed is highly dependent on the particular condition that is being addressed. Triphala is not something that I recommend self-prescribing for, as the the right form, the right dosage, and the right duration is dependent on the individual, as well as the condition being addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not many of the Ayurvedic solutions can do as much as Triphala. In the combination of these three fruits, we can find the support for digestion, immunity, skin, eyes, and metabolism. At Kottakkal Ayurveda, we use Triphala in treatment plans tailored to the individual. This inclusion of Triphala is used where it is desired and needed as support for health and not as a generalized treatment.

About the Author

Dr. Nasreen Thacham Poyil is an Ayurvedic Physician at Kottakkal Ayurvedic Treatment Centre, Ajman. After her graduation from VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, she is skilled in treating a wide variety of health issues involving the musculoskeletal, dermatological, gastrointestinal, gynecological, and neurological systems.