Ayurvedic Triphala

In our previous articles, we spoke about the three important Ayurvedic herbs - Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki. From their characteristics to their qualities, we spoke about how each of them possesses qualities that can cure diseases and ensure a healthy lifestyle. When all the three herbs blend together, they form the Triphala, which is obviously very powerful because of the combination of qualities of all the three herbs put together.

The recipe for this traditional Ayurvedic herbal supplement dates back to thousands of years when it was mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic texts, “Charak” and “Sushruta Samhita”. Considered to be “Tridoshic” in nature, Triphala has a calming and rejuvenating effect on all the three Doshas that govern the universe and the Human Body - Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

It is known for its cleansing powers. It improves bowel movement and helps in getting rid of common diseases such as constipation and other bowel irregularities.

The Three Main Benefits of Triphala:

• Digestion: The first and the most important benefit of Triphala is that it improves digestion drastically. This leads to an increase in appetite, healthy bowel movement and breaking down of the nutrients for the body. The combination of the three herbs encourages complete purification by removing Ama or toxic residue from the digestive tract and increasing the colon’s absorption functions. As we already know, if the digestive fire in the body goes out of balance, it gives rise to Vata imbalance and other related diseases.
• Balancing Doshas: Triphala helps in balancing the Doshas as it enhances your senses, especially the sense of taste. In Sanskrit the word for taste is Rasa which means plasma as well as emotions or mood. Triphala contains all the tastes - sour, pungent, bitter, astringent and sweet. For example, a bitter taste may mean that it’s time to draw your mind inward and discipline your life in certain directions. A pungent taste from Triphala may mean that there’s room for more enthusiasm or vigor in your life.
• Weight Loss: In case of weight gain or obesity, Triphala can be used to get rid of the excessive fat by promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle. Triphala also improves digestion helping an individual be more agile and active.

You can consume Triphala in the form of tea or by just adding it directly in a meal. By doing so, you can be assured of a healthy mind and body. But don’t forget that Triphala should not be consumed by a woman when pregnant or when in an inebriated state because it might have an adverse effect in such a case.