Triphala Powder | Tablets | Capsules | Juice Health Benefits

Triphala is a popular Ayurvedic remedy that has a good number of adherents who vouch for its gentle way of providing countless health benefits and curing various disease conditions.  With the Ayurveda way of life spreading far and wide, it is no wonder that almost everyone knows of Ayurvedic remedies like ashwagandha churna, shatavari churna, asokarishta, chyavanprash, and Triphala to name a few.  Not many in the west knew of these a few decades ago.  While the exorbitant cost of conventional treatment and the adverse side effects of the conventional drugs forced everyone to look for an alternative, the rapid increase in the number of people affected by chronic lifestyle diseases and the ineffective treatment rendered by the conventional system was yet another reason that intensified this search. 

It was the effectiveness of Ayurvedic system in treating some of the lifestyle diseases that led to the rapid proliferation of this old medicinal system the world over.  Its time tested remedies have been effective in curing a number of so called ‘incurable’ diseases.  Naturally, some Ayurveda formulations have become household names.  Triphala is one such time tested remedy.
 

Constituents of Triphala

 What is Triphala?

The word ‘Triphala’ means three fruits, the three fruits being Indian gooseberry, chebulicmyrobalan (haritaki), and Terminalia bellirica (bibhitaki).   The three fruits have exceptional medicinal valuable medicinally.  When they come together in Triphala, the resultant synergistic combo bestows a number of health benefits on its users.  No wonder most households these days Triphala is a part of their remedy chest.  Some of the classical Triphala preparations are Triphala guggulu, Triphaladhi Ghrita, Arogyavardhini vati, Triphala kwath, Chandraprabha vati.

Top 12 Health Benefits of Triphala

Indian Gooseberry (Amalaki)

This fruit is cultivated throughout India.  It is found in home gardens as well as grown commercially in a large scale.  It is well known for its Vitamin C content and can be used as a Vitamin C supplement.  It is used medicinally for treating anemia, peptic ulcer, diarrhea, jaundice, weak memory to name a few. 

Terminalia Chebula (Haritaki)

An important constituent in a number of Ayurvedic formulations, Terminalia Chebula (Haritaki) is used in treating asthma, vomiting, biliousness, bleeding piles, bladder diseases, heart conditions etc.  It is an excellent laxative.  It is also used in treating dysentery and diarrhea. 

Terminalia Bellerica (Bibhitaki)

This fruit is found in deciduous forests of India and Burma.  The bark of the tree is used in treating asthma and vitiligo.  It is useful in treating bronchitis, sore throat and diseases of urinary bladder.  The powder of this herb helps arrest bleeding.  The oil made using this herb helps luscious hair growth.

What is Triphala Churna?

The powder obtained on crushing the dry fruits and mixing them in required proportions is called Triphala Powder or ‘Triphala Churna’.  The usual proportion of ingredients is 1:1:1.  The three fruits are dried and finely powdered and then mixed in equal proportion by weight.  This is the general Triphala formulation available in the market.

Health Benefits of Triphala

• Used as a mild and gentle laxative for chronic constipation.
• Rich in anti-oxidants, relieves oxidative pressure.
• Gently detoxifies the body and restores the efficacy of the digestive tract.
• Aids digestion
• Cures sore throat.
• Improves immunity.
• Improves eyesight.
• Helps proper assimilation of food.
• Improves liver function.
• Relieves arthritic pain and reduces inflammation in the joints.
• Helps lose weight
• Helps keep diabetes in check
• Helps fight cancer
• Takes care of allergies
• Helps hair growth
• Eliminates dandruff.
• Brings down excessive cholesterol to normal levels.
• Nourishes skin
• Clears dark circles around eyes
• Improves hair color
• Clears acne

With such a wide range of medicinal property in its possession, it is no wonder Triphala is used extensively in Ayurveda for treating various disease conditions.  Now we will see briefly the medicinal benefits of Triphala powder.

Triphala for Constipation

Triphala for Constipation

It is the non habit forming and non addictive nature of Triphala that has endeared most of its enthusiasts.  Most would have encountered the remedy the first time as a solution for their constipation.  The first choice of an Ayurvedic physician for constipation is Triphala unless the disease conditions suggest otherwise.  Triphala activates the secretion of the digestive juices in stomach.  It also stimulates the peristaltic movement of the large intestines, thus relieving constipation and cleansing the colon.  

For chronic conditions a dose of this powerful remedy (3-5 gm) is taken and mixed in warm water and taken three times a day.  A smaller dose (2-3gm) is recommended as a preventative in case there is a tendency to constipate often.  This dosage relieves constipation and eases bowel movement.

Triphala for Weight Loss

Triphala aids Weight Loss

Triphala stimulates liver and improves the ability to get rid of toxins from our body.  Triphala’s action as a colon cleanser helps weight loss as a healthy colon gets rid of waste in an efficient manner.  Also Triphala helps in proper assimilation of food as well as elimination of waste matter.  It also fights chronic inflammation usually observed in obese people, thus helping the body to get back into fat burning mode.  Being a laxative and cleanser, it expels toxin and excess water resulting in a quick and safe weight loss.

 

Triphala for Cancer

Triphala for Cancer

Triphala is found to stop the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.  Triphala is an excellent scavenger of free radicals and has radio protective properties.  This leads to a sort of cancer cell death (cytotoxicity of cancer cells).  Further studies on the efficacy of Triphala in combating various types of cancer are ongoing in India and other countries.   Breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic and blood cancer respond very well to Triphala.

Triphala for Skin Care

Triphala for Skin care

It is well known fact that accumulation of toxins over a period of time impedes the normal functioning of various organs and also manifests as skin eruptions, boils and other skin diseases.  With Triphala being a gentle laxative and excellent detoxifier, it is only reasonable to expect regular intake of Triphala to benefit the skin.  Triphala can also be applied externally to remove skin blemishes.  It adds glow and vitality to the skin.

Indian gooseberry (amlaki) is rich in Vitamin C.  It has excellent anti-inflammatory properties that help the skin regain its lost vitality.  Chebulic myrobalan (haritaki) is a well-known laxative that keeps constipation at bay.  It eases bowel movement and increases frequency of stools.  It also clears fungal infection of the skin.  Terminalia bellerica (bibhitaki) is a well known purgative.  It promotes hair growth and cures premature greying.  It improves immunity and promotes good health.

Triphala for Eyes

Eyesight diminishes with age, due to certain diseases like diabetes, or due to decreasing immunity.  Triphala improves immunity and Triphala decoction cooled and strained can be used as eyewash to take care of various conditions like red eyes, conjunctivitis, glaucoma etc. 

How to take Triphala?

This wonder remedy was taken in powder form since it came into existence.  The taste of the powder is not easily palatable and hence with widespread usage, more easily palatable forms like tablet, capsule and syrup were introduced.

Triphala Churna

Triphala powder is called Triphala churna.  This can be taken once a day, either in the morning or at night.  Ideal dosage would be 1-2 teaspoonfuls per day.  Mix the powder in hot water and allow it to room temperature.  Drink the remedy warm.  For best results it is advised to take the powder well in advance of breakfast or dinner, say 30-45 minutes.

Triphala Tablet/Capsule

Triphala tablets offer the same benefits as the powder sans the difficult taste and reach the stomach more easily.  Two tablets make a spoonful of Triphala powder.  It is not advised to take Triphala in any form when suffering from diarrhea. 

Triphala Syrup/Juice

A completely harmless and easy to use alternative to the churna and tablet/capsule is the Triphala juice.  Triphala juice can be prepared using 8 ounces of warm water.  A lemon is squeezed to this water and a tablespoon of honey is also added.  Now one tablespoon of Triphala powder is added to this water and mixed thoroughly.  Triphala juice is ready for consumption.  Taking Triphala in this form aids weight loss.

Triphala Oil

When Triphala powder is added to hot coconut or sesame oil and then allowed to cool to room temperature the ensuing oil is called Triphala oil.  This oil has excellent wound healing properties.  The oil can be applied on non-healing chronic ulcers.  Regular application helps heal the ulcers.  This oil can also be used to take care of skin blemishes, rashes and other conditions. 

Side effects of Triphala

Most of the side effects occur due to a prolonged excessive dosage of Triphala.  Although Triphala is safe for consumption, care should be taken when taken along with conventional medications as this can cause undesirable effects.  Hence it is advised that you consult with your physician before taking this remedy. 

Ayurveda physicians recommend pregnant women to not take Triphala.  Also Triphala should not be taken when suffering from diarrhea.  In some rare cases Triphala can cause allergic reactions like breathing obstruction, itching and rashes on skin, swelling of throat etc.  Some may experience insomnia and find it difficult to fall asleep in the initial phase which can gradually fade away with regular usage.  In case of experiencing any mild discomfort, it is advised to stop taking the medicament and start again after a few days at a lower dose.

The health benefits of taking Triphala is huge and the side effects if any can be totally eliminated with a judicious adjustment of the dosage. An Ayurvedic expert can guide you in the right direction. 

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Agnimukh Churna: Ayurvedic Home Remedies

“Agni” (fire) in Ayurvedic parlance is the force that drives digestion, metabolism in an individual.  The stomach is called “pachak” or cook that makes use of this fire to digest and absorb the food we eat.  When all the three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha are in harmony in an individual his/her degree of digestion of food and absorption of nutrients is optimal.  This individual will be healthy and possess a strong immune system. The digestive fire in this person is called samanagni or samagni.

When there is an imbalance in the three doshas and there is a dominance of Vata, then it can result in conditions of diarrhea, wind in the intestines, rumbling, etc alternating with normal digestion.  The vitiated fire is then called vishamagni.

If there is a domination of pitha in an individual then there is rapid digestion irrespective of the type of food consumed.  This can result in sour eructations, hyperacidity, painful urination, etc and the body grows weak and emaciated.  This individual experiences a constant feeling of hunger.  The digestive fire here has turned into tikshagni or teekshagni.

When kapha dominates an individual due to the imbalance of the three doshas, it can result in protracted and prolonged digestion of even a small quantity of food.  This causes heaviness in abdomen, asthma, respiratory illnesses, fatigue, nausea etc.  Here the fire is called mandagni.

Agnimuka choornam or aknimukh choorna is an excellent remedy for all the above mentioned conditions.  With the intake of this remedy the vitiated doshas are pacified resulting in re-establishing the lost harmony.  Samagni is the result which helps in regaining lost health.  Hence this preparation is useful in treating all types of digestive problems.

Ingredients of Agnimukh choorna are asafoetida, sweetflag (acorus calamus), piper longum (thippili), chebulic myrobalan (kadukkai), oregano (ajwain, omam), dried cleansed ginger (chukku), white leadwort root (koduveli), Indian costus root (koshtam).

Sweetflag

Asafoetida is used in treating indigestion and constipation.  Sweetflag is well known remedy for bloated stomach, flatulence, diarrhea in infants.  It aids digestion.  Piper longum is useful in treating polydipsia (excessive thirst).   Chebulic myrobalan cleanses toxins from liver.  Oregano is an antibacterial agent.  Dried ginger is an excellent appetizer.  White leadwort root is regarded as a kayakalpa herb.  This is a good general tonic for the whole body.  The decoction of Indian costus root is used in treating poisonous bites.  All these herbs combine together in agnimukh chooran to reinstate the lost samanagni.

How to prepare Agnimukh churna at home?

The ingredients of agnimuga chooranam are all available at the local herbal stores in India as well as online worldwide.  The ingredients are taken starting with the first, asafoetida 10 gm and and increment of 10 gm each for other ingredients in the order mentioned earlier.  So sweetflag 20 gm, piper longum 30 gm, chebulic myrobalan 40 mg, oregano 50 mg, dried ginger 60 mg, white leadwort root 70 gm and Indian costus root 80 gm are collected.  Each herb is powdered to a very fine consistency and then mixed together.  This is stored in a cool dry place.

Take half a teaspoon of this powder, mix it in a glass of cold water, and drink it before food both in the morning and at night.  This is repeated three to four days.  This is a quick and safe way to bring back the digestive system to normalcy.

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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Triphala Health Benefits

Triphala is one of the most popular and effective Ayurvedic remedies used over the millennia to treat various illnesses.  This powder with excellent medicinal properties is effective in treating constipation as well as detoxifying the body.  It is a gentle detoxifier par excellence.  It regulates glucose levels in diabetics, controls hypertension and even stops the progression of cancers.

Indian Gooseberry

Triphala means ‘three fruits’ in Sanskrit; the three fruits are Indian gooseberry, kadukkai (Terminalia chebula) and thanrikkai (Terminalia Bellirica).  The three fruits on their own have immense medicinal value and are used in the preparation of various home remedies.  When these fruits come together in Thiripala, their medicinal powers multiply synergistically, resulting in a remedy that has a wide range of healing applications.

Triphala balances the tridoshas vata, pitta and kapha.  It is mentioned in Ayurvedic text Sushrut Samhita.  Generally Ayurveda physicians prescribe Triphala for constipation as it is cleanses the bowel in a gentle manner while acting as a detoxifier.  Hence this preparation can be taken in moderation every day without any nasty side effects.  But when we limit its usage to just a laxative, we might miss out on its other health promoting properties.

Regular intake of triphala benefits lungs and reduces the intensity of an asthmatic attack.  It is rich in antioxidants, hence effective in combating cancers and signs of aging.  It guards you against infectious diseases and tackles chronic ulcers and arthritis effectively.  Triphala’s detoxifying effect results in healthy skin and good hair growth.

Thiriphala powder can be taken with water or honey.  A tablespoon of the powder is mixed in water and taken at nights at bedtime (one hour after supper) for constipation.  It can also be taken with honey for cleansing and other health purposes.  Some find it hard to stomach the taste of the powder.  They can take the powder in capsule form.

Triphala tea is yet another easy way to consume the remedy.  Boil a glass of water and add a teaspoon of triphala powder.  Allow the water to cool and add honey as needed to hide the taste. 

Triphala can also be used an eyewash for eye infections.  For this purpose triphala powder steeped water kept overnight is used.  Splashing this water on eyes is found to be beneficial in redness of eyes etc.

Pregnant women should desist from taking Triphala as it has a tendency to favor miscarriage.  Excessive intake can lead to dehydration and stomach troubles due to its laxative properties.

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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Health Benefits of Ice Apple (a.k.a. Palm Fruit)

One fascinating aspect of Mother Nature is her myriad ways of taking care of the living beings that inhabit the earth.  During the summer season we can see plenty of cucumber, water melon, tender coconut, ice apple etc everywhere that help human beings combat the ill effects of the soaring temperature of a hot summer.

Freshly cut Ice Apple cluster

Ice apple, also known as palm fruit or Nungu in Tamil is a delicious jelly like fruit that beats all the others for its cooling effect on a hot summer day.  This seasonal nungu is the tender fruit of the palmyra tree.  This tree is found in plenty in the villages of South India lining the paddy fields.  It is the official tree of the Tamil Nadu State.  It is a native to South and Southeast Asia.  You can also find these trees in Pakistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Java and other Southeast Asian countries.

During summer you can find clusters of palmyra fruit in the tree hanging down below the palm leaves.  They have a thick violet black husk.  The top greenish covering is cut to reveal the three sockets in which the fruit is located.  The jelly has a tender brownish-yellow skin.  Watery fluid is found inside the jelly which has excellent cooling properties.

Ice Apple with skin

The fruits of the palmyra palm grow in clusters. The tender, pale white, translucent jelly like fruit is seasonal and can be found in plenty in summer.  Ice apple is rich in vitamins, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, thiamin, riboflavin etc.  Children love ice apple for its taste and softness.  Pregnant women can overcome constipation and related difficulties with the help of ice apple.  Dieters who are on a weight loss regimen can take ice apple.  It does not contain fat or carbohydrates.

Seasonal problems like prickly heat affect children and grownups alike in summer.  Ice apple is an excellent remedy for prickly heat.  This has been my personal experience.  In my childhood days I was prone to prickly heat of the summer.  Come the month of April and my chest and back would be covered with prickly heat.  My mom used to coat me with a thin layer of ice apple jelly.  The soothing effect of the ice apple provided an immediate relief to that nasty itch.  This application was continued for two to three days and the prickly heat boils would vanish in no time.

Ice Apple skin removed

To reap maximum benefit out of ice apple it should be consumed along with its tender pink, brownish skin.  Though taking the fruit with the skin may taste a bit sour it can heal stomach ulcers.  So take a few fruits along with the skin for your benefit.  The jelly part is cut to pieces and added to milk and honey.  This preparation cools the body and helps tackle the hot summer.  People suffering from chicken pox can take ice apple regularly to bring down the intensity of the disease condition as well as aid rapid healing.

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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Medicinal Uses of Castor Oil

Couple of decades back castor oil was extensively used for treating ailments afflicting people of all ages from newborns to old folks. A drop or two of castor oil was applied on the fontanel of the newborn. Castor oil was applied over the eyes before bathing the newborn. The child was fed milk mixed with castor oil once in two or three days. Up to the age of 12, children were given castor oil once in a month with coffee as part of stomach cleansing. In case of boils that occur during the summer season, castor oil is mixed in hot rice and made into a poultice and applied on the affected areas.

In case of anxiety coupled with palpitation and burning sensation on top of head due to excessive thinking etc, a teaspoon of castor oil can be allowed to soak on the top of head. This is said to relieve mental tension, anxiety and burning sensation on the crown of the head.

When small children suffer from unexpected stomach pain due to indigestion or body heat, instill two to three drops of castor oil into the belly button and gently massage the area in a circular motion two or three times. This brings the pain under control very quickly.

One forgotten use of castor oil is its application on sprained areas followed by hot water fomentation. This quickly heals sprains.

Castor oil and turmeric powder is mixed thoroughly to form a paste which is applied on cracked heels or foot fissures. This is done before going to bed.

In case of choked throat one simple remedy is to prepare a paste of castor oil and slaked lime and apply a thin layer externally on the throat area before going to bed. This quickly clears choked throat.

In case of gas in stomach a take a glass of milk after adding a teaspoon of castor oil to it. Another alternative is to chew and gulp down a spoonful of cumin seeds followed by intake of a mixture of 20 drops of lemon juice, 20 drops of ginger juice and 8 drops of honey. This is another time tested remedy for gas.

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Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Medicinal Uses of Oils

Oil massage once a week helps in relieving body pain, joint pains etc. Just a couple of decades back people in Tamil Nadu used to religiously follow this regimen to keep themselves free of joint pains and body pains. Now with the hectic lifestyle people are not able to set aside the time needed for a relaxing weekly oil massage. It has reached a stage where application of oil to the body or hair is viewed as a hassle and conveniently bypassed.

Oil prepared with herbs like nocchi, basil, cumin seeds, vadha narayana keerai, kuppaimeni etc is very effective in relieving body pain. Regular massage with this medicated oil strengthens the muscles and removes stagnant toxins. Kuppaimeni is a well known herb for its action on skin conditions like eczema, blackheads etc. For relief form body pain and joint pain, massage this oil on the affected area and then follow it with warm water fomentation.

Medicinal Benefits of Castor Oil

Castor oil is used for lighting up temple lamps in Tamil Nadu. It is also used as a medicine. Castor oil is given to pregnant women and children for easy elimination and to avoid constipation. There is a saying in Tamil which stresses the importance of oil. 'Vaithiyanukku koduppathai vaaniyanukku kodu'. If you spend money on oils, you can save money treating diseases and ailments. This stresses the role of oil in preventing various ailments.

Ayurvedic texts stress the importance of ‘Virechana’ a bowel cleansing process once in six months. Castor oil is used a purgative for this purpose. Castor oil is also used in treating stomach pain, abdomen pain, body heat etc. Castor oil is applied liberally in the naval area around the belly button for this purpose. This is said to bring down the body heat as well as relieve stomach pain etc.

In case of inflammation of the eye due to body heat, redness etc, castor oil is mixed with mother's milk and instilled into the eyes. This rapidly cures the redness of eyes. Castor oil is also used in treating dysentery due to 'body heat'. 'Sweet flag' is burnt in castor oil lamp and the ash obtained in mixed in honey and given to the person suffering from dysentery.

Constipation is considered to be the root cause of most of the diseases that afflict modern man. Fast food is one of the prime cause for constipation. Constipation leads to formation of hemorrhoids or piles.

Castor oil is used extensively in treating constipation. It expels accumulation of gas in stomach. It drives out intestinal worms and pacifies vata. It relieves mental tension and cools the body and mind.

My next entry will detail more on medicinal uses of castor oil.



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