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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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: Health Benefits of Oil Pulling

The best health benefit you can get from oil is to use it as a mouth rinse. This has been my experience. And you will agree with me if you browse through the experience of thousands who do ‘oil pulling’ everyday. I know many people who follow this simple process and safeguard themselves from unnecessary health complications. There are diabetics who are able to maintain their blood sugar at normal level just by adding ‘oil pulling’ to their usual daily regimen. Over a period of time they have even reduced the intake of insulin.

I have been ‘oil pulling’ for a couple of months. I use sesame oil of Idhayam Group. It comes in easy to use sachets. The company gives away these sachets for free as a form of social service and well as to create awareness among the people of Tamil Nadu. Thanks to our Parish Priest, every second Sunday people from this company come to our Sacred Heart Church in Kolathur, Chennai and give away free sachets. People from all walks of life, irrespective of religion, caste or creed gather here to collect the sachets. The participants number almost hundred and each share their experiences with one another. Each participant gets 30 sachets free. The ‘oil pulling’ community here is very active. Our Parish Priest got rid of his sinus problems with ‘oil pulling’ and prescribes this to everyone he meets.

I have seen here people cured of various ailments with ‘oil pulling’. Some of the ailments cured include headaches, eye irritation, hair loss, insomnia, migraine, bad breath, excessive sweating, heel fissures, acne, ulcers, etc. People with high blood pressure were able to regulate their BP with oil pulling. Most of the women told they were able to reverse hair loss with this simple process. Some were cured of asthma and bronchitis. It has helped people with varicose veins too.

I feel fresh everyday and have lots of energy. I don’t feel tired in the evenings. The food I eat tastes good. My mouth feels fresh. I cannot keep myself awake beyond 11 o’clock at night. I sleep like a log and get up refreshed in the morning. I am able to sit before the computer for quite a long time without getting tired.

Sesame oil and sunflower oil are considered best for ‘oil pulling’. You can use coconut oil also. Some use olive oil too. One of my earlier posts details how you can do this simple process. I request everyone of my readers to try this inexpensive ‘oil pulling’ and reap rich benefits. If you need any clarifications or help you can email me.

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Ayurveda and Mouth Ulcers

The saliva in the mouth is there to protect the tongue, palate, throat, gums from ulcers. Hot substances like chillies, hot fluids and solids etc gets moderated by the action of saliva.

During the summer season, just as water in the atmosphere gets depleted, so too the water content in the body gets depleted. To overcome the effects of such depletion, following procedures can be followed.

• Gargle your mouth with water many times during the day.
• Fill your mouth with water and then wash your face.
• Dab a little amount of butter or ghee on the tongue 3-4 times a day.
• Gargle your mouth with coconut milk.
• Chew a few grains of linseed.
• Chew palm candy, raisins, bananas, seeds of cucumber, almond, etc for some time.
• Milk of adhimadhuram (licorice), turmeric etc mixed in milk and taken 3-4 times a day.

All the above can soften the aggression of a nasty mouth ulcer.

Also taking a decoction made of masikkai (nut-gall) can cure mouth ulcers.

Water mixed with honey and gargled can assuage mouth irritation and heal mouth ulcers.

Similarly gargling with coconut oil also heals mouth ulcers.

Manathakali keerai (Black Nightshade – Solanum Nigrum) is an excellent remedy for mouth ulcer. This green can be chewed raw to heal mouth ulcers quickly.

A sort of white thick milk will ooze out of a tender papaya when it is pierced. This milk when applied on the mouth ulcers can cure them.

Junk food, bad oral practices, taking high dose drugs without consulting doctors etc can cause mouth ulcers.

Triphala choornam 3 gm, adhimadhuram 2 gm, honey and ghee all these are mixed to form a paste. This paste when applied on the ulcers heals them. This is to be done before going to bed.

Also “Mahathiktham” taken morning and evening on empty stomach helps cure mouth ulcers.

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