Health Benefits Of Triphala - The Miracle Herb And Kerala Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the 5000 years old science of living, is a true blessing to mankind. It has gifted us with incredible recipes for good health and happy life. Triphala is just the embodiment of such an Ayurvedic miracle. It is considered the nectar of life for its many therapeutic characters. It is one of the most commonly used herbal remedies in the Ayurvedic system of healing.

Composition Of Triphala

Triphala is an herbal formulation made from the dried powder of three different fruits. The name comes from combining the Sanskrit words “tri” meaning three, “phala” meaning fruit. As the name indicates it is composed of a perfect blend of Amla (Emblica Officinalis), Haritaki or Harada (Terminalia Chebula), and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), all of which is bestowed with amazing healing properties.

• Amla (Emblica Officinalis)

  It is also known as Indian gooseberry. It has a high contained vitamin C and can be used either alone or in combination with other plants to treat the common cold and fever. From hair to nails to all other complex organs of the human body, Amalaki acts like an elixir. It acts as a digestive, laxative, liver tonic, restorative and anti-inflammatory agent.

• Haritaki or Harada (Terminalia Chebula)

  Haritaki or Harada is known as the “king of medicine.” Haritaki is widely used to treat a variety of health issues including constipation, dementia, and diabetes. Haritaki detoxifies the body and helps in losing weight.

• Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)

  It acts as a rejuvenator with detoxifying qualities. It is extensively used in traditional Indian ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of diabetes, high blood pressure, and rheumatism.

Triphala is an herbal formulation made from the dried powder of three different fruits. Amla or Indian gooseberry has a cooling effect and promotes liver function and boosts immunity. Bibhitaki promotes the normal functioning of the respiratory system and cleanses the lungs. Haritaki detoxifies the body and helps in losing weight.

Main Constituents Of Triphala

The major constituents of the formula are the following:

• Tannins

  Tannins are a class of astringent, polyphenolic molecules that bind to and precipitate proteins and various other organic compounds including amino acids and alkaloids. Many human physiological activities, such as stimulation of phagocytic cells, host-mediated tumor activity, and a wide range of anti-infective actions, have been assigned to tannins.

• Quinones

  Quinones are aromatic rings with two ketone substitutions. They are omnipresent and are characteristically highly reactive. It gives a source of stable free radicals and leads to inactivation of the protein and loss of function. So, the potential range of quinone antimicrobial effects is great.

• Flavones, flavonoids, and flavonols

  Flavones are a group of pale yellow flavonoids found in many cereal grains in small quantities. Flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients (plant chemicals) found in almost all fruits and vegetables. Flavanols are a type of polyphenol, a broad group of natural compounds found in plants. It is mainly synthesized by plants in response to microbial infection; it is an effective antimicrobial substance against a wide array of microorganisms. Their activity is due to their ability to complex with extracellular and soluble proteins and to complex with bacterial cell walls.

• Gallic acid

  Gallic acid is a common Phyto-constituents present in all three herbs used in Triphala. It has antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. It also suppresses the growth of cancer cells. .

• Vitamin C

  Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is necessary for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. Fruit juice of Amla contains the highest vitamin C content. The fruit when blended with other fruits boosted their nutritional quality in terms of vitamin C content. Vitamin C along with bioflavonoid helps to speed up the healing process.

The major constituents of the Triphala are vitamin C, gallic acid, Flavones, flavonoids, and flavonols, Quinones, and tannins.

Oral And Health Benefits Of Triphala

• Oral Ulcers

  Triphala is rich in tannins and phenolic compounds which are responsible for antioxidant properties. When it is mixed with honey is applied to aphthous ulcers of the mouth which helps in healing ulcers. Triphala may help to heal stomach ulcers. It also helps to reduce the severity of these ulcers and leads to restore healthy enzymes in the stomach.

• Triphala in Endodontics

  Triphala extract used as an oral rinse solution was very effective in reducing gingival inflammation with no side effects. Triphala has been shown to have good antimicrobial properties and can be considered for use as an irrigating solution during endodontic therapy.

• Triphala as Antibiotic

  Triphala has traditionally been used to treat microbial infections, such as wounds, ulcers, and dental caries, and has been subjected to many studies to evaluate its potency as a wound healer and antimicrobial agent. .

• Triphala as Antifungal Agent

  In addition to antibacterial effects, Triphala is also known to exhibit antifungal properties. Triphala exerts antifungal action against Aspergillus species and has been reported to inhibit the fungus by up to 37.96% in vitro. .

• Anti Cancer

  Triphala has shown anticancer activities in various cancer cell lines. Triphala has antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on cancer cells and human colon cancer stem cells.

• Natural Laxative, Colon Cleanser & Possible Colitis Helper

  Ayurveda states that Triphala helps in speeding up the process of emptying the stomach and helps relieve long-standing constipation. The herbs help in cleansing the internal waste out of the body. At the same time, it also improves digestion. In the elimination process, amla supports intestinal repair, Haritaki strengthens the intestinal muscles to contract more efficiently when the bowels need to move, and Bibhitaki pulls the old mucus off the wall. So Triphala extract was an effective, safe and non-habit-forming herbal laxative formulation for the management of constipation.

• Weight Loss

  Triphala is a powerful herb that helps you in losing weight. It has the power to decrease in weight as well as waist and hip circumference. Triphala has antioxidants, which helps in scavenging the free radicals, and antihyperlipidemic abilities, which all have a positive effect on metabolic health and discourage obesity. Take a tablespoon of Churna three times a day with warm water to reduce belly fat and lose weight.

• Lower Cholesterol

  Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance made by the liver and required by the body for the proper function of cells, nerves, and hormones. Though cholesterol is crucial in healthy amounts, it’s too high, and can be problematic. . Triphala helps to reduce cholesterol levels and arterial plaque. Triphala also decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

• Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Arthritis

  Triphala’s high antioxidant and polyphenol content make it an excellent anti-inflammatory. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease; it is an inflammation of one or more joints, which causes pain and stiffness that can worsen with age. To combat arthritis, Triphala is an anti-inflammatory food supplement. Triphala is a good natural remedy for arthritis sufferers. It improved bone and cartilage breakdown during rheumatoid arthritis.

• Periodontal Diseases

  According to the 20th sloka of Sushruta Samhita Triphala can be used as a gargling agent in dental diseases. It has a property of Collagenase inhibitory activity which helps in treating periodontal attachment loss. Triphala alone is capable of providing partial relief but when combined with metronidazole, is more effective for the treatment of periodontal disease.

• Strengthens hair roots and enriches hair colour

  Triphala works as a powerful tonic for the hair, stimulating the follicles and roots and encourages hair growth. Amla in Triphala also restores the normal pH balance of the scalp and makes the hair healthy. Triphala-based hair tonics also help to remove dandruff and treat related conditions. Triphala is full of iron and potassium. Triphala can be used as an internal health supplement (with honey at bedtime) to prevent premature greying. Triphala Churna works as a natural hair cleanser when mixed with warm water.

• Diabetic Management

  Triphala has been shown to benefit the treatment of diabetes. It helps stimulate the pancreas, thus promoting insulin secretion. Triphala contains various essential compounds that actively reduce the inflammatory cytokine release effect in diabetic patients thus resulting in the reduction of insulin resistance. .

• Healthy Eyes

  Triphala is a blessing herb for the eyes and helps in maintaining good vision. It aids in treating various eye problems like glaucoma, conjunctivitis, and cataract. Evidence has proved that Triphala eye drops help in lowering the symptoms of computer vision syndrome.

• Soak two teaspoons of Triphala in warm water and let it stay overnight. In the morning strain the water and wash your eyes with this water.

Triphala Side Effects And Caution

Triphala may cause gastrointestinal side effects. It may increase intestinal gas due to possible cleansing and detoxification effects on your digestive tract. High doses of Triphala may lead to losing stools or diarrhea can lead to dehydration. It should be used carefully or not at all by people taking blood-thinning medications. It is not advised for pregnant or nursing women or children and should be avoided. It also should not be used with cases of diarrhea.

Triphala is effective in the management of overall health without any adverse effect so aids in effectiveness, safety, accessibility, and control over treatment. Triphala’s uses include infections, gastrointestinal issues, inflammation, high cholesterol, and immune system malfunction, healing oral ulcers, weight loss, root canal irritants, gum diseases, and oral cancer. It also acts as a natural laxative and colon cleanser.

Conclusion

The pieces of information related to Triphala and its benefits are based on various Ayurvedic resources. Always seek the advice of an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting Triphala for the treatment of the above-mentioned diseases.