The history of medicinal herbs encompasses many years of use in different civilizations. One of them is the grouping of herbs known as Triphala, with a history of more than 1000 years.
Triphala is formed by the union of 3 medicinal plants native to the Indian continent.
- Emblica officinalis
- Terminalia bellirica
- Terminalia chebula
This mixture of plants belongs to the traditional Ayurvedic medicine, whose history dates back more than 3000 years.
That is why in the last decade the benefits for the organism of Triphala have been analyzed and how we can take advantage of it with medical and diagnostic advances.
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What Exactly is Triphala?
Traditional Ayurvedic medicine used herbal blends for multiple benefits. These ranged from correcting stomach upsets to relieving headache or gum pain. [Triphala Uses in Ayurvedic Medicine]
It’s composed of three fruits:
- Amla (Emblica officinalis or Indian gooseberry)
- Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)
- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
Each of these fruits possesses unique properties and health benefits. Triphala is renowned for its digestive and cleansing properties, promoting regularity and detoxification. It’s often taken in powder form, mixed with water or honey, or consumed in capsule form. Triphala is believed to balance the three doshas in Ayurveda (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and is used for a variety of purposes, including improving digestion, supporting detoxification, enhancing immune function, and promoting overall well-being.
Amla (Emblica officinalis or Indian gooseberry)
Amla is a small, sour fruit that grows on the Indian gooseberry tree. It is a well-known edible fruit in the Indian continent that is being linked to preventive activity against cancer [See study]
This plant is commonly used in traditional medicine for the treatment of constipation and various stomach pains.
At the nutritional level, they have a high content of vitamin C, amino acids and various minerals.
The most remarkable are its active ingredients, many of them related to antioxidants, such as polyphenols, philelic acid, curcuminoids, emblicol and rutin. [See antioxidants]
In vitro laboratory studies have found positive responses in inhibiting the growth of cervical and ovarian cells. [See study]
In this aspect, it is still necessary to advance more with clinical trials to establish more truthful conclusions in the fight against cancer.
Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)
Bibhitaki is the fruit of the Terminalia bellirica tree, native to Southeast Asia. It has a slightly bitter taste and is used in traditional medicine for its laxative, digestive, and astringent properties.
Bahera has antimicrobial properties and serves to cure bacterial and viral infections.
Among its components we find tannins, lignans, flavones, ellagic acid and gallic acid, all with interesting medicinal activity.
Some flavonoids present in Triphala have anti-inflammatory properties, and can significantly reduce uric acid levels in gout patients. [See study]
In turn, several investigations have been done to analyze its potential against diabetes and blood sugar imbalance. Compounds such as gallic acid or ellagic acid may be involved in regulating insulin sensitivity.
Bibhitaki is also commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes and blood sugar dysregulation. [See study]
In these trials, positive responses have been found in the control of insulin secretion at the pancreatic level, reducing blood peaks in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
The third plant that forms Triphala is scientifically known as Terminalia chebula, is a medicinal tree typical of the Middle East, India, China and Southeast Asia.
It is commonly known as Haritaki or black myrobolan, using its green fruits for medicinal purposes.
In traditional medicine it has been used to treat various respiratory conditions (asthma), heart disease and stomach pains. [See study]
Its properties come from the phytoactive principles of various polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins, all of them with antioxidant potential.
Medical trials conducted to investigate Haritaki have been conducted on animals, finding positive responses to stomach pains and constipation. [See study]
Properties of Triphala for Health
The sum of these 3 medicinal plants make the benefits of Triphala multiply, being able to help in chronic diseases and relieve acute diseases.
| Benefits of Triphala | Description |
|---|---|
| Anti-inflammatory properties | Triphala contains antioxidants such as vitamin C, polyphenols, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids. These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. |
| Weight loss | Studies suggest that Triphala may aid in weight loss, particularly in reducing abdominal fat. The mechanism behind this effect is not fully understood, but both animal and human studies have shown promising results, especially in obese individuals. |
| Cancer prevention | Triphala shows potential as a preventive measure against certain types of cancer, including stomach, pancreas, and lymphoma. Laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated positive results, primarily attributed to its antioxidant compounds. |
| Natural laxative | Triphala has been traditionally used to alleviate constipation. Research supports its efficacy as a natural laxative, with positive outcomes in reducing constipation and related symptoms like flatulence and abdominal swelling. |
| Dental health protection | Triphala-based mouthwash has shown promise in protecting against dental diseases such as cavities and gingivitis. Studies indicate a reduction in oral bacterial plaque and inflammation of gums, particularly beneficial for children’s oral health. |
- PURE TRIPHALA – Organic India uses pure, whole herbs for our supplements ensuring the highest quality and bioavailability
Anti-inflammatory properties
As we have analyzed individually with each herb, we have 3 very interesting plants for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
We add compounds such as vitamin C, different po polifenols, tannins, saponins and flavonoids.
Triphala contains several antioxidants that perform protective functions in the body.
Antioxidant substances reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals that we take in food. This reduces the occurrence of chronic diseases and cell damage.
Some clinical trials conducted on animals have shown that its continued use prevents inflammation and chronic arthritis damage. [Arthritis and Triphala]
It may contribute to weight loss
Although the mechanism that leads to this situation is unknown, several studies have shown how Triphala favors the loss of localized fat in the abdomen. These demonstrations have been carried out in animals and, subsequently, in humans, with very positive replicas, especially in obese patients, as several trials have shown.
May act as a preventive measure against cancer
Triphala’s historical interest in recent research has proven to be a future weapon in the prevention and fight against certain types of cancer. At the moment, good results have been achieved in the laboratory and tested on animals, and there is the great step of doing so in humans.
Scientific studies have concluded positive results in inhibiting the development of stomach cancer, pancreas and lymphoma. [See results]
Other studies are trying to replicate it in colon and prostate cancer. In this case, the results obtained correspond to the influence of the antioxidant substances contained, especially the different polyphenols and gallic acid, all of them as preventive.
May be used as a natural laxative
One of the historical uses that were given in antiquity to Triphala was focused on eliminating the problems of constipation. This alternative to commercial laxatives has been studied and interesting and promising results have been found. [See study]
Likewise, the positive results have also extended to the reduction of symptoms of flatulence and abdominal swelling.
May protect against dental disease and cavities
The effects of various medicinal plants in Triphala can also be positive for some oral diseases, the most common being the appearance of caries and gengivitis. Especially, both problems should be monitored in children.
In a study that analyzed the evolution of oral bacterial plaque and inflammation of the gums of children, it was found that Triphala-based mouthwash considerably reduced the development of these problems. [See study]
How to use Triphala
Triphala can be used in various forms, including powder, capsules, or tablets. Here’s how you can use Triphala:
- Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of Triphala powder with warm water or honey.
- Stir well until the powder dissolves completely.
- Drink the mixture on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning or before bedtime.
- Follow the dosage instructions provided on the packaging or as recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Typically, you would take 1 to 2 capsules or tablets with water, preferably before meals or as directed.
Triphala Tea:
- Steep Triphala powder in hot water for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture and add honey or lemon for flavor, if desired.
- Drink the tea warm.
Triphala Churna (Herbal Blend):
- This is a traditional preparation of Triphala where the powder is mixed with other herbs for specific purposes.
- Follow the instructions provided by an Ayurvedic practitioner or as mentioned on the packaging.
External Use:
- Triphala paste or decoction can be applied topically for certain skin conditions or eye washes, but it’s essential to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for proper guidance.
