Triphala: Benefits, Side Effects, How and When To Use, And More

Triphala

Triphala is Ayurvedic medicine, which is one of the world’s oldest medical systems rooted in the India for centuries.

It is classified as a tridoshic Rasayana, meaning the energetics are appropriate for all Vata, Pitta, And Kapha.

Its benefits depend on how much you eat, its recommended value is 500 mg to 1g per/day, and powder ½ -1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.

However, it suggests safe for most people, but serving too much can cause diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain.

Amla

Most known as “Indian gooseberries“, which play a vital role in ayurvedic medicine, it is one of the oldest edible fruits from India.

It is considered to be quite good for hair health and bitter but sweetened with water.

Amla (Indian gooseberries) are high in fibre but low in energy, which means you are eating a healthy thing by not consuming too many calories.

Gooseberries contain some anti-cancer substances such as folate, phenolic compounds, and vitamin C or E.

These nutrients are thought to reduce, counteract, and repair damage from oxidative stress, which can prevent cancer growth.

However, there is no hard evidence that amla can prevent cancer in humans.

Baheda (bibhitaki)

Baheda is also known as “Bibhitaki” in Sanskrit which means “The one that keeps away from diseases”.

It is very excellent in relieving cough and cold symptoms due to its antimicrobial and hypersensitive properties.

As per Ayurveda, Baheda powder helps in weight reduction as it improves metabolism and reduces Ama by increasing digestive fire.

Baheda is commonly used for the treatment of diabetes and blood sugar because it contains two compounds called gallic and ellagic acid.

Consult your doctor while taking Baheda if you have hyperacidity or gastritis due to its hot potency.

A mature fruit has a greyish or brown colour, which ripens towards the end of November, this fruit is famous for medical purposes.

It has enough laxative properties that can lose your stool and promote easy digestion, which helps in constipation.

Harad (haritaki)

It is also known as haritaki or Terminalia chebula is a medicinal tree that grows throughout the Middle East, India, China, and Thailand (3).

Harad increases body temp also known as “king of medicine” Moreover it is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory.

It helps with arthritis, constipation, and gas, and reduces the chance of heart disease, ulcers, and asthma (4) (5).

Its roots clear the diseases of the bone, the stem clears muscle diseases, and the bark is useful for skin diseases.

The branches are useful in vascular disorders, leaves are useful for visceral diseases, and fruit for vital organs, including heart diseases.

Pros of Triphala

Triphala is loaded with multiple health benefits, which include:

Help In Constipation And Digestive System

Bibhitaki present in Triphala has laxative active properties which help in relieving constipation.

Studies suggest that it may also promote good bacteria, and prevent harmful bacteria in the gut, which overall promotes a good digestive system.

A human clinical trial showed that Triphala reduced gastrointestinal disorders, also beneficial in mucous, and improved the frequency of stool (6)

One more study on mice showed that Triphala reduced inflammation in colon due to antioxidant effects (7).

An animal study has shown that aqueous and alcohol-based extracts of Triphala can prevent diarrhea (8).

Its mixer also helps in proper digestion and absorption, which improves:

• Circulation
• relaxes bile ducts
• reduces serum cholesterol levels
• Increases the growth of RBC and haemoglobin (9).

Another study showed that it can help with IBS and IBS treatment.

Stress Reliever

Supplementation with Triphala helps in loud noise by boosting antioxidants and supporting immunity in rats (10).

Animal studies have shown that it may help to reverse some behaviours caused by stress (12).

May Control Type II diabetes

Type II diabetes found in About 90% of people, where body produces enough insulin, but instead of using it, it is fighting it.

According to research conducted in Germany, the risk of type II diabetes increases by 46% due to constant exposure to pollution (13).

Bibhitaki present in Triphala is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes and blood sugar disturbance.

In a study diabetes patients took 5g of Triphala powder along with a supplement for 45 days, resulting in lower blood sugar levels.

Some studies or research believe that Triphala helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels in type II diabetes patients.

Learn – Ways To Prevent Pre-Diabetes And Diabetes

Good For Dental Health

Our teeth are one of the strongest parts of our body, which is vital for food to break into little pieces.

Several controlled human clinical trials have reported that Triphala reduces the oral risk like plaque, and inflammation of the gum (14).

It has anti-microbial and anti-swelling agents that can prevent the plague from growing, (plague is a common reason for cavity and gum illness)

A study on 143 children used mouthwash containing triphala extract, resulting showed that reduced gum swelling, and bacteria colony (15).

Learn – Home-Remedies To Whiten Your Teeth

May Aid in Weight Loss

Studies show that the ability of this therapeutic agent Triphala for weight loss and reducing body fat has been demonstrated.

An animal study where obese rats were fed Triphala for 10 weeks (16) as a result of reduced body fat and increased energy intake.

Gooseberries on an empty stomach in the morning are considered to be good for heart health because they contain nutrients (such as antioxidants and potassium).

Anti-oxidants improve heart health by preventing LDL bad cholesterol (Increases the risk of heart diseases) in our blood. 

Learn – 10 Reliable Weight Lose Foods.

Reduce The Risk of Cancer

Cancer is a group of cells involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body.

Triphala contains an antineoplastic agent, and studies show that it is effective for breast, colon, and pancreas cancers.

Its anti-cancer property is also enhanced due to amla, which contains some anti-cancer substances such as folate, phenolic, and vitamin C or E.

These substances suppress cancer and repair damaged cells from oxidative stress, which can prevent the growth of cancer.

Research tells that Triphala is rich in antioxidants like gallic acid and polyphenols (responsible for fighting cancer)

Good For Healthy Skin

As we know Triphala is rich in antioxidants and this helps in reducing the acne-causing bacteria, due to which you get soft skin.

Here is how to use Triphala for acne.

• Consume its water before bed, mix half a tsp of Triphala powder in about 100 ml of water only in (a mud pot),
• keep the container covered overnight so that the powder can release its properties effectively in the water.
• In the morning strain off the Triphala powder and drink only the water.

This method is called “hema” or cold infusion and it’s extremely beneficial while treating acne.

Its extract has antiaging properties, which stimulate collagen, elastin, and antioxidant genes, which are good for the skin.

This combination protects skin cells, locks moisture in the skin, and protects against inflammation and oxidative injury.

Learn – Home-Remedies That Remove Your Acne Naturally

Cons of Triphala

Triphala is generally safe for most people, but its heavy dose changes its benefits into side effects, such as diarrhea, constipation, and stomach issues.

But in the following conditions, you should avoid it. they include:

• Pregnant women, especially during the first 3 months should avoid it.
• Children under 5 should consume it carefully and first consult the doctor.
• People whose stomachs are very delicate, especially after surgery, should stay away from this.

However, if you are in any medication period, then you should avoid it, because it may decrease certain medicine effectiveness (17).

Before buying any Triphala products, Make sure, to check their ingredients, and if possible take it only from the ayurvedic shop.

It’s important to check with your doctor before using Triphala or any other supplement for several reasons.

Who Should Take It?

Anyone can take Triphala, especially those whose:

• Eats junk food, anybody who detoxifies their body
• who has insulin resistance
• anybody who has pre-diabetes and diabetes

Anybody with blood pressure issues, excessive gas, loss of appetite or bloating issues, IBS problems, and of course constipation.

How And When To Use?

You can use Triphala in powder, or churan, which is the most common type and is also available in many forms, including capsule, powder, or liquid.

There are many fake supplements available on the market, to avoid these supplements.

Moreover take Amla, bibhitaki, and haritaki mixed in equal quality and use it as a powder form.

• You can also try its tea
• add Triphala powder in water and boil it till the water reduces to half
• now strain off the Triphala powder
• drink only its tea

When To Use?

When To Use?

In the morning: if you take Triphala powder in water, can be beneficial in pitta dosa, because it reduces your excessive gas or fire.

Before bed: its good because it contains bibhitaki, which contains laxative properties that can promote easy digestion, and help with constipation.

After the meal: If you have weak digestion, means – frequent gas issues, after a meal. then half or 1 hour after the meal consume triphala.

Make sure first consult your doctor, before using supplements, especially if you are on medication.

Down Line

Triphala is a combination of 3 fruits which include Amla, Baheda, and Harad, and it is increasingly popular around the world due to its healthy properties.

It is generally safe for most people, but its heavy dose changes its benefits into side effects, such as diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort.