06 Aug The Many Healing Properties of Triphala
Let’s talk about the wonders of Triphala, shall we?
Literally it means “three fruits,” with tri meaning “three” and phala meaning “fruit.” The three fruits contained in Triphala are Haritaki, Amalaki and Bibhitaki.
Considered to be nourishing for the mind and body, triphala has also been said to promote longevity. Triphala is most commonly known for its use as a gentle bowel tonic, being helpful in digestion and supporting regular bowel movements. The combination of the three fruits has a synergistic effect to bolster many other systems as well. In addition to the GI tract, Ayurveda uses triphala churna to support healthy respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, reproductive, and nervous systems. Triphala is particularly rejuvenating for the digestive tract, and is a Rasayana for the eyes and the skin.
Triphala has also been shown to be a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. The three fruits involved in making triphala are also known for their individual effects:
- Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): Has a cooling effect that manages pitta, supporting the natural functions of the liver and the immune system.
- Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica): Is particularly good for kapha, supporting the respiratory system, as well as kapha accumulations in all systems.
- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): Though having a heating nature, it is still good for all three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) and is known for its “scraping” effect, which removes toxins and helps maintain healthy levels of weight.
Triphala balances Apana Vata, (the subdosha of Vata) that governs the colon, lower abdomen, menstrual flow and elimination. For most people Triphala is a mild laxative, and for that reason it is excellent for clearing toxins from the digestive system. In very rare cases it has a stronger laxative effect, but usually it is an ideal bowel cleanser precisely because of its mildness. In moderate doses it is gentle, and detoxifies the body slowly.
Because it is slow, you can take it for longer periods of time. Therefore, over time, it has a deeply purifying effect. It goes deeper into the physiology and releases the toxins at a much deeper level. Because it detoxifies the blood, muscle and fat tissues, it is excellent for preventing skin disease. And because it removes ama (toxins) from the fat tissue, Triphala also helps balance cholesterol.
Triphala also purifies the urine and prevents urinary tract disease (prameha). It enhances all thirteen agnis (digestive fires), especially the pachagni, the main digestive fire in the stomach. It pacifies Kapha and Pitta, and if taken regularly, is a powerful anti-aging Rasayana
Triphala is a natural detoxifying formula. As part of the cleansing process it is not uncommon for toxins to be released from the deeper tissues and enter the bloodstream on their way to being ushered out of the body. When many toxins are released at once it can prompt a “healing crisis”. For some people this can manifest as a headache, a rash, or nausea, in addition to gas, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
Since triphala supports healthy elimination, it is not uncommon to experience loose motions. All of these reactions can be byproducts of cleansing. If your cleansing experience becomes too intense, you can stop taking triphala until the symptoms subside and restart using less, or simply reduce the amount you are ingesting. If the symptoms recur, it is best to stop use and consult a practitioner.
Interested in trying triphala, buy it here.
Shop the Article
----
Support the Monkey
Every product in our articles and interviews is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Products you buy on Amazon through our links feed the Monkey. Commissions from your Amazon purchases are crucial for us to continue to provide you with the content you love.
Supporting the Monkey costs you nothing – but it is dependent on using our Amazon links.
Click here to go directly to the AMAZON.COM Homepage