Triphala | The Tri-power Rasayana of Ayurveda
Triphala is a well-recognized polyherbal formulation in Ayurveda. Polyherbal medicines are made combining multiple herbs in particular ratio to create an effective rasayana.
In Sanskrit, ‘Tri’ means ‘three’ and ‘phala’ means ‘fruits’. Triphala denotes the combination of three dried Ayurvedic herbs in equal proportions – Indian Gooseberry (Amla), Bibhitaki and Haritaki. The formulation of these three herbs together is called ‘Tridoshic Rasayana’, a therapeutic formulation rejuvenate to the body. According to ancient Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, Triphala is being used as a traditional medicine for over 1000 years.
The Charaka Samhita has mentioned that consuming Triphala with ghee and honey regularly can help a person live 100 years without any disease. The physician Sushrut has mentioned Triphala is highly useful in treating wounds and ulcers.
Together these three herbs are considered to be the panacea of all diseases. The powdered form of dried Amla, Bibhitaki and Haritaki is mainly used as Triphala Churna for various therapeutic purposes.
The three fruits in Triphala
Amla (Phyllanthus Emlica)
Amla is very high in Vitamin C and full of antioxidants. It boosts immunity and removes harmful free radicals from the blood. Amla juice is used for hair growth, skin health, healthy absorption of iron in the blood, improving gut health, formation of collagen and to prevent aging.
Amla maintains a balance among all three doshas. However, due to its cold potency, it calms the pitta dosha or the digestive fire. In short, Amla strengthens immunity and helps to maintain youthfulness.
Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica)
In Ayurveda, Bibhitaki means ‘which takes away fear of illnesses’. Being antibacterial in nature, Bibhitaki helps to fight infections. It is useful for treating hoarseness in voice, asthma, fever, cough and cold. It is very effective in treating conjunctivitis.
The herb is also used to treat excess thirst, cardio health, wounds and ulcers, cognitive functioning and diabetic conditions. Bibhitaki is sedative in nature, hence, it is helpful to treat insomnia. Bibhitaki is highly laxative which is used to treat constipation and irritable bowel movements.
The herb is dry and light in nature. It is used in pacification of kapha dosha. The herb nourishes all the dhatus effectively.
Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)
This herb is known as ‘King of medicines’ in Ayurveda. It has therapeutic usages in treating wounds, fungal infections, inflammations, asthma, leukoderma, piles and fever. It is also used to treat digestive disorders, diarrhoea, sore throat, tuberculosis, bronchitis, obesity, bleeding gums, diabetes and constipation.
As an active astringent and styptics agent, powder made from Haritaki extract is used to dust on fresh cuts and wounds for rapid healing.
Haritaki actively creates balance among all three doshas and nourishes all the dhatus.
Ayurvedic properties of Triphala
Rasa: All five tastes -sweet, sour, astringent, bitter and pungent excluding salt.
Guna: Balanced – heavy due to Amla and light due to Bibhitaki and Haritaki.
Veerya: Neutral
Vipaka: Madhura (Sweet)
Triphala comes with the compiled gunas of Amla, Bibhitaki and Haritaki which brings balance in all three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) very effectively.
Chemical compositions of Triphala
The major active constituents in Triphala extract are saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, amino acids, fatty acids, gallic acids, ellagic acids, tannins, chebulinic acid which exerts antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. Also, polyphenols in Triphala prevents oxidative damage in the guts. Studies of these bio-active components have shown anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimutagenic, anticariogenic, gastric hyper acidity reduction, adaptogenic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, free radical scavenging and dental caries properties.
Triphala has also shown very positive results in cancer research. The active constituents have been studied and proven to be chemoprotective, radioprotective and chemo-preventive and revealed anticancer and anti-ulcer properties.
Triphala increases red blood cells and improves blood circulation. Triphala churna helps better absorption and proper digestion of food, reduces cholesterol level, improves liver health, relaxes bile duct, maintain homeostasis of the endocrine system and prevents degradation of immune system.
Therapeutic benefits of Triphala
Gastrointestinal health
Triphala is majorly used to treat patients with gastrointestinal disorders like hyperacidity, constipation, abdominal pain and flatulence. Triphala has proven to reduce colitis and stomach ulcers due to its high antioxidative, anti-ulcerative and antimicrobial properties. The phytochemicals like quercetin and gallic acid promote the growth of healthy bacteria and anti-inflammatory compounds in the gut which promotes stronger immunity.
The churna of Triphala is very useful in treating irritable bowel syndrome and strengthening digestion. Triphala contains Amla which is sour in nature and not compatible with milk. This combination creates gas and bloating. Hence, Triphala should not be consumed with milk.
Stress lowering property
Triphala is highly adaptogenic which helps to lower stress and anxiety related syndromes. It creates soothing effect on the nervous system by balancing all the doshas.
Obesity
The antioxidant properties of this formulation help to boost metabolism in highly obese people, increases fat burning and flushes toxins from the blood. Thus, Triphala churna is very effective for reducing weight.
Anti-inflammatory property
Chronic inflammation causes major health problems in the body. As per scientific studies, the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and free-radical scavenging effects of Triphala reduce cell degradation and bone damage and promote wound healing. Studies has proven that Triphala treatment suppresses the inflammatory enzymes and mediators in cells. It reduces the risk of arthritis, liver problems, mouth ulcer, stomach ulcer, gum disease and cavities.
Eye health
The antioxidant agent in Triphala has the potential to maintain good eye health. Triphala is rich in flavonoids and vitamin C which restores glutathione levels by increasing the antioxidant enzymes in eye lenses as per one study.
Anti-cancer properties
Triphala has potential antineoplastic properties which induce cytotoxicity in cancer cells. This property is also effective in suppressing tumour growth. Triphala also exerts radio-protective activities which effectively prevents chemical-induced and radiation-induced DNA damage.
The free radical scavenging effects and antioxidant agents actively create protective levels against ionizing radiation. Regular consumption of Triphala effectively prevents the risk of cancer.
Cardiovascular health
Heart disease is an increasing health problem today. High level of cholesterol in the blood is the major factor behind this. Triphala is a powerful herb to reduce cholesterol level, artery blockage, fatty acid levels and hypolipidemic effects in the blood. Regular intake of Triphala powder reduces the risk of various heart diseases.
Oral health
Triphala has shown promising antimicrobial properties which are extremely helpful in reducing oral bacteria. Studies have been conducted on Triphala decoction water as mouthwash which has shown high efficacy in prevention of dental caries. The formulation also helps to reduce dental plaque, gingivitis and gum infection significantly.
Anti-aging property
Triphala extracts stimulate collagen and elastin-synthesizing genes which increase collagen formation and elasticity of the skin. Furthermore, the free radical scavenging activities and protective phytochemicals present in Triphala prevent melanin formation and hyperpigmentation. Regular intake of Triphala extract increases cellular antioxidants which help to maintain radiant glowing skin and prevent anti-aging.
Natural healer of Diabetes
Triphala promotes hypoglycemic properties which reduces high blood glucose level. The formulation can decrease the absorption of glucose by inhibiting secretion of glycolytic enzymes. High blood glucose level can distress the protein molecules in the body, which can lead to blindness and nerve damage. Tannins – the active chemical component of Triphala stops this protein damage. Therefore, Triphala churna is highly effective for diabetic treatments.
Triphala is a powerful polyherbal formulation with immeasurable benefits to treat and prevent diseases. Triphala aids natural internal cleansing and nourishment and creates preventive measures to maintain good health and vitality. It is highly recommended to incorporate this powerful polyherbal magic in your daily lifestyle to maintain good health and youthfulness.
Published By: Ayurveda Store New Zealand | All Rights Reserved.
Reference:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5567597/
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