Health Benefits of Triphala Churna, Ingredients, and How to Use it
What Is Triphala Churna?
Triphala is probably the most popular remedy used in the Indian traditional medicine system of ayurveda. In ayurveda, it is believed that the right use of Triphala churna can cure all diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer.
The word triphala is formed by combining two Sanskrit words. Tri means three and phala means fruits. When you combine the two words, you get three fruits and this is what triphala powder is.
It is a combination of the three best known fruits for health. These three fruits and their individual benefits are discussed below.The Sanskrit word churna stands for powder.
Triphala churna is a cure for all diseases
Amazon
Ingredients
The three fruits present are:
- Amla or the Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)
- Haritaki or the Chebulic Myrobalans (Terminalia chebula)
- Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica)
These three fruits are dried and reduced to powder form and used for various health benefits. All these three plants are known to have medicinal value and are used separately for various health and beauty issues. When combined together, these three form the most potent medicine that can provide benefits ranging from stimulating digestive health to delaying the aging process.
Health benefits
This potent medicine is often used by people in India as a laxative. It stimulates the digestive system and is a mild bowel cleanser. While you can use it as a gentle laxative once in a while, you may also consider using it as a detoxifying agent on a regular basis. Its mild nature makes it safe to use on a daily basis without any side-effects.
Let's take a look at the three fruits separately to get a more detailed idea of the health benefits of triphala churna.
Amla
Also known as Indian gooseberry, Amla or Amlaki is the first ingredient of this healthy detoxifier.
Here are some benefits of amla:
- It is rich in vitamin C. About 100 grams of amla contains 700 mg of vitamin C
- A powerful immune-booster and a wonderful antioxidant fruit
- Improves the absorption of food by improving your digestion
- Its rich vitamin C content enhances the absorption of iron into your blood and this is why is excellent for those with anemia
- It strengthens and stimulates the liver and gall bladder, thus, detoxifying your body
- Amla strengthens and purifies your reproductive health and is considered to be excellent at regulating menstrual cycles
- It purifies your urinary system
- Clears mucus from your lungs and respiratory tract
- Supports the cardiovascular system
- Improves the functioning of your brain
- Since it improves the absorption of various minerals, it will give you beautiful skin and hair and healthy nails and teeth
- It is also beneficial for the eyes and will prevent them from various diseases
Amla is a rich source of vitamin C and is an important ingredient in Triphala churna
Haritaki
Here are the benefits of the second ingredient of triphala known as haritaki or harad:
- Excellent for the eyes and is believed to prevent diseases such as cataract and glaucoma
- Promotes healing and this is why it can heal a wound or ulcer
- Good for any type of skin disease
- Good for the spleen and liver
- Enhances mental clarity and memory
- Has anti-aging qualities
- Boosts the immune system
Bibhitaki
The third ingredient of triphala churna is vibhitaki. Here are the benefits of this herb known as baheda in Hindi:
- Excellent blood purifier
- Removes excess fat from the body along with harmful toxins
- Improves eyesight
- Strengthens the roots of the hair, prevents hair thinning and premature graying of hair
- Possesses antiviral and antibacterial qualities
Combine your weight loss and fitness efforts with daily intake of triphala to get better results
Health Benefits of These Fruits
As you can see, the three ingredients when combined together form a potent medicine that can provide you with excellent health benefits along with protection from various diseases. Triphala churna usually contains four parts of amla, two parts of Bibhitaki, and one part of Haritaki. However, this ratio can vary depending on the product and the needs of the individual.
Regular intake of this ayurvedic product cleanses your colon. This ratio of the three ingredients is believed to make it an excellent weight loss product. Triphala churna is good for the lungs and this is why it reduces the symptoms of asthma.
Its anti-inflammatory and healing properties are quite useful in treating chronic ulcers and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. The immune-boosting properties of triphala powder offer protection against infectious diseases.
The antioxidant properties of this wonderful herb combination prevent aging and offer protection against various diseases including cancer.
Don't forget that it is excellent for your eyes as well. Its detoxifying properties will give you healthy and glowing skin and shiny and beautiful hair as well.
How to Use
You can take triphala in powder form. However, it does have a strong taste and some people may find it hard to gulp it down. You may want it to combine it with a little bit of juice or honey if you think that you can just not handle its taste. Furthermore, triphala is also available in capsule form these days. You can give these a try as well.
Generally, the recommended dosage for triphala is one teaspoon or one capsule taken with lukewarm water before going to bed. Make sure to keep a gap of about 2 hours after dinner.
This is a safe dose to take with no side-effects. If you plan to use triphala churna for managing diseases such as asthma or high blood pressure, you may want to do so under the guidance of qualified ayurvedic practitioner.
You can also make a tea with the powder. Just add about half to one teaspoon of the powder in a cup of hot water and drink it. Again, if you don't like the taste, add a little bit of honey to the concoction.
You can also use Triphala as eyewash. Just put 1-2 teaspoons of the powder in a cup of lukewarm water. Allow it to stay overnight. In the morning, strain the liquid and splash it on your eyes.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
© 2013 BetterAlive
Comments
BetterAlive (author) on July 03, 2019:
Hi Venkat,
It seems it is the food you eat that causes the symptoms. The first thing, therefore, would be to watch what you eat.
The best way to consume Triphala is at night. Keep a gap of at least 2 hours from dinner. Use warm water or warm milk to take it.
All the best!
Venkat on July 03, 2019:
Hello sir,
I have acidity/burning in my stomach with gas deoending on what i eat. I tried tripala powder capsules in the morning before breakfast but it seems to increase the symptoms. What is the best way to take it. Thankvyou
BetterAlive (author) on June 16, 2019:
Hi Saksham,
You can use Triphala for brushing your teeth or as a mouth rinse or gargle. It has antimicrobial properties, so it will prevent and help in curing any dental diseases. It is especially useful for the gums.
All the best!
Saksham on June 15, 2019:
How it will be helpful for teeth ?
BetterAlive (author) on February 04, 2019:
Hi Nazrul,
Take 1 teaspoon Triphala regularly for at least 15 days with warm water right before you go to sleep. Wait at least 2 hours after dinner to take this. See if that helps with your digestion problems.
If you are having constant problems, better to consult a doctor or a Ayurvedic practitioner, who can advise you.
All the best!
Nazrul on February 04, 2019:
Hi Sir,
How can I cure gastric problems because I take gastric medicine everyday.
I have no errection. please help me. I'm 48 years
BetterAlive (author) on January 17, 2019:
Hi Aleemrazu,
Triphala can help improve your digestion and help you have regular bowel movements. This will reduce your acidity issue.
But you should take a look at your eating habits too. Don't eat too much oily and fried food. Don't eat too much red meat. Make sure to eat light in the evening. Take small meals five times a day, instead of three times days. Idea is not to keep your stomach empty for too long during the day. Drink lots of water. Eat lots of fresh fruits and fresh vegetables. Increase your physical activity.
Take triphala before going to bed with warm water. Keep a gap of 2 hours from dinner.
All the best!
Aleemrazu on January 17, 2019:
I have been suffering from acidity for 10 yrs apprx. I had a small ulcer in 2012. But my doctor gave me pantoprazol 20 mg for 45 days. I have been suffering from BEP, prostate enlarge, low volume of urine dispatching and I am taking medicine regularly. But I am still suffering from too much acidity and IBS. Trifala can help me ? pls advise me.
BetterAlive (author) on June 10, 2017:
Hi Thirumala,
The best way to take triphala is to mix it warm water, leave it aside for 20 minutes and then drink it. But if you just can't handle it this way, you can take it with milk. Try to avoid sugar.
All the best!
Thirumala on June 10, 2017:
I am using triphala for first time. Can mix it in sugar added milk and drink it.
BetterAlive (author) on January 25, 2017:
Hi Savita,
There is no harm in taking Triphala regularly. But if she is taking medications, do keep a watch especially on the sugar levels since Triphala itself helps in normalizing blood glucose levels.
All the best!
Savita on January 24, 2017:
My mother have diabetes, BP, asthma & Thyroid problems. Can she use tripala churna regular?
BetterAlive (author) on January 22, 2017:
Hi Pooja,
I had already answered your question when you asked a few weeks back. No problems, just copy-pasting the same reply here:
You already know the reason for your digestive issues - you said you don't drink enough water and you are also under stress. You already have the reason for all the problems.
Drink at least 12 glasses of water (warm not cold) everyday. Start your days with 2 glasses of warm water. Then drink a glass of water every 1-2 hours.
Take a teaspoon of triphala every night with warm water right before going to bed. Keep a gap of at least 2 hours after dinner before taking triphala.
If you find it difficult to take it at night, take it first thing in the morning. Don't take anything else for an hour, except water.
Do something for the stress. Meditate or do relaxation or take a walk for about 30 minutes every day just to release the stress.
Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also make fresh juice but don't remove the pulp because that's what contains the fiber.
All the best!
pooja on January 21, 2017:
Hello sir. Sir I'm 17 and in class 12th. I've to go to coaching classes which are 4 hours long and lately I've been struggling from excess gas. And it happens mostly when I'm in the coaching classes. I thought maybe it's because of stress because other days when I don't have coaching (evening) I'm not so prone to gas. But when I have, after 1 hour or maybe 2 (not every time) I get too gassy. And problem is that the trapped gas makes whistling and gurgling noise sometimes. And even when gas is produced in the stomach or sometimes gut, I can feel that coz it happens with some pressure. I am having regular bowel movements. Earlier I thought it happens because of stress. So I reduced stress. But even now sometimes it happens. I took triphala though I think so I don't suffer from digestion problem. But sir can it happen because when I am at coaching then my mind is almost most of the time on my stomach and gut and even though I'm not stressed but because my brain is thinking about stomach and gut so sir can this psychological reason give me gas? Just wanted to know. Pls help. Coz I've been on medication and had sonography done and there's no other problem just that excess gas and gurgling when I'm in my coaching.
BetterAlive (author) on January 06, 2017:
Hi Pooja,
You already know the reason for your digestive issues - you said you don't drink enough water and you are also under stress. You already have the reason for all the problems.
Drink at least 12 glasses of water (warm not cold) everyday. Start your days with 2 glasses of warm water. Then drink a glass of water every 1-2 hours.
Take a teaspoon of triphala every night with warm water right before going to bed. Keep a gap of at least 2 hours after dinner before taking triphala.
If you find it difficult to take it at night, take it first thing in the morning. Don't take anything else for an hour, except water.
Do something for the stress. Meditate or do relaxation or take a walk for about 30 minutes every day just to release the stress.
Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also make fresh juice but don't remove the pulp because that's what contains the fiber.