English Name: Three Fruits

Botanical Name: Emblica officianalis, Terminalia Cheula, & Terminalia Belerica

Part Used: Fruit

Ayurvedic Energetics: V=P=K=

Ayurvedic Triphala is an ancient formulation created by Ayurvedic doctors thousands of years ago, and is still one of the most celebrated, effective, and safest laxatives available. It is mild, non-habit forming, and confers many additional benefits to the digestive tract.

The great effectiveness of Triphala herb is due to the three potent healing fruit which comprise it:

Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis): This is one of Ayurveda’s greatest rejuvenators and a strong natural anti-oxidant. It is very supportive of the immune system, with the highest known naturally occurring concentration of Vitamin C at more than 20 times that of an orange.  Amalaki also greatly benefits the bowels with its cleansing and nourishing actions, which expel toxins and revitalize the linings of the digestive tract.

Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula): known as the Tibetan “King of Medicine”, a classic tonic for the heart, the brain, and longevity. It has a hot energy which stimulates the internal digestive fire and burns away toxins, but has a sweet post-digestive effect that soothes and nourishes the tissues of the digestive tract. These potencies procure great benefit for the whole body by reducing cholesterol in the liver and arteries and aiding in the healing of damaged tissue throughout. Thereby supporting the heart and general health of the body.

Bibhitaki (Terminalia Belerica): a powerful rejuvenative clears Kapha and Ama from the bowels, the urinary tract, and the respiratory tract. Its drying and cooling effects benefit the lungs by drying up mucous and cooling inflammation. It serves the kidneys and bladder in similar ways by breaking up stones and cooling inflammation. These potencies are followed by a sweet post-digestive effect that nourishes irritated tissues and promotes overall healing.

These three fruit are powerful healing agents in themselves, but in combination they render a trifecta of healing potential. In Triphala rasayana, Amalaki targets the digestive organs, Haritaki targets the liver and heart, and Bibhitaki targets the lungs and kidneys. The laxative effects which are common to all three fruit define Triphala’s primary activity. Together they cleanse they thoroughly cleanse the body from the digestive tract out. They proceed to restore complete digestion and a robust Agni along with healthy functioning of the lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, and spleen. The benefits of Triphala are abundant.

Furthermore, Triphala has the added benefit of being tridoshic, and thus effective for all constitutions. The three doshas are the constitutional elements that govern human life, and Triphala uniquely cleanses and detoxifies at the deepest organic levels without depleting the bodies vital fluids and essences. It restores the Agni and balances Pitta, calms Vata and eliminates intestinal gas, and both expels and stems production of excess tissues bringing balance to Kapha.

Triphala Benefits and Uses: Triphala has many uses, and is a central part of many formulations. Its effects can be powerful and should be used in moderate doses. For Triphala tea, or Triphala juice, mix a teaspoon or so of Triphala churna with boiling water at night and left to cool to be drunken in morning, the grind not drunken, but is then remixed with more boiling water and left to cool until evening before eating. It should be drunken on an empty stomach so as not to disturb digestion. One may also prepare a Triphala tincture, or extract for use with other herbs in smaller quantities. Triphala eye washes are also quite effective for cleansing the eyes and killing infections. Organic Triphala is a very safe formulation and the best Triphala that one can buy, but is contra-indicated for those with diarrhea, very thin people, and pregnant women, as it may be harmful.

Triphala Dosage / Suggested Use:  2-6 gm (½ to 1 ½ teaspoons) twice per day with lukewarm water or milk, sweetened with raw sugar.

Triphala Side Effects: Triphala has been used safely in India for several centuries and it doesn’t have any side effects at all. However if taken in excessively high doses, weight loss and diarrhea may occur.

Triphala products available in our shop: Triphala Churna, Triphala Guggulu, Triphala Tablets, Triphala Capsules, Triphala Ghrita, Triphala Powder, Triphala Shampoo, Triphala Hair Lotion, Triphala Taila, Triphala Hair Oil & Organic Triphala Capsules