The Ayurvedic herb and the history of its use.
Triphala is one of the oldest herbs in Ayurveda, being about 1500 BC ancient. Triphala was known to be capable of managing the three doshas Pitta, Kapha, and Vata. Triphala means “three fruits”, & is made of the three fruits found throughout India and the Middle East. These fruits are Amalaki, Bibhitaki, & Haritaki. These fruits are first dried, ground into powder form, & then blended as directed in Ayurvedic tradition to make Triphala.
Amalaki fruit, or what is widely known as the Indian gooseberry, is one of the best herbs in Ayurvedic medicine containing higher Vitamin C than any other fruit (3000 mg of Vitamin C per piece). It is highly efficient in fighting against sickness and cooling the body.
Haritaki fruit is known for its rejuvenating, warming, & balancing effects. Bibhitaki fruit is also a warming herb. The combination of these three compounds was believed to have healing and balancing properties in Ayurvedic medicine.
The Ayurvedic herb and its relevance today.
Today, Triphala is used widely to strengthen the digestive system and help in cases of weak digestion or constipation. With options of quick relief modern medicine, many Indian households still rely on Ayurvedic remedies like Triphala as guided by the older adults in the family, & these remedies often work for the better without few or no side effects in the long run.
Triphala is generally taken as a health tonic or in powder format which is to be mixed with the right liquid as instructed. Triphala is a gentle laxative that can safely be consumed daily without any adverse effects. It improves the function of the stomach and intestines and helps in cases of excess stomach acid. It regulates the bowels along with detoxifying them, better digestion, & reduced gas. Triphala is considered to be a great digestive aid for the elderly and those with sensitive stomachs, due to its gentle properties.
Apart from its benefits to improve stive system health, Triphala is also used as a blood builder and purifier, increasing red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels. Some Ayurvedic medicine practitioners prescribe Triphala for Diabetes as it has a balancing effect on blood sugar levels. It is also considered to have anti-cholesterol and anti-mucus properties in the body.
In ancient times, it used to be freshly made and used regularly. While some households might still be following this today, it might not be the most convenient way of use for many. Hence, Triphala is also available in easy to consume supplement format which ensures its regular consumption.
The Ayurvedic herb and clinical studies.
- Studies have validated several potential uses of Triphala, which include free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, appetite stimulation, gastric hyperacidity reduction, dental caries prevention, antipyretic, analgesic, antibacterial, antimutagenic, wound healing, anti-cariogenic, antistress, adaptogenic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, chemoprotective, radioprotective, and chemopreventive effects. 4
- Triphala may also promote proper digestion and absorption of food, reduce serum cholesterol levels, improve circulation, relax bile ducts, prevent immunosenescence, maintain homeostasis of the endocrine system, and increase the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
Reference:
Baliga MS, et al.. Scientific validation of the ethnomedicinal properties of the Ayurvedic drug Triphala: A review. Chin J Integr Med 2012;18:946–954
Benefits of Triphala
Helps provide anti-inflammatory benefits
Triphala contains polyphenols that modulate the human gut microbiome and promote the growth of the beneficial Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus while blocking the growth of unwanted gut microbes. The bioactivity of Triphala is obtained by gut microbiota to generate a variety of anti-inflammatory compounds.
Helps improve digestion
Triphala acts as a natural laxative and can be consumed daily to regulate digestion. It helps with weak digestion and constipation. Triphala helps block the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut. Triphala is used for a gentle bowel cleanse. It helps detoxify and rejuvenate the digestive system.
Helps improve Liver health
Triphala helps reduce the toxic load on the liver. It is enriched with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that protect the liver. Triphala has been found to significantly reduce elevated serum enzyme levels, which indicated the ability of Triphala to restore the normal functioning of the liver and kidney.
Helps fight against Diabetes
Triphala protects against diabetes by the inhibition of glycation enzymes. It has a balancing effect on elevated blood glucose levels that is responsible to cause severe damage through the glycation process, in which sugar molecules compromise protein molecules in the body which might lead to nerve damage or blindness.
Helps improve skin health
Triphala helps in the rejuvenation of the skin. As Triphala powder is enriched with antioxidants and Vitamin C, it helps make skin soft, smooth and hydrated. Its anti-aging properties help reduce wrinkles by keeping it well-bound with collagen. Triphala also helps reduce acne and pimples.
Conclusion
Triphala is a great Ayurvedic remedy that has healing and balancing properties that can treat several health conditions slowing us down daily. While it might feel easier to choose a quicker effect option of medicine in our fast-paced lives, getting back to basics and including such Ayurvedic practices in our routines as a precaution can help majorly to prevent such health conditions from becoming obstacles in your life. You might not have the capacity to include these practices full-fledged, but you can find your way through it. Consuming Triphala like in the olden times might not be possible, but you can always rely on the solutions available to you. BBETTER Triphala supplements are naturally extracted and highly purified of heavy metals for your safe, daily use. Let the Indian roots be a part of your lifestyle now, so you don’t have to settle for quick, modern medicine which might help you in the short term but might as well have an adverse effect in the long run.
