The Top 10 benefits of Triphala

The most widely used herb in Ayurveda is Triphala. The word “Triphala” means “three fruits” combined. These three fruits are: Amlaki, also known as Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). Each of these fruits is known for its medicinal characteristics. Overall, when taken together, the blend of these fruits, as “Triphala: helps in digestion, cardiovascular health, blood sugar, immune system, detoxification, and overall health of an individual.

Triphala is a “Rasayana” in Ayurveda, a tonic that helps maintain health systems, contributing to the vitality and longevity of a person. Modern science even now recognizes certain claims about the benefits of triphala, for example, claims about its adaptogenic effects to relieve stress in addition to anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

This article will talk about the top ten benefits of triphala in detail, explaining its role in digestion, the immune system, weight control, skin and hair benefits, and more.

Many people turn to Triphala not only as a traditional remedy but also as a daily wellness supplement. Because it targets multiple systems at once, it is often seen as a holistic solution rather than a quick fix. From digestion to skin health, its effects are gentle yet long-lasting, which is why practitioners recommend it for regular use instead of occasional relief.

1. Digestive health and Triphala’s role:

Improving digestive health is the most widely known benefit of triphala. Each of the three fruits plays a role. Amlaki helps regulate stomach acid, haritaki helps in bowel movements and thus with constipation, and Bibhitaki helps with liver function and decreases bloating.

Overall, triphala is a laxative that eases constipation, reduces bloating and acid reflux, thus helps with indigestion, increases gut movement, and nutrient absorption. Triphala also helps the growth of probiotics by helping good and healthy bacteria to grow.

2. Removal of toxins

Triphala is also known for clearing toxins from the body by gently cleaning the colon and by supporting liver and kidney functions, and finally eliminating wastes from the body.

Overall, triphala cleans the GI (gastrointestinal) tract, helps to break down toxins and even excess fats by controlling liver function, helps to remove waste from metabolism by aiding kidney function, and increases skin clarity by removing internal toxins. Specifically, toxins can chelate(bind) with heavy metals and thus help in toxin removal.

3. Immune system strengthening

The three fruits of triphala (amlaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki) are rich in substances like vitamin C and antioxidants that boost the immune system. For example, amlaki is highly rich in vitamin C that augments white blood cell functions, haritaki fights bacteria, viral, and fungal infection, whereas bibhitaki helps reduce cough and sore throat, thus helping the respiratory system.

Overall, triphala protects the immune cells by decreasing oxidative stress-generating particles.

4. Help in weight control

Triphala refines digestion and metabolism, thus helping in weight reduction. Triphala is highly effective in the metabolism of fat, as it reduces bad cholesterol and triglyceride fat molecules. The herb triphala also reduces fats around internal organs, controls blood glucose, thus prevents food craving, and in turn helps control weight.

A person with higher body weight can reduce body weight in combination with diet, exercise, and the use of triphala. 

5. Help with inflammation

Inflammation and swelling can result in diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. Certain plant-based polyphenolic compounds present in Triphala, like Gallic acid, chebulinic acid, and ellagic acid, aid in reducing inflammation.

Overall, Triphala reduces arthritis or joint pain, reduces gut inflammations, thus ulcer and gastritis.

6. Oral, dental, and eye health

Triphala is a great mouthwash and is often recommended by ayurvedic practitioners. Due to antibacterial properties, Triphala helps fight cavities in the teeth, can reduce gum inflammation, and even bleeding. Studies show that Triphala is as effective as common commercial dental mouthwash. But triphala does not create side effects like staining or a change in taste, as compared to commercial ones.

The amlaki in triphala is rich in antioxidants, reducing the risk of cataracts and muscle degeneration.  When used in eye washes, Triphala also helps reduce eye stress, dryness, and redness in the eyes.

7. Heart health

Triphala is good for LDL cholesterol reduction and an increase in HDL cholesterol. This helps improve cardiovascular health. Triphala also reduces and balances blood sugar and pressure. Overall, it protects heart tissue from oxidative stress.

8. Skin and hair

A clean digestive system often adds to clear skin and healthy hair. Triphala is a natural detoxifier, thus reducing skin problems like acne. Triphala also reduces free radical damage, thus slowing down aging. Triphala strengthens hair roots, promotes hair growth, and, before age, hair graying can be delayed or prevented. Sometimes Triphala is also used as a skin paste for skin rejuvenation.

9. Anti-cancer property

Triphala is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds are known as anti-cancer compounds. Triphala is capable of programmed cell death or apoptosis in cancer cells, can reduce tumor cell growth and control free radicals, thus reducing DNA damage.

Although more studies are needed to show more results to prevent cancer.

10. Mental health, stress, and longevity

As Triphala is rich in adaptogens, it helps the body cope with stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. The presence of adaptogens in Triphala also supports memory and concentration.

Triphala also reduces free radicals and thus cell damage, and increases energy, stamina, and longevity of an individual.

Way to use Triphala

Mostly, Triphala is used as powder with water and is taken before bed. Nowadays, it is also used in tablet form for daily use. It can also be added to tea.

The recommended dosage is 1-2 teaspoons (500-1000 mg of capsules) per day.

While Triphala has been trusted for centuries, its true value lies in preventive care. Rather than treating illness after it arises, regular use helps maintain harmony in the body. This preventative approach is what makes Ayurveda so relevant even in today’s modern lifestyle.

Precautions

Overuse of triphala might cause diarrhea.

It is highly recommended to see a doctor for triphala use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Similarly, people suffering from chronic diseases should consult doctors before taking triphala, especially if they are taking medications.