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Amazing Benefits of Triphala

Gaurav Shimpi
Triphala is an Ancient Indian herbal preparation, which is used for curing stomach-related problems. This write-up provides some information about the umpteen benefits of this Ayurvedic formula.
In this era of junk food and soft drinks, it's hard to find a soul without stomach problems like constipation, acidity, loss of appetite, and pain in the abdomen. These ailments may contribute to other medical conditions like hypertension, fatigue, skin problems, headache, poor eyesight, and reduced immunity.
If you are fed up of trying conventional medicines, antibiotics, dieting, and workouts, for relief from stomach problems, Triphala can be your savior. Triphala - a natural mixture of herbs, can work wonders for you. Triphala is a Sanskrit word which means 'three fruits'.

Triphala Ingredients

Ingredients of Triphala are Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bhibitaki (Terminalia chebula) and Haritaki (Terminalia bellirica). Let's look at the benefits of each of these ingredients.

Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

Amlaki or Amla (Indian gooseberry) is a fruit which is the richest source of vitamin C, that helps to boost immunity. It is an effective antioxidant which is beneficial for removing harmful toxins from the body. It helps in strengthening and nourishing the lungs and respiratory tract, by removing mucus.
It helps to maintain female reproductive health by regulating the menstrual cycle. It is believed that amla boosts fertility in both men and women. Amalaki helps to purify blood tissues and also improves blood circulation, thus maintaining the proper functioning of the heart.
Amla is good for maintaining skin health, as it aids in formation of new skin cells. It acts as a muscle toner by enhancing protein synthesis. Amla aids absorption of calcium and other minerals into the body. While calcium strengthens bones, some of these minerals and nutrients help prevent hair fall and premature graying of hair.

Bhibitaki (Terminalia chebula)

Bhibitaki helps to maintain proper balance of all bodily systems. It acts as a blood purifier, and prevents hemorrhage.
Bhibitaki acts as an internal cleanser, removing harmful toxins and excess fats from the body. It is antiviral and antibacterial in nature. It improves voice quality as well as eyesight. It strengthens hair roots and enriches hair color and texture.

Haritaki (Terminalia bellirica)

Haritaki has five rasas or tastes, out of the existing six rasas. They are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. It stimulates functioning of the digestive system and strengthens the sensory organs.
Haritaki provides effective cure against piles, anemia, diarrhea, gastro-intestinal infections, and gallstones. It helps in fighting fever, headache, cough, and asthma. It regulates blood pressure and prevents heart diseases.
In short, these three herbs offer a wide range of health benefits. Being a combination of these herbs, Triphala is beneficial for human health, in numerous ways. Though it is mainly used for relief from digestive problems, Triphala is said to be effective for treating diabetes, for achieving weight loss, and as a health tonic.
This Ayurvedic preparation is available as powder, tablets, and capsules. Triphala powder can also be used to prepare herbal tea. All you need to do is to put half a teaspoon of Triphala powder in a cup of boiling water. Remove from heat, let it cool, and strain the tea before use.

Health Benefits

Relieves Digestive Problems

  • Triphala is a natural appetizer and helps in proper digestion.
  • It promotes peristalsis (muscle contractions that aid movement of food along the digestive tract) which is one of the most important involuntary functions of the body.
  • It normalizes bowel evacuation, thereby eliminating harmful toxins out of the body.
  • Triphala relieves acidity, and acts as a laxative which cures constipation. It is also used for treating various gastrointestinal tract infections.
  • It is an effective remedy for healing stomach ulcers.

Promotes Cardiovascular Functions

  • Triphala is extremely helpful for reducing the level of cholesterol in the body, thus preventing conditions like atherosclerosis.
  • It restricts formation of harmful cholesterol i.e. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) in the body, and boosts formation of good cholesterol i.e. HDL (high-density lipoprotein).
  • Triphala reduces muscle contractions and spasms and improves blood circulation. It is believed to be useful for regularizing the heart rate.
  • Triphala promotes production of red blood cells, and so, it is useful for those with anemia.
  • It is helpful in maintaining homeostasis (a healthy state that is maintained by the constant adjustment of biochemical and physiological pathways); as it aids many of the physiological processes in the body.
  • Recent studies suggest that Triphala has anticancer properties and it helps to reduce the risk of tumors.

Boosts Eye and Skin Health

  • Triphala strengthens muscles of the eyes and improves vision.
  • It is used for curing various eye conditions like cataract, glaucoma, progressive myopia, and conjunctivitis. Triphala tea can be used as an eyewash, in order to reduce redness.
  • This Ayurvedic formula curbs formation of free radicals and their effects on the skin. This helps in preventing skin infections and other disorders.
  • Triphala is said to be effective for healing wounds and for treating acne. It is also used for curing itching and irritation of the skin.
  • Triphala has antioxidant properties and is used for attaining a healthy and glowing complexion. It is also effective for delaying the effects of aging, like wrinkles and gray hair.

Regulates Blood Sugar

Triphala is one of the most popular and effective herbal preparations that are used for treating diabetes. It regulates the level of blood sugar, by hindering release of simple sugars into the blood. It induces the body to release sugars gradually and steadily. It is also said that Triphala stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin.
According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Triphala is found to be effective for reducing the blood sugar level in people with type 2 diabetes.

Aids Weight Loss

Triphala treats obesity miraculously, as it regularizes functioning of the digestive system. It reduces body fat too. It benefits the liver by stimulating secretion of bile that aids in digestion and burning of fats. It regulates water retention, which is linked to obesity. Triphala helps to cut down hunger pangs.
Triphala in powdered form is called churna. This powder is to be taken with warm water. Triphala tablets and capsules are also available in the market. It's advisable to take Triphala after food, before bedtime. Like all Ayurvedic medicines, Triphala attacks the root cause of the illness. It should be taken regularly and for a reasonably long period of time.
Consult a qualified herbalist, who is the best person to decide the dosage and duration of use. Triphala is a gift from Ayurveda, a system of traditional medicine that originated in India, around 6000 years ago. You may use this herbal preparation and reap its health benefits.