Blog written by: Dr Anju Balakrishnan
Triphala has been explained in ancient Ayurvedic classics like Charaka and Sushrutha samhitha. It is one of the famous and widely used Ayurvedic products. It is also called Phala trika, Vara etc. ‘Triphala' means three fruits. It is a simple combination of three fruits, i.e., Haritaki (Harad), Vibhitaki (Baheda) and Amalaki (Amla). The botanical source for Haritaki is Terminalia chebula, that of Vibhitaki is Terminalia bellarica, and Amalaki is Emblica officianalis.
Haritaki is commonly called Harad. The word Haritaki is derived from ‘Harathi', which means 'to remove', i.e., one which removes the disease. It is one of the very good Rasayana (rejuvenating) drugs. Harad improves digestion. It enhances bowel movement and acts as a natural detoxificant. It has the ability to enhance memory and concentration. It also promotes physical strength. This fruit is used as a remedy for cough as well.
Vibhitaki is also called Baheda. The word meaning of Vibhitaki is lack of fear. It takes away the fear of diseases. The drug has potent action in fever, cough etc. The drug also possesses purgative action. It improves digestive power as well. It's good for the eyes. It also promotes hair growth.
Amalaki (Indian gooseberry) is one of the most used Ayurvedic drugs. Amla denotes its sour taste, hence the name Amalaki. It’s one of the major ingredients in the famous formulation ‘Chyavanaprasha’. It helps in balancing tridosha. i.e., vata, pitta and kapha. It improves skin and eye health. It helps in managing cholesterol levels and keeps bones strong. It is also used to treat premature greying of hairs.
In combination with these three drugs, it acts as a detoxifying and rejuvenating formulation. It promotes strength as well as immunity. Studies also prove the potent anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial action of the drug. It is therapeutically used in the conditions like constipation, piles and haemorrhoids, eye ailments, obesity, arthritis and anaemia.
Benefits
It acts as a mild laxative. Since it contains Haritaki, it helps in relieving constipation. It is also useful in treating Irritable bowel syndrome, which is associated with constipation. It has Tridoshahara (normalizes vitiated vata, pitta and kapha) action. It enhances proper digestion and improves taste as well.
It has a rich source of antioxidants. It helps in protecting our cells against free radicals, hence, protecting your body when exposed to radiation, smoke etc. Overall it has perfect anti-ageing properties. It also plays an important role in cardiac and mental health.
It is considered Chakshushya because it improves eyesight. Almost all ailments of the eyes can be treated by this age-old formulation. In the conditions like Computer vision syndrome, it is one of the best choices of medicine.
It is also beneficial in the treatment of obesity since it removes toxins from the body and enhances metabolism.
In case of cough, the drug powder can be taken along with water or the roasted fruit can be chewed for instant relief. If consumed regularly, it strengthens the respiratory and immune systems.
The action of the drug can be enhanced with an Iron vessel. The drug is made into a paste by adding water. Apply the thin paste on iron kadai and leave it for drying for almost 24 hours. Later collect the medicine after it is completely dried and store it in an airtight container. This enhances the therapeutic action of the drug.
Triphala is one of the safest drugs for consumption. But still, few people may experience symptoms like abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea etc. So, do consult an Ayurvedic physician before self-medication.
