Triphala Three Fruit Ayurvedic Powder Herbal Information

NAME
Triphala

LATIN NAMES
Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula

ALSO KNOWN AS
Triphala is an Ayurvedic formula made with equal parts of Amalaki (sometimes called Amla or Indian Gooseberry), Bibhitaki (sometimes called Beleric) and Haritaki (sometimes called Black Myrobalan ).
Triphala is a Sanskrit word which literally means 'three fruits'

ORIGIN
India

PARTS USED
Fruits without the seeds

TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Triphala is a very widely used blend of three fruit powders and is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine. Triphala is from the Rasayan (rejuvenation) branch of Ayurveda said to engender a youthfulness to both physical and mental health and increase happiness.

Triphala promotes normal health (rather than treating a specific illness) and is therefore often administered alongside a specific remedy or taken daily to maintain all over well being. It can be taken by anyone even children and mums-to-be.

Triphala is used by Ayurvedic doctors to support people of all three of the doshas (archetypes) described in Ayurvedic medicine, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Triphala's main action is on the the digestive system and especially the bowels. The bowels are one of the body's major eliminative channels which, if they are not healthy, will not be able to remove toxins effectively.

Triphala has been subject to various studies in different countries. As it supports digestion, nourishes the bowels and helps the body detox Triphala has far reaching effects on other parts of the body. It is known to help with;
Skin
Blood purity
Circulation, blood pressure and cardio problems
Respirtory system
Immune system stimulation
Digestion
Relief of constipation
Intestinal tract cleansing
Relief of gas
Urinary system
Treating diabetes
Treatment eye diseases
Treating cell mutation diseases

Triphala's superior medicinal results are a greater than the sum of it's parts, but the three fruit powders are as follows-

Amalaki
Of the three fruits Amalaki is probably the most studied by modern science. It is a good source of vitamin C (nearly half a gram per 100g) and anti-oxidants. It has also been shown to regulate the immune response.

Bibhitaki
Traditionally used for cleansing the blood and reducing inflammation, it contains high quantities of tannins and aromatic oils as well as anti-oxidants.

Haritaki
A close relative of Bibhitaki, Haritaki appears in ancient Ayurvedic texts where is is said to be more beneficial to mankind than a mother is to a child. A mother may get angry with her children, but Haritaki never hurts those who eat it." Despite this there are few scientific studies on it's medicinal properties . It does contain anti-oxidants and water based preparations have been shown to be an effective anti-bacterial mouthwash.

FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
Triphala's oldest historical reference is to be found in the Sushrut Samhitas, which originate from about 1500 BC.

Then, in the first century AD, it was mentioned by a famous Ayurvedic physician to the King of the Kushan Empire (modern day Kashmir) called Charka. Charka prepared Triphala for the King who, as a result, lived to the ripe old age of 100. Indeed other references from this time indicate that Triphala was at that time a household name.

SUGGESTED DOSAGE
Dosage information for Triphala powder varies powder depending on application from 1- 2 teaspoons once a week or 1 - 2 teaspoons every evening or the equivalent amounts split into 3 doses per day.
It is recommended to begin taking a smaller amount and increase it slowly. If you take Triphala regularly, it is recommended to take a break every two or three months for a week or two.

PRECAUTIONS
In large doses or if your body is not used to it Triphala can cause flatulence and or loose stools.