Uses of Triphala

• Important Rasayana drug – free radical scavenger. Triphala is rich in vitamin C, which is a boon to the immune system and a potent antioxidant. It is famous for it’s immunomodulatory effects.
• Mild laxative in chronic constipation. Many users take a small dose each night before bed to help regulate their bowel movements.
• Helps in colon cleansing. An evidence-based study conducted on the laxative properties of Triphala showed that “mucous of stool and flatulence” in the study group given Triphala “improved significantly” versus control groups.
• Used in digestion problems and poor food assimilation. Many Ayurvedic texts mention Triphala as a digestive tonic. Each of the benefits mentioned here – cleansing, regularity, balancing – come together to improve the overall health of the GI tract.
• Used as a safe weightloss option. Triphala helps to approach weightloss in a different way: rather than focusing on eating less and exercising more, this superfood works to cleanse the digestive system and promote healthy nutritional uptake. The more capable your body is at absorbing nutrients from the food you eat, the less your body will indicate hunger and compel you to eat.
• Cardiovascular diseases. Triphala acts as a cardio tonic.
• To reduce serum cholesterol. A study of the Baheda (Terminalia bellerica) fruit used in composition of Triphala found that the high concentration of oleic and linoleic oils can be beneficial in reducing risk of heart disease. Linoleic oil is essential in increasing HDL (often called “good”) cholesterol while reducing “bad’ LDL cholesterol levels.
• Anti- inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects. Triphala’s high antioxidant and polyphenol content make it an excellent anti-inflammatory. Almost every disease involves some degree of inflammation. Arthritis is definitely an inflammatory disease; it’s an inflammation of one or more joints, which cause pain and stiffness that, can worsen with age.
• Anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activity. A 2015 study looked at the antiproliferative (stops the growth of cancer cells) and proapoptotic (encouraging the programmed cell death of cancer cells) effects of Triphala on colon cancer cells and human colon cancer stem cells. They found that the methanol extract of triphala contains a variety of phenolics including naringin, quercetin, homoorientin and isorhamnetin. Overall, they found that the Triphala extract was, in fact, able to suppress the spread of and induce cell death of human colon cancer stem cells making it worthy of further research as a natural anticancer treatment.
• Other diseases Triphala is useful for: poor liver function, large intestine inflammation, ulcerative colitis, eye diseases and skin diseases, diabetes and chronic fever, mental disorders
• Acts as good rejuvenator tonic, hair tonic and eye tonic

Side effects of Triphala

Even though Triphala churna is a safe choice, there are a few risks involved.

• Pregnant women should not take triphala due to its downward energy flow (Amalaki is good, but the other two are contra-indicated), which can even lead to miscarriages. Even breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid Triphala.
• Don’t give your baby more than a pinch of this powder as high doses can lead to diarrhea and other stomach troubles.
• Never take more than the recommended quantity of Triphala churna as it may cause loose motions and dehydration.
• If you are diabetic, consult your doctor before consuming Triphala.
• Since Triphala is highly rich in fiber, its excessive use can lead to bloating problems. So, if you are already suffering from gastric troubles, take mild dosages.
• It can also cause sleep disturbances and unwanted weight loss.
• If taken together with some other medications, it can affect negatively. Hence always confirm it’s usage with your doctor.
• If any of the following allergic symptoms are present, discontinue the usage.
• Obstruction in breathing
• Swelling in the mouth and throat
• Redness, rashes and eruptions on the skin
• Itching

For the vast majority of people, Triphala is a safe and effective herbal drug that can greatly improve your digestion, elimination and health in general.

Dr. Hridya S.

Diabetic Educator, Lifespan Diabetic and Cardiometabolic Clinic, Bengaluru, India