Introduction
Table of Contents
Triphala Churna is one of the most revered Rasayanas mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. This is a potent polyherbal formulation of three powerful fruits: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), which are mixed in equal proportions. This wonderful formulation has made a significant contribution to global medicine, offering a wide array of health benefits.
The three fruits used in making this wonderful formulation work in harmony, creating a synergistic effect and enhancing its therapeutic potency. In this article, we delve deep as we explore the multifarious uses and benefits of this ancient formulation.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It must not be treated as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medications or regimes discussed herein.
Preparation
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- Triphala Churna can be made at home by mixing equal amounts (some authorities state mixing them in specific proportions for better results) of dried Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).
- Remove their seeds and ground them until you get a fairly fine powder.
- It can also be bought from the market, but ensuring good quality is important.
- A freshly grounded mixture should always be preferred. The homemade mixture can be stored for a maximum of six months.
- Some authorities suggest that it is best to use the smaller variety of Haritaki instead of the bigger ones.
- Try to avoid tablets, as they might contain artificial binders and other harmful ingredients.
Digestive Health
Triphala Churna acts as a deepana, i.e., it improves the digestive fire, which results in enhanced digestion. Ayurvedic medicine believes that weak digestive fire (mandagni) leads to improper digestion resulting in the accumulation of ama (undigested toxin). Ama causes a plethora of diseases to develop in the body.
A research article[1] mentioned that Haritaki, present in this formulation, improves stomach functioning, leading to enhanced absorption, digestion, and assimilation of food, and proper excretion of waste. The same article highlighted that Triphala was found to be a safer alternative to prokinetic drugs with no side effects.
Weight Loss
Obesity has become a global concern in today’s world. The WHO[2] identified that over 2.5 adults were overweight in the year 2022, including 890 million people suffering from obesity. In the absence of safe and effective drugs for the management of obesity, it is essential to look for natural alternatives.
Triphala is recognized in Ayurveda as one of the best medicines for weight management. It reduces Kapha dosha, which is often the main cause of obesity and overweight, and eliminates ama, the undigested toxins, from the body.
One study[3] observed that decrease in weight loss was significantly more in individuals who consumed this herbal blend than those who only recieved placebo medications. Additionally, a significant decrease in BMI, circumferential measurment, and body fat percentage were recorded.
Oral Health
Triphala is also useful for cleansing the mouth and enhancing overall oral health. It can be used for cleaning the gums and teeth by gentle massaging. It is useful for those who are suffering from bad breath. It can also be used as a mouthwash.
One review[4] identified its ability to effectively treat gingivitis, a common oral issue, just like CHX mouthwash. It may serve as a safer alternative to CHX mouthwash for gingivitis treatment.
An in-vitro[5] study highlighted that it can be an effective anti-plaque agent and can also be used to prevent dental caries.
Diabetes
The modern lifestyle is characterised by excessive junk food consumption, stress, anxiety, and a sedentary lifestyle, resulting in chronic diseases like diabetes. Plant-based medicines are extensively researched by scientists all over the world for the management of diabetes due to their economic feasibility and minimal side effects. Triphala can be an effective medicine for preventing and managing diabetes under proper medical supervision.
A clinical study found that it significantly lowered blood sugar levels in noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients within a period of 45 days.[6]
In yet another study, it was found that this herbal formulation decreased serum glucose levels in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats.[7]
Eye Health
From time immemorial, Triphala has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for enhancing eye health. One research article highlighted that its genetically and enzymatically in-built phytosignatures make it suitable for managing ophthalmic disorders.[8]
A review article also noted that it can be used with other Ayurvedic medications specifically for treating eye disorders like cataract, computer vision syndrome, conjunctivitis, and loss of vision.[9]
Yet another research article concluded that it is clinically safe, tolerable, and effective for the treatment of common eye diseases.[10]
Potential in Treating Cancer
Studies conducted in recent times have indicated Triphala’s immense potential for preventing and treating cancer, while also reducing oxidative damage. One study noted its dual nature, as it acts as an antioxidant in normal cells, and acts as a prooxidant in cancer cells. This highlights its immense potential both as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent.[11]
A review article noted that it contains various anti-carcinogenic phytochemicals like Ellagic acid which is known to inhibit certain carcinogen-induced cancers, and may also have some other chemo-preventive properties.[12]
Precaution
Although this wonderful medicine is suitable for most individuals, it is necessary to consult an Ayurveda doctor before consumption. Especially pregnant women, and Vata individuals (persons who have a dry body type) should avoid its medication.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed about the various therapeutic uses and innumerable health benefits of Triphala. We primarily learned about the various research studies which indicate its efficacy in treating various ailments. For centuries, this wonderful formulation has been used by Ayurvedic doctors for treating a plethora of diseases. Additionally, its tridoshic quality makes it useful for the prevention of several disorders. It has been glorified as a Rasayana (rejuvenator) for it nourishes and provides vitality to bodily tissues. However, it is essential to consult a qualified Ayurvedic doctor to know the right dosage according to your personal needs.
References
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Reeta-Kumari-2/publication/281735536_Therapeutic_potential_of_Triphala_against_human_diseases/links/632b091370cc936cd3258007/Therapeutic-potential-of-Triphala-against-human-diseases.pdf
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210803319300454
- https://journals.lww.com/aphd/fulltext/2023/21020/Role_of_Triphala_in_Oral_Health__A_Systematic.4.aspx
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Agrima-Vasudeva/publication/279851969_Comparative_evaluation_of_Antimicrobial_Activity_of_Triphala_and_commercially_available_Toothpastes_An_in-vitro_study/links/559c036f08ae898ed650b5ce/Comparative-evaluation-of-Antimicrobial-Activity-of-Triphala-and-commercially-available-Toothpastes-An-in-vitro-study.pdf?__cf_chl_tk=dtH3YeAcoCRILtm8Eg7RSg6WWs0IuOLfCsB5.PsA2sQ-1738645322-1.0.1.1-8gTw3eIuMbsiFlW42llqDGj8U8CuPS8AuksXM3YrC4U
- https://journals.lww.com/asol/abstract/2008/27030/hypoglycemic_effect_of_triphala_on_selected_non.8.aspx
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/acm.2017.0083#body-ref-B23
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dolly-Singh-4/publication/216610330_Biochemical_characterization_of_triphala_extracts_for_developing_potential_herbal_drug_formulation_for_ocular_diseases/links/06da8a2906cfbdf27ac841c7/Biochemical-characterization-of-triphala-extracts-for-developing-potential-herbal-drug-formulation-for-ocular-diseases.pdf
- https://www.ayurpharm.com/imagesuser/ayurpharm782.pdf
- https://journals.lww.com/jras/abstract/2017/01040/clinical_safety_of_selected_ayurvedic_formulations.3.aspx
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/9/1/72
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amit-Kumar-524/publication/257434978_Pharmacological_Potential_of_Atibala_of_Ayurveda_A_Review/links/62610722ee24725b3eb9bc22/Pharmacological-Potential-of-Atibala-of-Ayurveda-A-Review.pdf
