By Vaidya Smita Pimpley
Did you know Triphala is called as Amrit and Sanjeevani. It balances the three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha. If we were to break it down, Triphala means three fruits: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula) and Bibitaki (Terminalia bellerica). These fruits are dried and powdered and sieved, and mixed in equal proportion.
In Charak Samhita, Sushrut Samhita and Ashtang Hridaya, uses of Triphala are mentioned.
1) Digestion — Triphala is agni deepak.
- It improves digestion. It helps in hyper acidity and bloating. With its mild laxative properties, it gently cleanses the body and improves digestive fire.
- For mild laxative effect, 1 tsp Triphala powder is taken with warm water at bedtime.
- Those suffering from hard stool should not use Triphala, as it is ruksha or dry in nature.
2) Obesity — Triphala is Medohar, meaning it helps remove excess fat and stickiness from the body. It is useful for fatty liver and high cholesterol.
- For weight reduction, half to 1 tsp Triphala is taken on an empty stomach with honey, or Triphala kashay is taken on an empty stomach in the morning.
- Method to make kashay: take 1 tsp Triphala powder and add 2 cups of water, preferably in an earthen vessel. Cover and keep overnight. Next day, boil and reduce to half a cup. Take this on an empty stomach every day.
3) Rasayan — Triphala is an excellent rasayan.
- It has antioxidant properties and scavenges the free radicals in the body.
- It is anti-ageing. It nourishes the sapt dhatus and rejuvenates the body.
- Dose: Triphala 1 to 2 grams daily in the morning with water.
4) Eyes — Triphala is used in various eye problems. It improves the vision.
- Recipe to improve vision: 1/2 tsp Triphala is mixed with 1 tsp of ghee and 1/2 tsp honey (ghee and honey taken in unequal proportion). This mixture is taken just before sleeping.
- For redness, itching in eyes, watery eyes and tired eyes, Triphala is used for an eye wash. Prepare Triphala kashay as mentioned above, strain the kashay 4 to 5 times and use an eye cup for the eye wash.
5) Oral health — For dental problems like cavities and teeth sensitivity:
- Triphala powder is used as a tooth powder or manjan.
- For swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath and mouth ulcers, Triphala kashay is used as a mouth wash and gargle.
- Gandush with Triphala: take a mouthful of Triphala kashay, hold it for some time (same as oil pulling) and then spit it out. This can be done as a preventive measure for oral health.
6) Skin — Triphala has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Triphala paste can be applied on pimples and acne.
- It is also used for hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
- For dry skin, Triphala is mixed with ghee; for oily skin it is mixed with curds.
7) Wound care
- Along with external application, 1/2 tsp Triphala is to be taken at bed time.
- Triphala purifies blood.
- Filtered Triphala kashay is used to wash non-healing wounds. It's very useful in diabetic wounds.
8) Hair — Triphala is an excellent hair tonic. It is used for dandruff, itchy scalp and grey hair.
- Triphala is taken in an iron vessel, mixed with water to form a paste and kept overnight. Next day use this as a hair mask; wash hair after 1 hour.
- Triphala can also be mixed with henna or other herbs for a hair mask.
How long to take Triphala?
Triphala can be safely taken for 2 to 3 months.
Who should avoid Triphala?
Pregnant ladies and lactating mothers should avoid taking Triphala. Also, those suffering from hard stools should avoid taking Triphala.