Triphala is the most versatile and well-known of all herbal formulas in Ayurveda. It is a powerful combination that supports the balance of all three doshas (body constitutions): vata, pitta, and kapha. Triphala is a rejuvenatory tonic that cleanses all the channels in the body, especially the channels of elimination, thus aiding in daily detoxification and graceful aging. It is high in antioxidants, fiber, and anti-inflammatory.
Triphala is well-known for enhancing overall digestive health as a mild laxative. It supports cleansing of the colon and liver, which in turn detoxifies both body and mind. It pulls out stagnant ama (undigested toxins) and eliminates them. Triphala can be hugely beneficial to increase regularity of bowel movements.
As mentioned above, Triphala specializes in balancing the doshas. How it does this is through its 5 rasas, or tastes. Because it has so many tastes, it has the power of bringing all 3 doshas into harmony. This applies to both physical and psychological health! It nourishes and feeds all the different layers of body tissues.
A few other unique ways Triphala is used is for eye health. In Ayurveda, a diluted Triphala concoction is made to use for cleansing the eyes. Triphala also aids in wound healing according to the Ayurvedic scriptures. Last but not least, Triphala is an amazing immunity booster because of its high vitamin C content and antioxidants.
Triphala is made up of three healing fruits: haritaki, amalaki, and bibhitaki. Haritaki specializes in balancing vata (wind energy). Amalaki specializes in balancing pitta (fire energy). Bibhitaki specializes in balancing kapha (earth and water energy). Together, these three herbs are a diverse and rejuvenatory daily Ayurvedic medicine. Let’s look a little deeper at each herb:
Haritaki (termanalia chebula) is the vata balancing component of Triphala. It is a laxative and major detoxing component of the formula. For more about Haritaki, check out our full article dedicated to it!
Amalaki (emblica officinalis) —known as Indian gooseberry— is one of the most beloved herbs of Ayurveda. It is considered the “tree of Shiva”, the loving mother of herbs. It is a rejuvenatory herb and extremely high in Vitamin C. Because of its cooling nature, it is best at balancing pitta.
Bibhitaki (terminalia belerica) specializes in detoxifying the muscle and fat tissues of the body. It’s really good at scraping mucus from the body and overall regulating kapha dosha.
Heal and balance your body by discovering your unique dosha type through a personalized one-on-one assessmenthere!
It's important to talk to your doctor or health care practitioner, especially before using Triphala in combination with medications. Triphala should not be used by pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, those with medical conditions, or people who are taking medications without consulting a doctor first.
