Triphala churna is an ancient herbal formula that has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years. Translated as “three fruits”, this herbal tonic is made up of the three Indian fruits known as Haritaki, Amalaki, and Bibhitaki. Together Triphala is considered tridoshic as it pacifies all three doshas- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha respectively. For those not familiar with these terms, this just means that it is appropriate for all body types and will bring relief to a wide variety of conditions. To call this formula a panacea is definitely no exaggeration. Taken in small doses (¼ – ½ tsp), one can typically take Triphala daily for an entire lifetime, as it is safe, gentle, non-habit forming, and beneficial for all stages of life.
Top 10 Health Benefits of Triphala Churna
1. Powerful detoxifier.
Triphala is a strong cleanser for the colon and entire GI tract. It also flushes out toxins from the liver and blood, making this a wonderful choice to aid in any cleansing program or can be taken as an effective daily maintenance regimen.
2. Mild laxative.
This formula helps remove stagnation in the colon by gently aiding in elimination. By keeping the bowels regular, Triphala works to remove old toxins while keeping new toxins from building up in the system. Having healthy bowels is vital to one’s overall health, wellness, and disease prevention.
3. Increases digestion.
As the GI tract is cleansed, the digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food will naturally increase. By keeping the channels of the body unobstructed, the Agni (digestive fire) is able to function at its greatest potential, increasing the metabolism and aiding in the proper absorption of nutrients.
4. Aids in weight loss and management.
Triphala, as mentioned above, is great for removing toxins, increasing digestion, and stimulating metabolism; all of which are necessary for a weight loss program. This formula helps control the appetite, reduce sugar cravings, reduce late-night munchies, and balance blood sugar levels. Triphala has been known to reduce serum cholesterol and reduce hypertension, which are common ailments in people with excessive weight.
5. Immune-boosting antioxidant.
Triphala is one of the greatest natural sources of vitamin C, containing 20 times as much as a glass of orange juice. Vitamin C is a well-known, immune-boosting antioxidant that protects against aging and disease while increasing cellular rejuvenation. Antioxidants are vital for protecting the body against many diseases from the common cold to cancer.
6. Cellular rejuvenator.
Triphala is unique in its ability to not only detoxify the system but also rejuvenate and rebuild the tissues simultaneously. Due to the powerful antioxidant properties of Triphala, this formula prevents aging, increases energy, and tones the body on a cellular level.
7. Increases circulation.
Triphala is well known to increase the bodily fire (Agni) and detoxify the system, both of which will aid in stimulating circulation. Amalaki, one of the fruits found in Triphala, is also great for strengthening the blood and increasing the red blood cell count, which is vital for proper circulation and useful in conditions such as anemia.
8. Improves the complexion.
The skin is a direct reflection of the health of the liver, blood, and digestion; all of which are strengthened with this powerful formula. Taken internally the body is detoxified and hormones will begin to balance; while used externally as a paste, this formula can also be applied to the face, helping to clear skin from the inside out!
9. Improves hair health.
Triphala is well known by Ayurvedic herbalists to increase the strength, growth, and overall health of the hair. This formula can be taken internally as a tea, as well as externally when infused in oil. For best results, I would recommend both regimens to be done simultaneously. If you do not have access to Triphala hair oil, try my Revitalizing Hair Oil infused with a strong dose of Amalaki and other hair strengthening herbs.
10. Strengthens the liver.
One of the most vital organs of the body, we indeed need a healthy liver to enjoy a healthy life. Triphala not only will detoxify the liver, but rejuvenate and rebuild the tissues as well. A healthy liver is needed for proper digestion, hormonal balance, sustainable energy, clear skin, and vital detoxification of the blood among other functions. No matter where you fall on the spectrum of health, we are all susceptible to daily toxins, chemicals, and pollution, and therefore need daily maintenance to keep our liver functioning at its best.
With all of these amazing health benefits and healing properties Triphala contains, you can see why this ancient formula has been used for thousands of years and still is one of the most popular prescribed formulas today. I personally recommend it to most of my clients, friends, and family on a regular basis. I too have been taking Triphala on a daily basis for over 5 years and counting. I have seen many health and digestion improvements and I know first-hand this is not a quick fad or generic hype.
How to take Triphala
Triphala is generally taken 30 minutes before bedtime and at least one hour after any food intake. Take a half-teaspoon of the mixture and add it to 1/2 cup of warm water. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, until it is cool enough drink. Do NOT strain, but do stir well to take in all the herbal goodness (including any “chunkies” at the bottom).
NOTE: If the taste is a bit too intense, one can mix the Triphala powder with 1 tsp of honey and wash it down with warm water. This is the best method for Kapha types but can be taken by anyone that needs to add a bit of sweetness to the herbs.
**If rejuvenation is your goal, one can take the Triphala blended with 1 tsp of honey and 1 tsp of ghee for optimal energizing, rejuvenating benefits.
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I didn’t want to place a comment but couldn’t receive the quarterly newsletter with a comment. I find that strange.
Sorry about that Ruth! I am not sure why that happened, as it hasn’t happened before (to my knowledge). If you add your email to the sidebar, instead of the bottom of the page it should bypass the need for a comment. Thanks for joining our newsletter! Namaste, Danielle
Hello Danielle, what an amazing website! Thank you for sharing all this knowledge and in such clear and organised manner (I love all the links and pdf availability). I’m only starting my Ayurveda journey and have identified a build-up of toxins and possible malabsorbtion (coated tongue with teeth indentations and nails showing mild vertical lines, which is a fairly recent change). I’m most likely a Pitta (or Pitta-Kapha) and have read your advice for the “coated tongue” reader of similar constitution – that’s how I landed on this article and wonder if you could tell me if taking Triphala in form of organic capsules supplement will have a similar effect or is that not recommended?
(I don’t generally suffer from digestive issues symptoms – or maybe I’m too used to them to notice but I was diagnosed with iron deficiency in the past despite iron rich diet I always had and taking supplements didn’t help me – so I assume malabsorption must be n issue). I feel the coat on the tongue is getting worse with time and I worry about long term implications.
Thanks again for the amazing work on the content of this website!
Hi Alicja,
Thank you for writing in with your question. I am happy you are enjoying the site!
I generally do not recommend to take any herbs in a capsule form, as the powdered form is much easier to digest and absorb by the system. It is also important to taste the herbs (or anything) that we take in, as this is the first step of digestion and will set the stage for the proceeding steps. For example, if we take in a bitter food/herb, there is a signal that is sparked and travels to the brain which then signals to the digestive tract in order to let it know to prepare for what is coming. The saliva in our mouth also contains digestive enzymes that begin the breakdown process as well.
With all this being said however, some individuals cannot take the Triphala in its powdered form because they have such as strong repulsion to its taste. Therefore, in these cases (if you cannot take it with honey or ghee to make it more pleasant), the pill form will likely be better than not taking the formula at all.
Please let me know if any more questions come up and I will be happy to help:)
Namaste,
Danielle