What is Triphala Good For?

 

 

You may be wondering, what is Triphala Good For? Triphala has many uses as a nutritional supplement. If I were to give a quick summary, Triphala is a powerful herbal remedy used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is used in disease prevention, as an immune system builder and to treat numerous ailments and conditions.

Triphala is a holistic health remedy(little-known outside of India).  It has been as a staple in Indian Ayurvedic Medicine for over millennia.  It is becoming increasingly popular within the global community.

Triphala is Actually Made from 3 Indian Fruits

Triphala literally means three fruits. It is made up of 3 popular Indian Fruits: Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki. These fruits have exhibited powerful health-benefiting effects on their own, but something wonderful happens when you combine them in a Triphala formulation. Together, they enhance the healing effect of exponentially.

There is an old saying in India “if a vaidya (practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine) knows how to use Triphala properly, he can heal any disease”. That is a powerful statement. There must be a reason they hold Triphala to such high regard in India.

AMLA      The superstar in Triphala is Amla.  Amla trees grow wild in India and are cultivated with care.  Amla has vitamin C of 20 oranges. It has a plethora of benefits. It contains an overabundance of antioxidants. Way more than any other fruit... not even close. It is used both internally and externally.   Diabetics are reporting lower A1Cs when using Amla. I can offer my own testimonial in regard to lower blood sugar readings. Check out my post on amla which goes into great detail about its health-giving benefits.  Follow this link.

 

 

 

HARITAKI, is also known as Chebulic Myrobalan. This fruit is found on trees inside Indian Forests and also cultivated for its wonderful fruit. In Sanskrit, Haritaki means that which effectively removes the diseases… I’m not making this up!

This incredible fruit is known to promote fearlessness. Some say it is a brain feeder. Leading to a heightened sense of awareness. It is associated with wisdom, and it is also great for your nervous system.

One of the main uses of Haritaki is to promote regularity in your number 2. If you are seeking a gentle laxative and healthy digestive support, you will find this in Haritaki… and even more so when part of a  Triphala mixture.  It has an awesome cleansing effect in your intestinal system and your urinary tract.

 

 

 

BIBHITAKI   Another name for Bibhitaki is Belleric Myrobalan. In Sanskrit, Bibhitaki translates to “the fruit takes away the fear of the disease… sounds like there is need for this right now, across the globe.

This fruit tree is common in India and Southeast Asia. It can grow up to 60 feet tall. The fruit is used commercially for tanning leather and for medicinal purposes. It is best to use mature dried fruit for the best results.

Bibhitaki has been known to help manage glucose levels. This is good news for diabetics. Fat cells need to mature so insulin can store more glucose in them. The more glucose your body can store, the lower your glucose reading.

As your fat cells mature, they produce adiponectin. This is a protein that has developed a reputation as a friend of insulin. This protein helps your body respond to insulin better. Bibhitaki is able to help your fat cells mature and helps protect your liver.

Bibhitaki also acts as a gentle laxative. It is also beneficial for your upper respiratory tract. (good news for COVID patients) Anything beneficial to your lungs is paramount for your health. Breathing is everything. This amazing fruit is also excellent for your overall eye health.

 

 

 

What are the Benefits of Triphala?

IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT     Triphala contains a healthy dose of antioxidant properties that help protect your body from free radical damage. It also helps with oxidative stress, and it has a high level of vitamin C.

 

DIGESTIVE HEALTH      One of the most popular uses of Triphala is for ailments of the stomach. It behaves like a gentle laxative easing out waste slowly and smoothly. Not like some colon cleaning supplements which explode waste out of your body in a sense of urgency. If you are out and about, you may find yourself in a pickle.

It helps with the symptoms of constipation, lessening abdominal pain, and increases the frequency of bowel movements. Not a pleasant topic, for sure, but being stuffed up is not fun.

Triphala also promotes an environment for healthy bacteria (probiotics) and aids in their growth. It helps clean out your intestines and is a good natural remedy for irritable bowel syndrome.

While we are discussing this area of your body, Triphala helps decrease the severity of ulcers. Testing on animals has demonstrated this to be true. It also helps restore healthy enzyme activity in your stomach.

 

HEALTHY SKIN      For healthy skin, use Triphala topically. Amla itself is used as a topical often in India (and also as a hair remedy). It has many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and it may heal certain skin disorders.

One study has demonstrated Triphala helping to protect skin cells. It may also help build skin protein and help retain moisture in your skin. You may also notice an increase in collagen production. Reductions of bacteria on your skin and faster healing wounds are possible.

 

 

 

ARTHRITIS AND GOUT    Triphala has many antioxidant properties, and since arthritis is a disease of inflammation, it can certainly be of service for this painful condition. It may also halt the breakdown of your bone and cartilage.

It may reduce symptoms of gout and help lower your uric acid levels.

 

TYPE 2 DIABETES     Some studies have suggested that Triphala may help lower blood sugars. A study was done with non-insulin-dependent patients of diabetes.  Each patient received 5 grams of Triphala a day, for 45 days. They showed significantly lower numbers with their glucose readings.

Mastering Diabetes dot org suggests followers supplement their diet with amla as part of their program for reducing diabetes. Amla is the main component of Triphala formulations. They have a large community of people successfully lowering A1C levels by following their guidelines. I have also used these same techniques to improve my health (drastically). I am not, in any way, involved financially with them, but I highly recommend them, so if you have diabetes (any type), please check them out. Their methods are quite revolutionary and it involves a lot more than just supplementing with amla or Triphala for that matter, but amla and/or Triphala is an excellent weapon against high blood sugar levels.

 

PROTECT AGAINST CERTAIN CANCERS   Triphala has been shown to be effective in the war against cancer. It may help inhibit the growth of lymphoma as well as stomach and pancreatic cancer. It may also induce pancreatic cancer cell death. The high levels of gallic acid and polyphenols in Triphala may be the reason for its excellent cancer-fighting abilities.

 

MAY PROTECT AGAINST DENTAL DISEASE    Triphala may benefit dental care in a couple of ways. It may help prevent the formation of plaque on your teeth. Gum inflammation may be reduced, as well as bacterial growth inside your mouth.

 

MAY SUPPORT WEIGHT LOSS     You may experience a surge in your energy level and a reduction in your body fat… if you have some… most people over 30 starts to accumulate fat in these days of sedentary lifestyles. Over time, using Triphala, you may see a reduction in your weight…. other factors considered, of course.

 

What is Ayurvedic Medicine?

Ayurvedic Medicine is one of the world’s oldest medical systems, and it is the oldest continuing health system on the planet. Its origins, in India, go back 3000 years, or maybe as far back as 10,000 years in the South of India with the Tamil Siddhas.

This ancient medicinal system can help restore yourself back to balance, and vibrant health, and well-being. It is good for all sorts of things like skincare, hair health, immune system support, cardiovascular health, and digestive support  An Ayurvedic doctor can help you pinpoint your imbalances and help you understand your health.

Ayurvedic practitioners customize each herbal formulation to meet the needs of the individual. Herbs are rarely used in isolation in Ayurvedic medicine. They also recommend adding herbs to every meal.

A major tenant of Ayuvedic theory is that disease is most likely to take your body hostage when your digestion is compromised. Triphala is most often used as a remedy for gastrointestinal disorders. It has been shown to help with bloating, chronic constipation, and sluggish digestion.

 

A Triphala formulation challenges modern scientific investigative methods. This is because the unique compounds found in this fruit trifecta take on different attributes when combined together. Ayurvedic practitioners have known this for a thousand years. You can not just go by the research done on each individual fruit. You can’t discount the oldest medicinal methods known to mankind.

The downside… no license is required to practitioners… there is no significant regulation for an Ayurvedic practice. Do your due diligence before taking any dietary supplement. Investigate. Research. Are there any known side-effects? How much of a dose can you take? Are you on any medications and possible interactions with any supplements?

This is pretty much the same as any holistic practice. Natural supplements are not likely to hurt you if they have been benefiting others for years. Ayurvedic medicine has thousands of years of finding out what works. Modern medicine always tries to control the narrative and try to steer the public away from natural remedies. They are also so in love with Big Pharma.

 

What lifestyle changes work in synergy with Triphala?

To make the most of the detoxification process and receive the biggest benefit from Triphala, it would be most effective if you change other aspects of your lifestyle. You can eat tons of healthy fruits and vegetables, but if you continue to load up on bad food choices, alongside of healthier ones, you are still going to run head-on into some health issues.

First and foremost, you should avoid building up toxins in your body in the first place. I certainly ate my share of unhealthy food when I was young. Trust me, it all caught up to me. And later on,  I was eating a lot of produce alongside eating lots of fatty meats and eggs.

Avoid preservatives… at all costs. Stop and take some time to read your labels if you truly want a healthier body. (Don’t you really want to know what’s inside your food?)  Processed foods are overloaded with table salt and all sorts of unpronounceable names. it amazes me how much trust as a society that we place in the hands of food manufacturers. They are chasing dollars like everyone else and don’t care about your health. They really don’t. I refuse to buy anything unnatural. I threw out all of my chemicals a while ago.

It is recommended to eat organic as much as possible. This is one area I have to delve into more. Yes, there are some insecticides and herbicides on a lot of foods. Organic is pricey and not as available, and my diet consists of a lot of produce.

Avoid frozen and canned foods, if possible. I’d rather have fresh, but I will check the ingredients if I buy a can. Tomato sauce is about all I ever buy in a jar or a can. Frozen, outside of peas and corn, are not even considered in my shopping cart.

Avoid exposure to environmental toxins as much as you can.   Work puts some of us in compromising situations. I live in a city with poor air quality. I would love to eventually move to somewhere more remote. Do your due diligence and research microwaves. Water your houseplants with microwaved water and see what happens.

Ayurvedic medicine recommends going to bed by 10 pm for digestive purchases, and try eating your heaviest meal at noon. Personally, I’m a night owl, and I like it like that. I try to eat heavier meals earlier if I can. Slow down while eating and chew more.  Don’t watch television while eating. (again, I fail here too). I like some of my “bad” habits.

 

What to look for when buying Triphala?

The quality of the fruit would be your first consideration. Find out how where the fruit comes from and how they select their fruits. Are they ripe? Fruit is most effective in its ripe state.. How is the fruit picked? How is it sorted? Do they only choose healthy-looking specimens? Do they use the Vijaya variety of Haritaki? It is the only variety used in the ancient formulas.

Are there any contaminants in the soil or water? Pesticides… herbicides… heavy metals… any environmental toxins?

What kind of testing do they use? What sanitation methods do they employ?

How do they prepare the fruit for processing? What kind of grinders do they use? Are they too powerful and heat up the fruit too much (this can reduce the potency). Are they meticulous in removing foreign materials?

Are their products ISO certified? This is an international organization that sets standards for product quality. Keep in mind, if you want a high-quality Triphala, it will probably cost more.

How to use Triphala

Triphala comes in capsules, powdered form, or liquid. It is best used on an empty stomach or between meals for maximum absorption. It has a bitter taste, so be creative and mix it some raw honey, or blend it in a ninja with some fruit or dates. Just a little so it still absorbs in your belly well.

 

Potential Side Effects

You may experience diarrhea and some abdominal discomfort if you overdo it. It has not done that to me. My “movements” have come out smoothly and with regularity. Pregnant women should not tamper with it. As usual, if pregnant, consult with your physician. Do not use if you are taking blood thinners. It may interact with your medicine.

Conclusion

Triphala has been around for a very long time in India. They have such a long and rich history of herbal medicinal medicines. Yoga goes back thousands of years, and it is way more than just an exercise routine. There is a science behind yoga that is mind-boggling. I have experienced some unexpected pleasures from yoga. This is the very reason I am now looking more into Ayurvedic medicine. India is a land of amazing wisdom.

I have experienced some immediate results from Triphala. I have been using it for a month now as I write this. I have been using amla, by itself, for over a year. Amla has helped me lower my blood sugar, and Triphala adds additional support. Immediately my bowels have never been smoother. Yea, kind of something no one likes to talk about.

AS far as my immune system, I have a partnership with numerous nutritional sources to help boost my immune system. People with weak immune systems do have to be concerned with COVID, but if you arm your body with the best defense system, you will more than likely come out on top. While on the topic of immune systems, check out my post on algae. I am experiencing stupendous results with Klamath blue-green algae. Take care of your health.

 

Thanks for reading

Many Blessings,

Brian

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I am not making any claims that Triphala will cure any disease or ailment. It is not medicine. It is food. Fruit from trees. Triphala is like many of Earth’s fruits, which are known to be beneficial for the health and well-being of the animal kingdom.