Triphala Health Benefits
In terms of herbal remedies, triphala is an incredibly complex treatment approach that addresses dozens of different health concerns, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, antioxidant, soothing and antiseptic qualities.
What Is Triphala?
Triphala is a Sanskrit word that means “three fruits”, which is appropriate, given that this herbal powder blend consists of three different dried fruits – Indian gooseberry, Bibhitaki and Haritaki. Scientifically known as Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia chebula, respectively, these three fruits have long played an important part in Ayurvedic medicine.
While this isn’t the most widely available herbal blend, it’s use is very popular in Indiaand other parts of Asia, and its efficacy has resulted in its wide spread to the rest of the world, particularly for herbalists and other practitioners of natural medicine. With a broad range of antioxidants and organic compounds, including gallic acid, chebulagic acid and chebulinic acid, this herbal mixture provides a wide range of positive health effects for those who regularly use it.
Health Benefits Of Triphala
Some of the most notable benefits of triphala include improving digestion, reducing signs of aging, detoxifying the body, aiding weight loss, strengthening the immune system, managing diabetic symptoms, preventing various cancers and optimizing nutrient uptake efficiency.
Vision Health
The antioxidants found in triphala can also affect the rate of macular degeneration and the development of cataracts. In some preparations where triphala is in liquid form, it is even mixed with other compounds to form an eye wash, intended to reduce blurriness of vision and soothe chronically red eyes.
Cancer
The presence of so many antioxidants within triphala has sparked quite a bit of research into the herbal blend’s impact on cancer. The antioxidants have been shown to lower oxidative stress, reduce tumor growth and formation, and stimulate the immune system to eliminate excess free radicals that cause cell mutation. Research has thus far found promising results in both prostate and colon cancer.
Immune System
Amla, one of the key ingredients in triphala, is rich in vitamin C, which can stimulate the immune system and increase the production of white blood cells. These represent the first line of defense for the body, while also functioning as an antioxidant to reduce free radical activity within the body.
Detoxify the Body
One of the most well known characteristics of triphala is its impact on toxicity levels within the body. Research has found that the active ingredients in this blend are able to stimulate the liver and kidneys, helping to clear the body of accumulations of toxins and prevent excess inflammation in various parts of the body.
Weight Loss
This herbal blend is known for improving fat storage in the body by preventing certain foods from being stored as fats, and instead being converted into usable energy. This can improve the speed of the metabolism and boost passive fat-burning, even when you’re not exerting yourself.
Diabetes
Indian gooseberry has long been known to regulate the levels of insulin and glucose in the body, which is good news for diabetics. Even as just one of three components in triphala, amla is able to improve the body’s insulin sensitivityand prevent the dangerous spikes and drops in blood sugar that plague diabetic patients. However, excess consumption of this herbal mixture may actually increase blood sugar levels.
Cholesterol
There are notable levels of oleic and linoleic acid in bibhitaki and haritaki, which are known as “good” forms of fat. These fatty acids are able to re-balance your cholesterol levels and prevent excess deposition of plaque in the arteries, thus preventing the onset of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, strokes and coronary heart disease.
Skin Health
Studies have found a significant level of antioxidants in the triphala blend including a number of different phenolic compounds that can neutralize the activity of free radicals and improve the health and appearance of the skin. Antioxidants can stop oxidative stress that leads to wrinkles, age spots and other blemishes, while also minimizing the appearance of scars.
Growth and Repair
The active ingredients in amla and haritaki have both been linked to improved healing and repair of damaged tissues and cells in the body. This is likely due to the role of vitamin C in collagen production, which is required for all cells, tissues, muscle fibers and blood vessels.
Digestion
Primarily used as a digestive stimulant, triphala can reduce the occurrence of excess gas, while also reducing symptoms of constipation by stimulating normal bowel function. The spice is also used to repair a damaged or compromised gastrointestinal tract after infection or extended illness. This herbal preparation can clean out the digestive tract and colon, which allows for a normal bacterial balance in the gut.
Nutrient Intake
Aside from optimizing digestion and eliminating constipation symptoms, triphala can also improve the efficiency of nutrient uptake, which will increase feelings of satiety and prevent overeating. This can further help with weight loss efforts.
