Triphala powder or Triphala churna is a popular ayurvedic remedy widely used for laxative properties, but it has numerous other health benefits like curing diabetes, improving eye health etc. Ayurveda uses plant-based remedies to cure various diseases – mentally and physically. It is an ancient Indian system of medicine is practised for at least 5000 years. Triphala is a very important remedy in Ayurveda as it helps balance the energies that govern the body. It is made of herbal fruits that have various healing effects. Let us understand more about Triphala churna benefits on health, skin and hair.
What is Triphala Powder?
Triphala, as the names suggest, is a combination of three dried and powdered herbal fruits – Amalaki, haritaki and bibhitaki.
These fruits are known for their numerous healing properties and their curative effects on the three different doshas or energies namely, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. In Ayurveda, the tongue is a vital source of information as taste plays a very important role in healing. And Triphala is one of the few ayurvedic remedies that contain all the five tastes – sweet, salty, sour, bitter and pungent.
This highly potent formula is found to work on all the parts of the body from the skin, bones, stomach and kidneys to the brain. Triphala is also known for its enlightening and purifying effects on the mind; it is called amrita or Abhaya as it enhances spiritual health and helps conquer the fear of death. It is also called as an anti-ageing drug in Ayurveda.
Ingredients of Triphala Powder:
The ayurvedic concept believes in the interaction of different herbs which helps increase the healing and therapeutic effects of the herbs. As discussed, Triphala powder is also the interaction or perfect combination of three herbal fruits – Amalaki, haritaki and bibhitaki; usually combined in equal proportions(1).
These fruits are also called as the fruits of immortality in Ayurveda when combined together, are found to bring out the best healing benefits out of each other. This powerful formula can benefit numerous imbalances of the doshas in the body. Let us look at its ingredients in detail:
1. Amalaki:
Amla or Indian gooseberry is an Indian fruit widely used in Ayurveda from thousands of years. It is found for lower cholesterol and benefits heart health. It is rich in vitamin C and amino acids that help strengthen the liver. This fruit is also found to have strong anti-cancer properties that help prevent various types of cancer. Amla has cooling effects and helps balance pitta dosha.
2. Haritaki:
Haritaki is also known as ‘kind of medicines’ in Ayurveda due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat various health conditions like liver disease, heart disease, stomach diseases, asthma etc. Haritaki is widely consumed to treat constipation and various digestive ailments. It is heating in nature and helps calm the Vata Dosha.
3. Bibhitaki:
Bibhitaki is another powerful ayurvedic remedy known for its detoxifying and blood purification properties and is used to treat many health conditions like diabetes, gout, excess mucous formation etc. It is also one of the best anti-bacterial and anti-viral remedies in Ayurveda. Bibhitaki is also a very powerful tonic for the brain. It is heating in nature and helps balance the Kapha Dosha.
Chemical Composition of Triphala Churna:
Let us look at the chemical composition of the three ingredients present in Triphala Churna that contribute to its various medicinal properties:
1. Amalaki:
Amla or Indian gooseberry is scientifically called Emblica Officinalis. It contains plant compounds like phyllembelic acid, phenols, tannins, curcuminoids and rutin.
2. Bibhitaki:
Bibhitaki is scientifically called Terminalia Billerica. It is rich in powerful plant compounds like gallic acid, ellagic acid, lignans, tannins and flavones(2).
3. Haritaki:
Haritaki or Harad is scientifically called Terminiliachebula. It is rich in phytochemicals like anthocyanins, polyphenols, terpenes and flavonoids.
Medicinal Properties of Triphala Churna:
Triphala is a highly potent formula that has various medical benefits. It is one of the top ayurvedic remedies for regulating the digestive system and strengthening the immune system. It helps in weight loss by eliminating fats stored in the tissues.
Triphala is a rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent cancer, cure allergies and treat various infections. It is also very good for the heart as it helps lower the cholesterol levels and blood pressure(3).
Triphala has beneficial effects on the eyes by improving vision, treat eye infections and other disorders. It promotes hair growth and scalp conditions like dandruff. It is also used as a mouth wash for curative effects on gums and teeth. Triphala is a very effective remedy for various skin diseases.
How To Make Triphala Churna at Home?
Triphala churna is widely available in the market under several ayurvedic brands. It is a very simple ayurvedic formula and can be made at home very easily. We just need three ingredients in dried form – amla, bibhitaki or haritaki. Though the three ingredients are taken in equal proportions in many cases, the ratio of 3:2:1 is most advised and considered best. Let us look at the steps involved in the preparation of Triphala powder at home:
Ingredients:
- 150 grams of dried amla/Indian gooseberry (Emblica Officinalis).
- 100 grams of dried baheda (Terminalia Bellirica).
- 50 grams of dried harad (Terminalia chebula).
Method:
- Remove the seeds of all the three ingredients.
- Grind all the ingredients together to form a smooth powder.
- Store this Triphala churna in an airtight glass container.
How To Consume Triphala Powder?
Triphala churna is available in liquid form, tablet form, capsule form and powder form in the market. It is suggested to take organic Triphala churna in powder form to gain maximum benefits. It is commonly mixed in warm water and consumed on an empty stomach. Triphala churna is also consumed in buttermilk, honey, ghee or milk, depending on the treatment methodology and illness.
How Much Triphala Powder To Take Daily?
The amount of Triphala to be consumed per day depends on the condition you are treating. If you want to consume Triphala to relieve simple ailments like constipation, gastric issues etc., 500 mg to 1 gm per day is the recommended dose. The dosage varies depending on the condition you want to treat, as per the directions of an ayurvedic practitioner.
When To Consume Triphala Powder?
- The time of the day of consuming this remedy depends on the condition we want to treat.
- If you want to use Triphala for laxative benefits or toxic cleansing, you must consume this churna at night before bed.
- Taking Triphala at night helps in regulating the stomach flora, treat mucous build-up, cleans the lungs and treats respiratory disorders.
- If you want to use Triphala to treat diabetes, regulate blood sugar levels and burn body fat, you must consume it early in the morning on empty stomach.
Triphala Churna Benefits:
Here we enlisted 20 wonderful Triphala powder benefits on health, skin and hair.
Health Benefits Of Triphala Churna:
Here are our 12 best health benefits of Triphala Powder. Let’s have a look into it.
1. Helps in Weight Loss:
Triphala is an excellent remedy for weight loss. It helps increase the metabolism which prevents excess fat storage. It is a very good cleanser as it flushes out the toxins that get accumulated in the stomach, intestines and colon. This helps in the elimination of bad fats and healthy absorption of food.
Triphala is also very effective in burning belly fat and toning the stomach muscles. It enables the secretion of the satiety hormone, cholecystokinin, which signals the brain to make you feel full quicker. This prevents overeating. To reduce weight or increase fat burning, one must take Triphala with warm water after every major meal.
2. Treats Constipation:
Triphala is very effective in regulating the bowel movement and relieving constipation. It helps flush out the toxins, poisonous and waste gases from the bowels, and aids in easy bowel evacuation. It is a very effective remedy in the elimination of undigested food that accumulates in the intestinal walls. This accumulation of undigested food creates deadly toxins that cause various diseases in the body. Regular consumption of Triphala with warm water at bedtime helps in detoxifying the body and improving bowel movement(4).
3. Treats Diabetes:
Triphala is very effective in managing blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. All the components that Triphala is constituted of are hypoglycemic, meaning they stimulate the cells to better absorb insulin. This helps lower the glucose in the blood and decrease the need for insulin medications. The properties of Triphala also discourage digestive enzymes, like glycolytic. This helps in decreasing blood glucose levels.
4. Triphala Churna Benefits for Eyes:
Triphala is one of the best remedies for eye health(5). It is a very effective ayurvedic remedy for improving vision. It also helps treat eye conditions like glaucoma, cataract, eye infections etc. Most ayurvedic eye treatments recommend Triphala eyewash to soothe the ocular nerves and maintain sharp vision.
Triphala powder is also very effective to cure for ‘computer screen syndrome’. To wash your eyes with Triphala, you must soak two teaspoons of this churna in warm water overnight, strain the water and wash your eyes with this water in the morning.
5. Helps in Digestion:
Triphala is one of the best ayurvedic remedies for digestive ailments. It helps improve the secretion of digestive juices and aids in better digestion. It also helps clean the stomach and intestines of toxins and other undigested food particles that hinder digestion. Triphala is also very effective in better absorption of nutrition by the intestines. It is very good in treating gastritis by relieving flatulence and bloating. It is also very effective in treating acidity.
6. Improves Bone Health:
Triphala is high in anti-inflammatory properties which help treat various inflammatory bone conditions like arthritis, gout, joint pains etc. Accumulation of uric acid is the main cause of conditions like gout and arthritis. Triphala helps in flushing out the excess uric acid from the bones and relieving inflammation. It also helps in nourishing the bones and supports the better formation of bone structure.
7. Treats Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):
Urinary tract infections can be very difficult to treat with modern medicine as the infections tend to become resistant to antibiotics. Most UTI patients rely on alternative treatments and conventional medicine. UTIs can be very dangerous as they can damage the kidneys and other organs in the body. Triphala is one of the top ayurvedic remedies to treat UTIs as it treats the root cause of the disease and help eliminate the infections permanently.
8. Triphala Churna with Honey Benefits:
Triphala and honey mixture is one of the top antioxidants in Ayurveda. Honey is one of nature’s best remedies in treating various infections and health conditions. Triphala and honey mixture helps eliminate free radicals and other toxins from the body. It helps improve digestion and enhance bowel function. It is also very effective in treating throat infections and sore throat.
9. Triphala Churna for Kids:
As Triphala is a herbal mixture, it can be safely administered to children under the guidance of an ayurvedic doctor. It is very effective in treating constipation, gastric troubles and other digestive ailments in children as well as adults. It also helps in treating ulcers and other stomach conditions caused due to excess stomach acids. It is also a very good cure for anaemia in kids. As Triphala burns excess fat in the cells, it is a very safe option for treating obesity in children.
10. Lowers Cholesterol:
Triphala is high in linoleic and oleic acids. These acids are very helpful in boosting heart health and preventing heart disease. Linoleic acid is an essential compound that helps increase the good cholesterol levels in the body and ward off bad cholesterol that has harmful effects on the heart. Triphala churna is also very effective in lowering blood pressure, which is very important for maintaining heart health.
11. Boosts Immunity:
Triphala is high in vitamin C and antioxidants that help remove the free radicals and toxins from the body. This cleansing greatly strengthens the immune system. Triphala also cleans the digestive organs and aid in better assimilation and absorption of nutrients from the food. This helps improve the blood circulation in the body and strengthen various organs. Thus, building better immunity in the body.
12. Triphala Powder Benefits for Teeth:
Triphala is high in anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-microbial properties which help in excellent oral care. It helps in eliminating plaque and other harmful microbes that affect the health of the gums and teeth(6). It very effectively treats gum diseases like gingivitis, mouth ulcers and other gum conditions. It is also a very effective medicine for treating and preventing tooth cavities.
Triphala Churna Benefits for Skin:
Here we enlisted top 4 Triphala Churna uses for skin. Let’s have a look into it.
1. Improves Facial Appearance:
Triphala is high in anti-oxidant compounds that are very effective in eliminating dirt, grease and other toxins from the skin. This helps in curing skin problems like skin pigmentation, dark patches, white patches, blackheads etc. These skin conditions make the face unhealthy, lifeless and dull. Triphala is very effective in treating dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. All this helps in giving a refreshed and improved look to the face and enhances beauty.
2. Skin Whitening:
Triphala is very effective in making the skin bright and glowing. Triphala and coconut oil face pack helps detoxify the skin cells and boost the anti-ageing components. This face mask is an excellent exfoliator that gives the skin a youthful look and glowing complexion.
3. Treats Acne:
Triphala is an excellent anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, it helps in effective cleansing of the skin and treating various conditions like eczema and acne. Triphala penetrates the pores of the skin and kills the bacteria that cause acne, dark patches, pimples and other bacterial skin conditions.
4. Rejuvenates Skin:
Triphala is an excellent moisturizer and rejuvenator. It aids in better blood circulation in the skin cells and better hydration. This makes the skin smooth, soft and shiny. It is very effective in treating dry skin conditions like cracks, flaky skin, fine lines, skin dryness, dull and damaged skin. It is a very effective emollient which soothes the skin and balances the natural oils on the skin. It helps make skin look young and radiant.
Triphala Churna Benefits for Hair:
Here we enlisted 4 best Triphala Churna uses for hair. Let’s have a look into it.
1. Aids Hair Growth:
Triphala contains amla or Indian gooseberry that is very beneficial for hair regrowth. It is rich in many minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin C which improves blood circulation on the scalp and nourishes the hair follicles. This helps boost hair growth.
2. Triphala Powder for Dandruff:
The high anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties of Triphala help improve scalp health effectively. It cures infections on the scalp that cause eczema, dandruff etc. It cleans the scalp of dirt and grease that cause flaky scalp, itchy scalp etc. All these properties make Triphala a very effective scalp remedy.
3. Prevents Hair Fall:
Triphala nourishes the scalp and hair with essential nutrients. This helps in strengthening the hair fibres and hair follicles. Thus, preventing hair fall or hair breakage effectively. It also reduces inflammation on the scalp that can cause hair loss.
4. Triphala Powder for Grey Hair:
Triphala is an excellent remedy for treating and preventing premature greying of hair. Triphala powder can be mixed with any nourishing hair oil like coconut oil or bhringraj oil and applied on the scalp regularly. Such scalp massages with Triphala powder help stimulate the pigmentation of the hair and prevent hair greying or white hair.
Triphala Churna Side Effects:
Ayurvedic remedies are natural and herbal ingredients that are safe. Any probable side effects are due to the wrong dosage or usage. There are, however, some precautions to be followed.
- As Triphala powder is a mild laxative, it may cause diarrhoea when taken in large doses.
- People with bleeding disorders who have a risk bleeding easily must avoid this churna, as amla may increase the bleeding.
- As Triphala is high in fibre, it may cause bloating and other stomach troubles if taken in large doses.
- Triphala may disturb the effectiveness of certain blood-thinning medications, so it is best to avoid this powder if you are using blood thinners.
- Pregnant women, lactating women and babies must avoid consuming this powder. Triphala may create a risk to pregnancy and health of the fetus.
Best Triphala Churna Brands in the Indian Market:
Let us look at some of the popular Triphala churna products available commercially in India:
1. Patanjali Ayurvedic Triphala Churna:
Patanjali is a popular brand in India for ayurvedic products founded by Baba Ramdev. The Patanjali Divya Triphala Churna is the best product and reasonably priced. Apart from various healing benefits, it especially claims to improve vision and eye diseases.
2. Dabur Triphala Churna:
Dabur is a very respectable brand in India and has been offering ayurvedic products from decades. Dabur Triphala Churna claims to specially treat indigestion and constipation, clean the colon and harmonize digestive functions.
3. Organic India Triphala Churna:
Organic India is a certified brand that sells organic products. It also offers a few ayurvedic remedies, one among them is Triphala churna. It comes in decent packaging and claims to use hygienic and organic ingredients.
4. Himalaya Triphala Churna Powder:
Himalaya is one of the top brands in India selling herbal and ayurvedic products. It has been contributing to the wellness market since 1930. This brand offers Triphala churna in tablets. It claims to relieve constipation and eye disorders.
5. Zandu Triphala Churna:
Zandu Pharmaceuticals is the oldest ayurvedic brand in India. It was established in 1864. It offers several ayurvedic products. Zandu Triphala churna claims to relieve dosha imbalance and eye diseases. It is also a mild laxative.
6. Baidyanath Triphala Churna:
Baidyanath is a brand in India established more than 100 years ago. This product claims to relieve constipation, indigestion and gastric troubles. It is high in vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin C.
7. Jiva Triphala Churna:
Jiva is another respectable brand in India that sells ayurvedic products. This product claims to balance all three doshas and helpful in fighting various seasonal illnesses. It helps normalize digestive functions, improve immunity and eliminate toxins from the body.
8. Sri Nature Ayur Triphala Churna:
Triphala powder from Sri Nature Ayur claims to relieve constipation and digestive disorders. It also helps regularize the bowel movement and metabolism in the body. It also helps in weight loss and body detoxification.
Triphala is a top ayurvedic remedy for total body health. Now that you have understood the immense positive effects of this wonder remedy, use it and share with us how it helped you in treating your health conditions. Comment below and share this article with your friends and family to help them take benefit of this miracle remedy. It is not only worth a try but deserves to be in your regular wellness medicine forever.