Triphala is an Ayurvedic concoction that has been used over many centuries as an herbal medicine to treat different health problems.
Lifestyle blogger, Pratibha Pal, explains that Ayurveda considers triphala as a superfood because of its ability to balance the three doshas. Triphala is a combination of three fruits or herbs - Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki; hence the name 'Triphala'. The three herbs are sun-dried and are ground to make a fine powder. This is one of the herbs that does not need to steep too much in water. It is mostly available in a powdered form.
Health Benefits Of Triphala
Here are some health benefits of this superfood.
A Natural Laxative
The most common use of Triphala is to relieve constipation and improve digestion. Its anti inflammatory properties work well to fasten bowel movement.
Take half a spoon of triphala powder with warm water at night before going to bed.
You can also mix triphala in water and can drink it in the morning on an empty stomach or add a dash of honey to this mixture if it tastes bitter.
Helps Fight Against Diabetes
Triphala is extensively used by the people who are diabetic. A 2008 study had found that triphala could be used to reduce the blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
Tripahala contains ingredients like menthol and sorbitol which are believed to have a hypoglycemic effect.
The significant glucose lowering effect could have been due to these key ingredients.
Maintains Oral Hygeine
Triphala has properties that can improve your oral and dental hygiene as well. A 2017 study found that mouth rinse extracted from triphala was effective in reducing plaque accumulation and gingivitis (gum inflammation) in the mouth.
The researchers also found that along with these benefits, using triphala as a mouthwash had no side effects.
Helps in Weight Loss
Triphala is said to be one of the best natural remedies to help with weight loss. It helps in strengthening the colon tissue and getting rid of fat around the belly, in addition to getting rid of the toxins of the body, managing weight issues and boosting your metabolism.
How To Consume Triphala?
Triphala can be taken in many forms. The simplest and oldest of them all is taking the powder with warm water or honey. It is recommended to consume it before meals as it can increase absorption.
You need to mix one teaspoon of triphala churnam in a glass of warm water and let it steep for about 10 minutes. You can consume this water at any time of the day.Pratibha Pal
It is recommended to take not more than 500 mg of triphala per day as large quantities can lead to side effects.
You can also take triphala in the form of tablets or capsules.
Another way of taking triphala is mixing it with clarified butter or ghee and adding it to warm water.
Triphala can also be mixed with honey to form a paste and consumed before meals.
Triphala has many benefits, but it if it is consumed in large quantities, it can lead to many side effects as well.
If you take triphala in high doses, it can lead to diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. It is not recommended for pregnant or lactating mothers. Triphala is also not recommended for children. Some people might get rashes or bruises after consuming triphala.
It is highly recommended that you consult a doctor before using triphala in any form.
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