Of the innumerable herbs and herbal amalgamation used in the ayurvedic system of medication, triphala holds as exalted status as no other drug does. Intensely entrenched in the Indian culture, it was trusted as a multi-purpose drug by the primeval people and is relied upon by millions even nowadays. Known as “phalatrik” and “vara” in Sanskrit, triphala is an amalgamation of the pulp of three renowned fruits or herbs — amalaki (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (terminalia chebula) and bhibhitaki (terminalia bellirica).



If we analyze each component separately, Amalaki is celebrated as the richest natural source of Vitamin C or ascorbic acid. In addition to this, it has tannic acid, resinous matter, glucose, protein, cellulose and calcium. Amalaki has sheet or cooling, kashaya or astringent, pachak or digestive, anulomak or carminative, mutral or diuretic, jwar hara or anti-pyretic, vrishya or aphrodisiac and rasayana or anti-oxidant properties. It is measured as a useful agent tackling a vast collection of diseases like acid dyspeptic disease, urinary anomalies, skin problems, chest disorders, jaundice, hemorrhages, and emaciation, hair and eye troubles. It is also regarded as a tonic.

Haritaki, the other ingredient of triphala, is ruksh or dry, laghu or light and ushana or hot in result and has anulomak or carminative, pachal or digestive, shoth hara or anti-inflammatory, anti wormal or anthelmentic, hridya or cardiotonic, vrishya or aphrodisiac and restorative properties. It is said to be gifted with the same healing effects as those of amalaki, but in addition beneficial in flatulence, constipation, arsh or piles, kaas or cough and colds. Haritaki is also an herb of choice in sinus allergies, lung diseases, liver and splenomegaly and sthoolta or obesity.

The last among this triad is Bhibitaki. Somewhat ushana or hot in consequence and katu or pungent, ruksh or dry and tickta or bitter in taste, it has kashaya or astringent, pachak or digestive, expectorant, antiemetic and rejuvenating actions. Modern investigation has proved it to be an anti-histaminic, bronco-dilator, anti-stress, anti-viral and endurance promoting herb. Bhibitaki is very useful in diseases of the respiratory tract like kaas oe cough, bronchitis and shwas or asthma and is also given to treat insomnia and general weakness.

In a whole, triphala is an exclusive blend having dual properties of a medicine and a rejuvenating agent. Its suggested use helps improve all vitiated doshas or humors— the vata, the pitta and the kapha and detoxify the body of a variety of unwanted buildups. In addition nourishing the tissues by improving assimilation, digestion and incorporation of the food, it exacts the body, metabolism; reinforce all physiological systems and acts as an outstanding anti-oxidant.

Though usually triphala is used to treat circumstances concerning indigestion, bowel toxicity and constipation, its numerous other beneficial uses make it a distinct medicine in the ayurvedic pharmacopeias. It is an herb of choice to treat anemia, eye related troubles, early graying of hair, disorders of the urinary tract, constant skin and lung diseases, metabolic disorders like fatness and raised uric acid and cholesterol. The standard daily dose of triphala powder varies from 3 to 5 grams, but can be individualized as per the need and appropriateness of the patient.