Triphala: 8 Health Benefits; Nutritional Facts, and Recipes
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Triphala, which directly translates to ‘three kinds of fruits’ in Sanskrit, is a herbal medicine that has continued to be an important part of the Ayurvedic tradition of healing in India. Triphala is made by combining three Indian superfruits – Amalaki, Bibhitaka and Haritaki. These three traditional fruits have powerful medicinal value owing to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidising properties.
Since ages, Ayurveda has made use of the healing abilities of various plants. When these plants and herbs are combined, they become potent concoctions that can help you heal from a variety of diseases and conditions. Triphala is, therefore, an important and powerful Ayurvedic medicine and has become increasingly popular over the last few years. It is suitable for consumption by adults, children, and the elderly. This ayurvedic medicine is known for aiding digestion, supporting bowel functions, and since it is an excellent antioxidant, it strengthens the overall immune system and helps in getting rid of toxic waste from the body.
Table of Contents
- Nutritional Value of Triphala
- 8 Health Benefits of Triphala
- Best ways to Incorporate Triphala
- Summary
Nutritional Value of Triphala
Half a teaspoon of Triphala has about 10 calories. It consists entirely of carbohydrates and doesn’t contain any fats or proteins.
The Ayurvedic tradition is not in complete disagreement with science when it comes to the nutritional and health benefits of Triphala. As it turns out, Triphala is a powerful medicine that can cure various health conditions and heal your body. Triphala is a potent medicine mainly because of the properties that its three primary ingredients contain:
Amalaki
Also known as Phyllanthus Emblica or the Indian gooseberry, Amalaki is a rich source of Vitamin C. One single Amalaki fruit contains approximately 3000 mg of Vitamin C. It is also abundant in minerals, and plant compounds such as phyllembelic acid, tannins, rutin, phenols, and curcuminoids. Amalaki is added to Triphala for its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, strengthen the body’s immune system and detoxify the mouth, as well as the liver.
Bibhitaka
The second fruit used in making Triphala is Bibhitaka, or Terminalia bellirica, and is known for the healing effects it has on the body’s lungs. Bibhitaka has astringent properties and helps body remove Kapha dosha by helping expel water from the lungs, the urinary tract and the digestive tract.
Bibhitaki is also good at fighting off bacterial and viral infections, and the presence of tannins, flavones and other compounds adds to the medicinal benefits it brings to your body. Two phytochemicals in particular – ellagic acid and gallic acid – regulate your body weight and your blood sugar levels.
Haritaki
The third fruit, Haritaki, has the scientific name Terminalia chebula. This fruit is also known as ‘black myrobalan.’ Haritaki addresses the airy Vata dosha in the body. It strengthens your immune system, is known for its laxative properties, and helps regenerate body tissues. Haritaki has also been linked to aiding heart disease, ulcers, asthma and more. The presence of phytochemicals like polyphenols and terpenes, among others, makes this fruit a powerhouse capable of delivering various health benefits.
8 Health Benefits of Triphala
The health benefits of Triphala extend beyond the Ayurvedic community. Some choose to consume it with food, but Triphala is known to be best taken on an empty stomach in the morning or right before going to bed at night.
1. Helps in controlling diabetes
Triphala is known for helping patients with Type 2 Diabetes. A recent article published in the International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine revealed that Triphala helps in regularising blood sugar and cholesterol levels in your body. The phytochemicals in bibhitaka promote insulin secretion from the pancreas thereby lowering sugar levels and improving insulin resistance.
2. Good antioxidant
Triphala is a rich source of polyphenols that can fight against free radicals. Free radicals are molecules within your body that can cause cell damage and lead to harmful illnesses if left unchecked. Rich antioxidants in Triphala reduce any oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Triphala is high in Vitamin C and antiinflammatory properties, so it can stimulate the production of WBC and enhance its function, it also helps in producing antibodies to fight against infection, pathogens and viruses. If you suffer from allergies, then Triphala could be the perfect antidote. It has strong anti-inflammatory powers that bring relief from any pain or discomfort.
3. Helps improve digestive health
Triphala is a good natural laxative and can help you loosen your stools and improve bowel movements. It is also a good contender for dealing with IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Triphala also strengthens the digestive tract by increasing the number of good bacteria in your intestinal tract.
4. Good immunomodulator
A study published in The Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences found that Triphala helps boost your immune system.as well as acts as an immunosuppressant. Regular consumption of triphala can help fight infections and help in controlling allergies due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Boosts dental health
Triphala has strong restorative effects on the gums and teeth. An article published in The Indian Journal of Dental Research found that a mouthwash made using Triphala and water was as effective as any medically prescribed mouthwash (which has chlorhexidine as a major ingredient). Triphala helps eliminate oral germs from your mouth, helping you maintain your dental health well.
6. Helps improve hair and skin quality
Triphala is known to be very popular in improving hair quality in both males and females. Both consuming Triphala and applying a Triphala paste in your hair is beneficial. Since Triphala boosts digestive health, it inadvertently makes your hair strong and luscious.
Triphala also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Applying a paste in your hair can help you get a squeaky clean scalp. Triphala is also used to deal with skin conditions such as severe acne and eczema.
7. Aids in weight loss
Consumption of Triphala powder can help you lose excess weight, especially in your abdomen and thighs. This helps maintain a healthy weight and keep high-risk diseases such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, diabetes and bad cholesterol at bay.
8. Enhances vision
If you are looking to maintain good eye health and vision, Triphala is a strong contender. It has ocular enhancing properties, which helps you enhance vision and also protects you from severe eye ailments such as cataract or glaucoma. This can be achieved by regular consumption of Triphala in any form. Doctors also prescribe Triphala water to cleanse eyes. However, you shouldn’t do so unless recommended by a Doctor.
Best Ways to Incorporate Triphala
Triphala is mostly available in three forms. You can either get it as a tablet, a capsule, or in powder form. The best time to consume Triphala is typically between half an hour to two hours before your meals. If you are using Triphala as a curative for constipation, then the best time to consume it is before going to sleep.The dosage of triphala pills or capsules is suggested on the bottle or by a medical practitioner. Liquid extract form can be used for external application on hair or skin. Powdered form of triphala can be mixed with water and consumed.
Triphala powder is commonly mixed with honey or a few drops of lemon juice since it can be pretty bitter if consumed independently. Traditionally, the best way to take Triphala powder is as Triphala water or Triphala tea. Read through the below recipes and choose the way you’d like to consume Triphala powder.
Triphala Left Overnight
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: None.
Ingredients:
- ½ tsp. Triphala powder
- 250ml water
Method:
- Take Triphala powder and add it to a glass of water.
- Mix well.
- Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature overnight.
- Consume the next morning on an empty stomach.
This method also helps you in losing weight and maintaining good skin health.
Triphala Tea
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/4th tsp Triphala powder
- 250 ml water
- 1 inch Cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp. Honey or maple syrup(optional)
Method:
- Add between Triphala powder to water in a pan.
- Bring to a simmer and let it boil.
- Add cinnamon sticks and honey or maple syrup if you want, let it simmer.
- Remove the tea from the boil and pour yourself a cup.
Summary
Triphala is a great Ayurvedic restorative that has various curative and healing properties. A part of Indian tradition for centuries, recent scientific evidence has corroborated much of what Ayurvedic healers have long propagated about the health benefits of Triphala. If you are looking for a powerful health supplement that can boost your body and make you feel lively and energetic, then Triphala is the perfect solution for your holistic healing.
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