Triphala is a thousands-year-old traditional Indian Ayurvedic herbal formula used:
• As a tonic for the intestines to promote digestive power, detoxify and treat habitual constipation.
• As a rasayana – a tonic to the whole system – for rejuvenation, recuperation and vitality.
Triphala consists of the dried fruits of three plants, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Emblica officinalis, also known as the “three myrobalans”. The formula was first described in the classic Ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samihita, written c. 1,500 B.C.
Triphala is an important rasayana in Ayurveda. Rasayanas are that class of herbs that promote health and long life, strengthen tissues and immunity, promote intellect, and prevent disease.
The three fruits have been scientifically studied and confirm some of its known traditional benefits. These include the lowering of cholesterol, reducing high blood pressure, benefiting circulation, improving digestion and regulating elimination without causing any laxative dependency.
Triphala can be prescribed singly or adjunctively whenever there are symptoms of inflammation, heat, infection, obesity and other conditions of excess. Because of its combined tonic and eliminative properties, it is generally quite safe to give even for deficiency diseases including anemia, fatigue, candida, poor digestion and assimilation. Unlike other eliminative and cleansing herbs, Triphala is safely taken for symptoms of wasting heat that frequently accompanies diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia and AIDS. (Tierra)
Most practitioners will agree that in small doses Triphala is a rejuvenating alterative safe for long-term use.
Triphala was found to reduce inflammation caused by toxins and by arthritis. In large doses Triphala was found to be hypoglycaemic (lowers blood sugar).
Scientific studies on Triphala: In-vitro research demonstrated significant inhibition of breast cancer cells (MCF-7), with no apparent toxic effect on normal breast cells. The same authors also demonstrated a significant reduction of tumour growth when cancer cells were transplanted into lab animals. Other studies found inhibition of pancreatic cancer cells in-vitro, while significant suppression of transplanted pancreatic tumours was also demonstrated in vivo. As well, two studies pointed to significant anti-mutagenic (cancer preventive) properties. , Triphala caused significant glucose lowering in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Fifty-eight percent of mice given Triphala before exposure to otherwise lethal doses of radiation survived. Another study found potent antioxidant properties.
Administration: (adults) take 4-6 ml (120-180 drops) once each evening until bowel regularity is achieved and thereafter gradually taper the dose.
Contra-indications and Cautions: Do not take Triphala if you have diarrhoea or are pregnant. If you experience abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting while taking Triphala, consult your health care practitioner. If you experience diarrhoea or loose stools, reduce dosage or discontinue use.
Ingredients:
Terminalia chebula
Terminalia bellirica
Emblica officinalis
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