Triphala, a traditional herbal supplement used in Ayurvedic medicine, is made up of three different nutrient-rich fruits: amalaki, or Indian gooseberry, also called amla; haritaki, or harida; and bhibitaki, or bihara. So revered is triphala as a cure for ailments that a common Indian saying reflects its popularity: "Don't worry if you have no mother...as long as you have triphala." Before using triphala, consult with your doctor; herbs can have side effects and interfere with prescription medications. Do not take triphala if you are pregnant.
Intestinal Cleansing Effects
Triphala is a mild laxative, and helps to cleanse toxins from the body. According to the Ayurvedic Cure website, the bitter anthroquinones in triphala promote elimination and stimulate peristalsis.
Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Effects
One of the three fruits in triphala, amalaki, is rich in bioflavonoids, carotenoids, and especially Vitamin C; in fact, it contains 20 times more of this potent antioxidant than a fresh orange does. The high antioxidant content of triphala can help prevent the formation of free radicals, and may help prevent the signs of early aging, such as wrinkles. It is not just the amalaki in triphala that may have anti-aging properties; another ingredient--haritaki--also deserves some of the credit. According to the Ayurvedic Cure website, a Korean study shows that haritaki has more antioxidant qualities than either BHA or BHT, food preservatives that are also marketed as anti-aging treatments.
Ulcer Healing
Ayruvedic practitioners often prescribe triphala to heal ulcers. According to the Ayurvedic Cure website, a Japanese study of Emblic myrobalan--the botanical name for amalaki--suggested that the fruit could help heal ulcers and decrease ulcer symptoms.
Cholesterol-Lowering and Heart-Protective Effects
Ayurvedic practitioners believe that triphala helps reduce plaque formation in arteries, thus helping to reduce the risk of heart-related problems due to arteriosclerosis. The bhibitaki in triphala is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that helps curb formation of harmful LDL cholesterol. Triphala is also used to help lower blood pressure. According to the Herbal Cure India website, anti-spasmodic properties of triphala help relieve spasms that might restrict blood flow.
Immune System Enhancement and Infection Fighting Effects
According to the American Chronicle website, triphala is helpful in suppressing infections in the blood. In addition to the antioxidant qualities of the amalaki, which boost immune functioning, the haritaki has anthelmintic, or parasite-fighting, properties. According to the Herbal Cure India website, bhibitaki in triphala has anti-bacterial and mucolytic properties, helping to expel excess mucus that could lead to respiratory infection; it also assists in forming lymphocytes and T helper cells that fight infection.
Fat Burning Effects
Ayurvedic practitioners sometimes prescribe triphala for treatment of obesity. Triphala improves digestion and peristalsis and stimulates the secretion of bile juices required for fat metabolism. It also has diuretic effects, which prevent water retention that can cause weight gain.
Digestive Effects
According to the Herbal Cure India website, triphala treats acid reflux by promoting normal production of gastric acid. Its anti-spasmodic properties make it helpful in relieving indigestion and stomach cramps.
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