Triphala churna is an herbal mixture used in the practice of Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda, an Indian healing science designed to prevent and treat illness, dates back at least 5,000 years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Though Avurveda has become popular in the Western world, it is considered complementary or alternative medicine. Check with your doctor before taking triphala churna.
Form
In Sanskrit, churna means powder, according to Aarogya.com. Triphala churna is the powdered form of triphala. Manufacturers typically recommend mixing triphala churna into warm or cool water before consumption. In addition to loose powder, triphala comes as powder-filled capsules and solid tablets.
Ingredients
Triphala contains an equal mix of three fruits from medicinal plants: terminalia belerica, terminalia chebula and emblica officinalis. The common names are amla, myrobalan and belleric myrobalan, respectively. The fruits are dried and powdered for use in triphala churna, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Uses
In Ayurvedic medicine, triphala is used to treat asthma, infections, jaundice, anemia, obesity, chronic ulcers and constipation. Triphala could eventually prove useful in treating high cholesterol, cancer and immune system disorders, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Research
The Department of Physiology at the University of Madras found that triphala lowered high cholesterol in rats. In a study by the School of Bioengineering and Biosciences of Vellore Institute of Technology, oral doses of triphala produced anti-inflammatory effects in arthritic mice. As a potential anticancer drug, triphala reduced tumor growth in mice without damaging normal cells during a study by the Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division of Mubai's Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. Though the research appears promising, triphala has not been tested in human clinical trials as of 2010.
Side Effects
Triphala churna can cause gastrointestinal problems such as gas, upset stomach and diarrhea, reports Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. As of 2010, according to Drugs.com, the efficacy and safety of triphala churna ingredient amla for pregnant and nursing women remains unknown.
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