According to herbalist Michael Tierra, triphala is an ayurvedic tonic and detoxifier made up of three fruits in equal proportions, including Emblica officinalis, or amla; Terminalia bellirica, or bibhitaki, and Terminalia chebula, or haritaki. All three fruits are potent ayurvedic remedies in their own right. Consult a qualified health care practitioner before incorporating triphala into your daily regimen.
Uses of Triphala
Triphala is commonly used as a remedy for digestive disorders, eye problems, liver disease and heart problems in Ayurveda, a millennia-old system of health and medicine that originated in India. It is also used as a general tonic to rejuvenate the system and boost immunity. An article in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" states that triphala has shown promise as a potential cancer preventative, although studies remain preliminary. Ask your physician whether triphala is appropriate for you.
Amla
A 2010 article in the "Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology" states that the sour, bitter fruit of Phyllanthus emblica, a small tree that grows in tropical regions of southeastern Asia, may help ameliorate diabetes, lower cholesterol, fight bacteria, heal wounds and protect the liver. Also known as amla or Indian gooseberry, Phyllanthus emblica is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy for jaundice, diarrhea and inflammatory disorders. Do not use amla as a substitute for advice and treatment from a qualified health care practitioner.
Bibhitaki
Herbalist Todd Caldecott states that Terminalia belerica, also known as bibhitaki, is a tree that can be found all over the Indian subcontinent, both in the wild and as a cultivar planted along roadsides. It is considered by Ayurvedic practitioners to be a stimulating astringent useful in the treatment of heavy menstrual periods, dysentery, intestinal parasites and morning sickness. The kernel of the bibhitaki fruit features narcotic properties and is a pain reliever. Take bibhitaki only under the supervision of a physician knowledgeable about its use.
Haritaki
Terminalia chebula, known also as haritaki or abhaya, is a medium to large tree that grows in the forests of India. According to Caldecott, the fruit of the haritaki has numerous curative properties. Its traditional uses include the improvement of digestion, promotion of nutrient absorption and regulation of colon function. The name "abhaya" means "fearlessness" in Sanskrit, and refers to its purported ability to promote fearlessness in the face of illness. Haritaki's safety and efficacy has not been proven in modern clinical trials.
References
- "Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology"; Therapeutic Potential of Phyllanthus emblica (Amla): the Ayurvedic Wonder; M. Krishnaveni et al; 2010
- East West School of Planetary Herbology: The Wonders of Triphala
- Todd Caldecott: Bibhitaki
- Todd Caldecott: Haritaki
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Triphala, Ayurvedic Formulation for Treating and Preventing Cancer: A Review; M.S. Baliga; December 2010
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