What Is Triphala?
A blend of three botanicals, triphala is a popular remedy in Ayurveda (the traditional medicine in India). Triphala contains dried and powdered fruits of amla (Emblica officinalis), myrobalan (Terminalia chebula), and belleric myrobalan (Terminalia belerica), all of which are medicinal plants.
Health Benefits of Triphala:
Test-tube studies have suggested that triphala offers antioxidant, bacteria-killing, and immune-enhancing benefits. And in animal-based research, scientists have shown that the herbal blend may help keep cholesterol in check.
In other studies on animals, triphala has demonstrated anti-cancer effects. A report published in 2008, for instance, found that feeding triphala to mice helped suppress the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. It's important to remember, though, that animal studies do not prove equal effectiveness in humans.
Triphala for Detox:
Although Ayurvedic practitioners often use triphala to promote the cleansing of toxins from the body, there's no clinical-trial-based evidence that the formula can act as a detox or weight loss supplement.
Other Uses for Triphala:
Considered a gentle laxative, triphala is often used to stimulate digestive health, improve liver and gallbladder function,boost immunity, ease inflammation, and manage chronic conditions like asthma. It's also commonly found in supplements that claim to detox or cleanse your system.
How to Use It:
Choose triphala capsules (available at health food stores) instead of the powdered form. If you're using triphala to treat constipation, keep in mind that it's generally safe to take triphala on a longer-term basis (unlike other, harsher laxatives).
Side Effects:
In some cases, triphala may trigger gastrointestinal side effects such as gas, stomach upset, and diarrhea. This is more likely to happen if the person is considerably out of balance. If it does happen one should see a skilled Ayurvedic health practitioner.
Experience the health benefits of Triphala for yourself. This product is available for sale at our office.