Triphala is a commonly used Ayurvedic formula made of the dried powder of three different fruits, hence its name: tri (Three) and phala (Fruit). Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) are mixed in equal parts to make a proper Triphala. Triphala is used in India and by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine as a remedy for a variety of ailments and as a general tonic. It is considered especially beneficial for the digestive system.
History
References to the use of Triphala can be found in the Sushrut Samhitas, which is dated to 1500 BC. Triphala was used by ancient Indian physicians to promote all three of the doshas described in Ayurvedic medicine: Vata, Pita and Kapha. It is considered a nourishing, balancing and rejuvenating formula that helps the body to detoxify and supports the digestive action. Triphala is now used in modern Ayurveda and alternative medicine to treat skin, blood and digestive disorders and has been found to possibly fight cancerous cells by several research Institutes in India. All three fruits used in Triphala have antioxidant properties, and it is the blending together that creates the superior medicinal effect of Triphala, according to traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
About Amla
Amla, otherwise known as Indian gooseberry, is known world-wide as one of the highest natural sources of vitamin C, up to 445mg per 100g, according to a study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. Amla has also been found to have immunomodulating effects and the ability to reduce inflammation and edema, according to a study done at The Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences in India. Amla is the most studied of the three fruits used in Triphala and has also been found to posses high levels of antioxidants.
About Haritaki
Haritaki, also known as Black Myrobalan, is the fruit of a medium-sized tree in the Combretaceae family that grows throughout south and eastern Asia. Haritaki has a long history of use in traditional Asian medicine, although there are few scientific studies on its actions. However, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that a water extract of Haritaki was active against a strain of streptococcus bacteria when used as a mouthwash.
About Bibhitaki
Bibhitaki, also known as beleric, is the fruit of a large tree in the Combretaceae family and is closely related to Haritaki. Bibhitaki has not been studied extensively by the scientific community for its medicinal qualities, but it does contain high quantities of aromatic oils and tannins. Bibhitaki is traditionally used for reducing inflammation and cleansing the blood.
Theories/Speculation
Among the various ailments that Triphala has been used to treat are anemia, jaundice, cancer, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, ulcers, infections, asthma and constipation. Keep in mind that just because Triphala has not yet been studied nor proved to have specific action against these conditions, it has been used for several thousand years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and further scientific proof of Triphala's medicinal properties is sure to come.
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