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For the last 5000 years, the Ayurvedic system of medicine has been using a number of herbs for their medicinal and health-building properties. the Ayurvedic and folk medicine systems rely on a more holistic approach. In this article, we will highlight the benefits and uses of a valuable herb named Triphala. If you take herbal or ayurvedic medicine regularly, Triphala may not have escaped your notice. Mentions of the famous polyherbal (made of more than one herb) formulations are found in one of the ancient Ayurvedic texts named “Sharangdhar Samhita” and the health benefits of Triphala, in particular, can be found in “Charaka Samhita”. Read further to find out everything about the herb Triphala.
What is Triphala?
Triphala is a renowned Ayurvedic formulation which is made from three fruits namely amla (Emblica Officinalis), Bibhitaki or Baheda (Terminalia bellirica) and haritaki or harad (Terminalia chebula). In fact, the name Triphala literally translates to “three fruits” (tri = three and phala= fruit). In Ayurveda, Triphala is sought mainly for its “rasayana” properties which means this formulation is very effective in maintaining the health and vitality of the body and preventing the occurrence of diseases.
Triphala is the combination of the following herbs.
- Amla (Emblica Officinalis):
One of the most common fruits available all over the country, it is also commonly known as Indian gooseberry. The amla fruit is rich in fibre, antioxidants, minerals and its one of the richest source of Vitamin C in the world. It is generally used for maintaining good gut health, for avoiding constipation, for fighting infections and as an anti ageing fruit.
- Baheda (Terminalia bellirica):
This plant is found throughout the Indian subcontinent and has found its uses in the medicinal system and Ayurveda in the form of an antipyretic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective(good for liver), in the treatment of respiratory problems and as an anti-diabetic. According to Ayurveda, baheda fruit is rich in a lot of biological compounds like glucoside, tannins, gallic acid, ethyl gallate etc. Together, these compounds are responsible for most of the health benefits of baheda.
- Harad (Terminalia chebula):
Harad is the most important herb known to Ayurveda. Its health benefits range from being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing to being an excellent wound healing agent. Its benefits in restoring and maintaining the normal functioning of the liver, stomach, heart, and bladder are well known in Ayurveda. In fact it is rightly called “King of medicine”.
Did you know?
In ayurveda, triphala is known to balance all the three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) of the body. Triphala is known to contain five of the Rasas or tastes explained by the ayurvedic medicine. It is sweet, sour, astringent, bitter and pungent. The only taste or rasa it does not possess is salty.
