Triphala Powder | Organic

Triphala, meaning “three fruits” in Ayurvedic medicine, is a blend of the haritaki, bibhitaki, and amalaki fruit. These fruits feature natural chemicals that are believed to contain potentially taken in a powdered form or when used in tea.

Potential Benefits of Triphala
Both scientists and practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine appear to agree that triphala may provide several potential benefits in the body when taken as a dietary supplement or when mixed into tea. Some studies have focused on the antioxidant content of tannins, flavones, and vitamin C. These natural chemical compounds are believed to provide many of the potential benefits of triphala.

Triphala May Support:
Digestion, detoxification, a healthy immune response to microbial or pathogenic challenges, colon health, female reproductive health, comfort in the stomach or lower abdomen, bowel regularity, the Three Doshas

Triphala: The Three Fruits of Ayurvedic Medicine
In Ayurvedic medicine, the three fruits of triphala are said to help fill in the gaps of “nature’s intelligence.” This phrase speaks to the organizational force that guides how cells should form to create something, such as skin, bone, or the brain.

• Haritaki Fruit
  Haritaki fruit, also known as Terminaliachebula or harada, is sometimes called the “king of medicine.” In Buddhism, some depictions of Buddha show his hand outstretched holding this fruit. Tibetan medicine, which may be guided by Buddhist texts, states that the cause of any illness may be associated with conflicting emotions, specifically passion, aggression, and ignorance. The image of Buddha holding this fruit may be interpreted as a guide to help correct conflicts of emotions, the body, and spirit.
  In contemporary scientific literature, haritaki has been found to contain helpful compounds. A research study conducted in India found many potential benefits from using this fruit as a medicinal supplement. It was shown that introducing this fruit into your diet may have the potential to help maintain cholesterol levels already within the normal range. This may also include support for a healthy cardiovascular system and the movement of red cells in healthy arteries and vessels.
• Bibhitaki Fruit
  Bibhitaki fruit, also known as Terminalia belerica or bihara, means the “one who keeps you away from disease,” in Sanskrit. In his book, Rasayana: The Fountain of Life, Dr. Mayank S. Vora writes, “bibhitaki fruit is a true gift of nature and possesses unique healing properties like very few other plants on this earth. For thousands of years this herb has been widely used as a remedy for the treatment of diseases affecting the lungs, intestine, and urinary tract.”
  In Ayurvedic medicine, the compounds in bibhitaki may provide support for healthy-looking hair, as well as a healthy throat, eyes, digestive system, lining of the gastrointestinal tract, bowel regularity, and abdominal comfort.
• Amalaki Fruit
  Amalaki fruit, also known as Emblica officinalis or amla, is nicknamed “mother,” “nurse,” and “immortality,” which speaks to the ways that the fruit may provide support and feelings of health and wellness during the normal aging process.
  The potential benefits of amalaki include support for metabolism, digestion, and the elimination of waste through a healthy digestive system. Amla may also support the normal production of red blood cells, a healthy cardiovascular system, and the normal function of the liver, spleen and respiratory systems.
  Amalaki shares many of the same compounds as the previously mentioned fruit, but as mentioned earlier, amla contains a dominant amount of vitamin C and bioflavonoids that may provide optimal support for a healthy immune system.

How Triphala Promotes the Three Doshas in Ayurvedic Medicine
Now that we understand how the three fruits of triphala may provide potential medicinal benefit, it is important to understand how they relate to the three humours, which are also known as doshas.

These doshas relate to space (ether), air, fire, water, and earth. According to Ayurvedic traditions,these elements form the building blocks of life, and give humans their unique personalities, moods, and behaviors. The role of each dosha in life is ever changing with the weather, relationships, and work, and is believed to manifest in nearly every aspect of life.

The Three Doshas

• Vata
  The vata dosha is typically characterized by movement and change, and governs the central nervous system. This dosha combines air and space, and is activated by the haritaki fruit.
  When you experience low energy, rapid shifts in emotion, constant hunger, infrequent sleep, irregular habits, or digestive challenges, your vata may be out of balance. Those with balance will likely experience enthusiasm, bursts of creativity, and a lean body.
• Pitta
  The pitta dosha is associated with the digestive system, metabolism, and transformations. This dosha combines fire and water, and is activated by the amalaki fruit.
  If your pitta is out of balance, you may experience agitation if dinner is late; resent not strictly adhering to a schedule; wake up hot or thirsty; feel controlling or arrogant; or endure stomach or intestinal challenges. When in balance, you will experience a desirable complexion, healthy digestion, sustained energy levels, harmony, and a healthy appetite.
• Kapha
  The kapha dosha is said to guide the structure of the body, including muscle, fat, bone, and tendon, as well as protection. This dosha combines earth and water, and is activated by bibhitaki fruit.
  If your kapha dosha is out of balance, you may experience weight gain, fluid retention or bloating, breathing challenges, excessive sleep, stress and frustration, or a bad mood. When in balance, you will experience healthy eyes, healthy joints, healthy sleep habits, and healthy digestion.

Immune System
Similar to many fruits, haritaki, bibhitaki, and amalaki contain vitamins and natural chemical compounds that seek to support essential biological function in the body. As one study notes that "fruits and vegetables supply dietary fiber, and fiber intake is linked to lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and obesity. Fruits and vegetables also supply vitamins and minerals to the diet and are sources of phytochemicals that function as antioxidants, phytoestrogens, and anti-inflammatory agents and through other protective mechanisms."

While triphala contains compounds that may provide one or more benefits listed above, these fruits also contain some notable compounds, including tannin. Studies suggest that tannin may have anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic potentials as a result of its antioxidative properties. Tannins may also provide support for clotting factors, may help to maintain blood pressure and cholesterol already within the normal range, and may help to regulate the normal immune response to internal challenges as well as detoxify the body.

The vitamin C content in triphala is largely located in the amalaki fruit, but is also available in the fruit of haritaki and bibhitaki. All three fruits also contain bioflavonoids, which may be an ideal source of antioxidants, and may provide optimal delivery through the digestive system for support of a healthy immune system. Vitamin C is also important for the utilization of protein in the body. Protein is the fifth most abundant nutrient in the body and helps to structure cells, which is important to the development of the skin, muscles, and tissue that make up the internal organs.

In clinical studies, triphala was used to show the effects of Ayurvedic herbs that may support the structure and function of a healthy female reproductive system during normal aging. The research found that the compounds found in the fruit may promote comfort in the lower abdomen, and may support the normal development of tissue in the uterus, including support for new or expecting mothers.

Get The Most From Triphala with These Complementary Herbs
Triphala may be the ideal way to support feelings of health and wellness, as well as help to balance the doshas. However, Ayurveda and other systems of medicine that focus on how to use herbs for their potential medicinal benefits might argue the need to supplement your healthy diet with other herbs such as:

• Dandelion root – seeks to support a healthy liver, the movement of bile, and removal of waste through the gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract.
• Ginger – may promote abdominal comfort and provide temporary relief from occasional gas, bloating, and nausea.
• Licorice root - may help to balance herbs during digestion.
• Peppermint – may support a healthy liver and gallbladder, and may support the removal of waste from the colon and gastrointestinal tract.
  Use these herbs in drinks or recipes just like you would triphala.

Triphala Remedy for Eye Diseases
Triphala is also widely taken for all eye diseases including the treatment of conjunctivitis, progressive myopia, the early stages of glaucoma and cataracts. For these conditions, it is taken daily both internally as described above, as well as externally as an eye wash.

Triphala Eye Support Instructions
Steep one tablespoonful of the powder in 200-250ml of water overnight. In the morning, strain the infusion through a clean cloth. The resultant tea is used to sprinkle over the eyes or used in an eyewash with an eye wash cup that can be readily purchased at most drug stores. One can drink the remainder in one or two doses, morning and evening. Taken in this way for at least three months, Triphala becomes an herbal eye tonic.

Use
Stir 2-3g of the powder with warm water and consume the entire amount each evening or divided into three doses throughout the day.
The larger dose is more laxative while the smaller dose tends to be more gradually blood purifying. One should increase or decrease the dose according to one’s bowel movements or according to your doctor’s advice. Since there are no problems in using Triphala, the dose can be adjusted upwards from the suggested amount.

Notes
◉ Should be stored in airtight glass containers -in a cool, dark, and dry area- to preserve its flavor and properties.
◉ Before adding a new herbal remedy or supplement to your daily routine, you should consult with a medical doctor or holistic health practitioner.