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Triphala- The Three Wonder Fruits of India
In India for thousands of years the Triphala has been used as an Ayurvedic medicine for a number of (chronic) maladies. This is a formulation having three fruits mixed in equal parts. The three fruits are Amalaki or Emblica officinalis or the Indian gooseberry, Haritaki or Terminalia chebula and Bibhitaki or Terminalia belerica (collectively called the myrobalans). Cenetarians using the Triphala have deemed its benefits as the reason for their longevity.
According to a popular folk saying in India just as a mother cares for her child so too does the Triphala takes care of the internal organs of the body. The three fruits (often taken in powdered form) take gentle but wholesome care of the body. They promote internal cleansing of all conditions of stagnation and excess and improve digestion and assimilation.
The Triphala constituents
Triphala contains bioflavonoids, high vitamin C content, linoleic oil and phospholipids. It has a high nutritional level. The ancient Ayurvedic treatise Charaka Samhita considers triphala as a ‘rasayan’ meaning a formulation that prevents aging and promotes longevity. Amla and haritaki are especially known for promoting an overall rejuvenation of the body and delaying the aging process.
Range of medicinal benefits of Triphala
The role of Triphala as a colon cleanser has assumed great significance. The colon plays an important role in getting rid of waste and toxic material from the body while absorbing water and sodium required for maintaining electrolytic balance of body. If the colon does not function properly and toxic matter accumulates then various health problems can ensue. Colon cleansing for helping keep common cold, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headaches, sinusitis, digestive problems, joint pains and stress at bay can well achieved by taking in Triphala regularly. The laxative effect of Triphala helps achieve this.
The Triphala is regarded as a best laxative that brings about colon cleansing without causing any undesirable side effect or irritation. It is also not habit forming. It has been known to enhance and clear the vision too. Various Ayurvedic preparations meant for improving eyesight and preventing cataract has the Triphala as one of its components. The three fruits have also been known to promote hair growth. Their external application on the hair (as a hair tonic or hair wash) as well as the intake of the Triphala in powdered or other form ensures a head full of lustrous mane.
Triphala decreases hypertension and works towards normalizing blood circulation. It also reduces cholesterol and works towards lessening atherosclerosis in arteries. Having anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties enable Triphala to also counter edema present in body. Its astringent property helps prevent hemorrhages. In treating fevers, tuberculosis, pneumonia etc., Triphala has been found to be helpful. Apart from being a promoter of appetite and digestion the Triphala also increases the number of red blood cells (RBCs). It also helps remove undesirable fat from the body. It cleans out unwanted fat while cleansing the whole body. The Triphala is also believed to be helpful in maintaining blood sugar levels at normal. It also provides the cosmetic benefit of improving skin tone and clearing the complexion.