What Is Triphala Churna (or Triphala Powder)?
Triphala Churna, also known as Triphala, is one of the most popular and powerful Ayurvedic herbal combinations available in the Indian market. Triphala is a Sanskrit word that is derived from ‘Tri’ meaning three and ‘Phala’ meaning fruits. It is also known as Tridoshic Rasayana which helps to regulate 3 doshas namely Vata, Kapha, and Pitta.
It is also known by other names, like
- Triphala Powder
- Trifala Churna
- Triphala Choorna
- Triphala
- Trifala
- Triphala churnam
- Phala Trika
Triphala Churna is a herbal combination of three fruits or herbs i.e. Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry). This Churna is used for the treatment of various health conditions. It is a perfect remedy for people who lead an unhealthy lifestyle or are exposed to polluted environments on a regular basis. This Churna not only acts as a preventive measure but also eases the side effects caused by exposure to unhealthy conditions.
Oral intake of this Churna helps to remove body toxins and purifies the blood. It keeps your stomach and intestines healthy and promotes your overall health. It shrinks the size of fat cells in the body thereby reducing excess fat and checking weight gain. Triphala also helps to boost metabolism, reduce cholesterol, improve immunity, and fight various microbial infections (1).
The list of uses and benefits of Triphala Churna is very long. So, keep reading the article to know more about this fabulous herbal blend, its benefits, potential side effects, and other useful information.
What are the Ingredients (Composition) of Triphala Churna?
Ingredients (Composition) of Triphala Churna are as under:
| Common Name of the Ingredient | Scientific Name of the Ingredient | Quantity/Proportion of the Ingredient |
| Amalaki (Amla or Indian Gooseberry) | Emblica Officinalis | 1 part |
| Haritaki (Harad) | Terminalia chebula | 1 part |
| Bibhitaki (Baheda or Vibhitaki) | Terminalia bellirica | 1 part |
To prepare Triphala Churna, the dried fruit pulp of these herbs is mixed in equal proportions by weight i.e. 1:1:1.
What are the Medicinal Properties of Triphala Churna (Powder)?
According to Ayurveda, Triphala Churna is capable of balancing and rejuvenating the three doshas i.e. Vata, pitta, and Kapha.
The medicinal properties of Triphala Churna include the following:
- Antibacterial
- Anti-aging
- Antioxidant
- Hypoglycemic
- Fat Burner
- Anti-arthritic
- Analgesic
- Immunomodulator
- Blood purifying
- Anticancer
- Carminative
- Antiviral
- Digestive Stimulant
- Anti-inflammatory
What Are The Therapeutic Indications Of Triphala Churna?
Triphala Churna is indicated in the following conditions:
- Constipation
- Obesity (or For weight loss)
- Flatulence
- Jaundice
- Abdominal Distension
- Cough
- Diabetes
- Pyorrhea
- Asthma
In the Following Conditions, it is used as Preventive Medicine:
- Cancer
- Recurring infections
What are the Uses And Benefits of Triphala Churna (or Powder)?
There are myriad uses and health benefits of consuming Triphala Churna. It helps to fight infections and stress, promotes digestion and immunity, and is beneficial in dental care, joint pain, liver health, diabetes, obesity, heart care, skin care, etc.
Let’s have a look at some of its uses and benefits:
1) Triphala Churna Benefits for Liver
Amalaki, an ingredient of Triphala, is rich in Vitamin C which boosts liver function and smoothly eliminates waste from the body.
According to Ayurveda, any imbalance in Agni (digestive fire) and Pitta dosha causes impairment in liver functions. As Triphala Churna has Tridosha balancing property, its regular consumption helps to balance Agni and Pitta. Thus, it helps to keep the liver healthy and strong.
This Churna provides relief to people suffering from various liver ailments and is in fact proven to be one of the best remedies for treating liver diseases.
2) Triphala Powder Benefits for Constipation
Constipation is one of the common problems when people are more prone to eat junk and low-fiber foods on a day-to-day basis. Dealing with it becomes sometimes a bit difficult but the laxative properties of Triphala Churna help in getting rid of constipation to a great extent.
This Churna has mild laxative action and it helps in loosening the hard stools and facilitating easier bowel movements.
It is useful for people with mild to moderate constipation, and unlike other laxatives, it is non-habit forming.
3) Triphala Benefits for Eyes
Triphala Churna is very beneficial for eye health and helps to treat various eye ailments and improve vision.
With the use of Triphala Churna, one can treat and prevent issues related to the eyes which include inflammation, conjunctivitis, cataracts, corneal dystrophies, glaucoma, etc.
To use Triphala Churna for eye wash, first, boil this Churna with water, strain it, and then keep this activated water away to cool down. When this water cools down, wash your eyes with this activated water. It is important to consult a doctor before using this eye wash.
4) Triphala Churna Benefits For Diabetes
Triphala Churna possesses hypo-glycemic properties, which are due to its action on insulin resistance. It helps to reduce cellular resistance to uptake insulin and aids proper usage of insulin in the cells.
A study conducted on 150 people with NIDDM (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus) revealed that Triphala is helpful in reducing blood glucose levels (2).
Thus, blood sugar can be regulated with the use of this Churna, but remember that it is not a good cure for high blood sugar.
5) Triphala Powder Helps to improve Immunity
Triphala Churna is a great source of Vitamin C that may help in boosting your immunity (3).
It is also helpful in the cleansing of your digestive tract, which may further help in improving your immunity (4).
6) Triphala Is a Good Antioxidant Agent
The overproduction of free radicals causes oxidative stress. Antioxidants aid in the elimination of these free radicals and prevent you from oxidative stress-induced diseases.
The flavonoids, Vitamin C, and polyphenols present in the Triphala powder help to restore antioxidant levels in the body, and thus, this Churna helps to reduce oxidative stress.
7) Triphala Powder acts as a Blood Pressure Regulator
High blood pressure (hypertension) doesn’t show any symptoms in the majority of people, that’s why it is referred to as the “silent killer”.
Hypertension can lead to heart failure and other heart diseases, as well as increases the risk of developing a stroke.
Blood pressure can be managed and regulated with the regular intake of Triphala Churna. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the strain on the blood vessels, ensuring smooth blood flow and thus helping to control high blood pressure.
8) Triphala Churna Benefits for Weight Loss
Obesity or being overweight is the reason for many other diseases and may also lead to inactivity. People remain stressed to control their weight and stay fit.
According to Ayurveda, due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties, Triphala Churna helps to correct the imbalance of Medha Dhatu. Hence, this Churna is beneficial for persons suffering from obesity and can help them to lose weight and stay healthy.
9) Triphala Powder is Helpful in Managing Arthritis and Gout
The ingredients of the Triphala Churna possess strong anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful in the management of arthritis and the stiffness that occurs with it.
Consuming this Churna is also beneficial in the management of Gout (a type of arthritis, and is characterized by attacks of pain and swelling).
10) Triphala Churna (Powder) may Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are very common these days, as there is so much pressure to be handled by each of us. The corticosterone hormone is also known as the stress hormone as it aids the body cope with stress.
Triphala Churna, an herbal blend, acts as the best remedy to keep stress and anxiety away. The regular intake of this Churna helps to moderate corticosterone levels in the body. Hence, this Churna may help reduce stress and anxiety.
11) Triphala Churna Benefits for oral health
According to Ayurveda, gargling with Triphala Churna (powder) can combat dental problems.
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Triphala Churna may help in preventing dental problems like gingivitis, plaque formation, sores, and fungal infections (5).
A study conducted in Iran also showed that mouthwash consisting of Triphala decreases gingival inflammation and bleeding, inhibits dental plaque formation, and improves different indices of oral hygiene (6).
How To Use Triphala Churna For Oral Care?
Now here a question arises “How to use Triphala Churna for Oral Care (or Teeth)?” Here’s the answer to this:
In the form of Mouthwash
Triphala Churna can be used as a mouthwash by mixing a half cup of warm water with a half teaspoon of this Churna.
In the form of Toothpaste
It can be used as toothpaste by mixing this powder (Churna) with a small amount of water and making it a thick paste.
12) Triphala Churna (Powder) Benefits for Hair
Triphala Churna is beneficial in managing various hair problems. Amalaki, an ingredient of this Churna, due to its antioxidant properties, helps in maintaining optimum pH levels of the scalp.
Triphala is rich in Vitamin C which can add luster and maintain natural hair color, and helps in strengthening the hair and stimulating hair growth.
The emollient properties of this Churna lock moisture in the hair and prevent alopecia. The antifungal properties of Triphala Churna are helpful in treating dandruff.
How to use Triphala Churna for Hair?
Oral use
You can consume Triphala Churna orally by mixing it with water and honey or jaggery.
Use as a hair mask
You can use it as a hair mask by mixing the Churna with lukewarm water (or coconut oil) and making a thick paste. After this, apply this paste on your scalp, leave it for 20-30 minutes and then rinse it with water.
13) Triphala Churna (Powder) Benefits for Skin
Clogging of pores and a pH imbalance are the main reasons for most skin problems. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Triphala may help in managing various skin issues such as acne, redness, skin inflammation, dryness, etc.
The Vitamin C present in this Churna is also known to improve glow without any side effects.
This Powder (Churna) is also rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that may delay the aging process (8).
In a study, it was found that Triphala Churna may help in increasing collagen production and has antibacterial properties, which may assist wound healing (7).
How to use Triphala Churna (Powder) for Skin?
As a face mask (or face pack)
You can use it as a face mask or a face pack by mixing this Churna with a small amount of water and making a thick paste.
Apply this paste directly on a cleansed face as a face pack or a face mask, leave it for 15-20 minutes and then wash it with lukewarm water.
Oral Consumption
You can add Triphala Powder to your tea and consume it orally. This will naturally make your skin appear more glowing and healthy.
These are the uses and benefits of using Triphala Churna (Powder) in the recommended dosages. Let’s now get aware of whether there is any side effect of using Triphala Churna or not.
What are the Side Effects of Triphala Churna?
Triphala Churna when consumed in recommended dosage is generally considered safe and has potential health benefits.
But it may cause some side effects in a few people. For example, because of its mild laxative effects, it may cause stomach upset, cramps, diarrhea, and gas, especially if consumed in high doses.
Precautions
Pregnancy and Lactation
As there are no scientific studies available on the use of Triphala in pregnant women and lactating mothers, thus, it is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
Drug Interactions
This herbal formulation may interact with or decrease the effectiveness of some medications such as blood thinners (9). Thus people taking these medications should consult their doctor before using Triphala.
People with Bleeding Disorders
Amlaki (Indian gooseberry), which is one of the ingredients of Triphala, may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in some people. Thus, people with bleeding disorders must consult their doctor before using Triphala.
What are the Contraindications for Triphala Churna (Powder)?
This Churna should not be used in the following health conditions:
- Severe weight loss
- Malnutrition
- Excessive dryness of the skin
- Fast or dieting
- Abdominal Tenderness
- Diarrhea
What is the Recommended Dosage of Triphala Churna (Powder)?
Triphala is used in the form of Churna (powder), and extract capsules and tablets.
Recommended Dosage of Triphala Churna (Powder)
The recommended dosage of the Churna is 1 to 3 grams or ½ to 1 teaspoon once or twice a day.
Triphala Capsule
The recommended dosage of Triphala Capsule is 1 to 2 capsules twice a day.
Triphala Tablet
The recommended dosage of Triphala Tablet is 1 to 2 tablets twice a day.
Triphala should be consumed with lukewarm water preferably after taking meals. You should take advice from an Ayurvedic practitioner for the ideal duration and dosage of this herbal formulation.
Safety Information
The safety information that should be considered before using Triphala Churna for any purpose:
1. Triphala Churna should be kept in a cool and dry place. It should be stored away from direct sunlight.
2. Keep the Churna away from children’s reach.
3. Before consuming, read the package label carefully.
4. Do not take a dosage of the Churna more than the recommended.
Conclusion
Triphala Churna (Powder) is made by combining the fruit pulp of three distinctive Indian herbs — Haritaki, Amalaki, and Vibhitaki. These fruits are rich in several natural compounds that have potent medicinal properties. Combined together as Triphala Churna, these three fruits have been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries to treat a range of different health problems. Modern scientific research has now confirmed that these properties make Triphala an effective home remedy for several common health conditions as well as provide a natural defense against some serious diseases.
With this, we have learned all the essential information that one needs to know about Triphala Churna. In case of any doubt, consult your nearby Ayurvedic practitioner. We hope reading this article could be beneficial for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Triphala Powder (Churna) with honey?
Yes, you can use this Churna with honey.
Can I use Triphala powder for Diabetes?
Yes, you can use this Churna for diabetes as it has antihyperglycemic effects.
Is it good to take Triphala Churna every day?
Yes, you can take this Churna every day. It is advantageous for your health because of its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property. It improves digestion and reduces conditions like constipation. Also, this Churna has immunomodulator, blood purifying, antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound healing properties. Thus, this formulation can be taken daily in recommended doses.
When should I take Triphala?
To get its laxative and other digestive benefits, it is recommended to consume this Churna ½ hour before going to bed.
What is the dosage of Triphala Powder for Weight Loss?
The proper dosage of Triphala Churna for weight loss is 3 grams twice a day with lukewarm water.
How long does it take Triphala Churna to work for constipation?
In a study conducted in 2008, it was found that this Churna takes around 2 weeks to work for constipation (10).
Is Triphala good for grey hair?
Yes, the application of the Triphala hair pack to your hair can help in preventing premature graying of hair.
Does Triphala cleanse the liver?
Yes, this Churna purifies the blood and removes toxins from the liver.
Is Triphala good for the eyes?
Yes, this Churna is beneficial for the eyes. It is rich in vitamin C and flavonoids. It also helps to treat several eye ailments and improve vision.
Can Triphala powder cause weight gain?
No, Triphala Churna does not cause weight gain. In fact, intake of this Churna helps you to lose excess weight.
Is Triphala good for hair?
Yes, this Churna is beneficial in managing various hair problems like hair loss, hair graying, dandruff, etc.
References:
1) Therapeutic Uses of Triphala in Ayurvedic Medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5567597/
2) Hypoglycemic effect of Triphala on selected non-insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus subjects
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3330861/pdf/ASL-27-45.pdf
3) Immunomodulatory Effects of Triphala and its Individual Constituents: A Review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4293677/
4) Triphala: current applications and new perspectives on the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6052535/
5) The effect of Triphala and Chlorhexidine mouthwash on dental plaque, gingival inflammation, and microbial growth
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3157106/
6) Medicinal plants for gingivitis: a review of clinical trials
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6281068/
7) Curative Effect of Triphala in Medical and Dental Sciences: A Scientific Review
8) Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583891/
9) Cytochrome P450 inhibitory potential of Triphala–a Rasayana from Ayurveda
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20883765/
10) An open-label, prospective clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TLPL/AY/01/2008 in the management of functional constipation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22022157/
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational purposes only. Any information associated with this article should not be considered a substitute for prescriptions suggested by local healthcare professionals.
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