Triphala: One Of Nature's Best All Natural Remedies
Date Posted:19 September 2012
In this age of fast food, fast-paced lifestyles, and improper rest, it is hard to find people that do not have issues with their health. Many people believe they are healthy because they do not exhibit outward signs of ill-health, but when you take a deeper look inside, trouble is lurking just underneath the surface. Often times, people will begin to exercise, start drinking more water, look towards all natural remedies, or change their diet and only then realize how unhealthy they really were before the changes were implemented.
It has been a belief held for over five thousand years by those who practice Ayurveda that the root cause of disease lies within the gastrointestinal system. Frequent stomach complaints include constipation, frequent and excessive diarrhoea, pain in the abdomen, stomach distension, hyper-acidity, cravings for sweets, fats, or junk food, or loss of appetite. For most people, these problems have been pushed aside as minor inconveniences without realizing that they can lead to grave health concerns, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure levels, reduced functioning of the immune system, skin ailments, frequent infections, fatigue, diabetes, and cancer.
While some people seek out the care of a doctor and prescription medications, they soon find out their problems have grown worse on antibiotics or have a new set of problems to deal with instead. However, there are all natural remedies readily available that can help combat these and many other problems. Triphala is a supplement found in Maharishi Ayurveda that has been recommended for thousands of years by Ayurvedic experts and specialists. It is first mentioned in the ancient Indian texts, the Sushrut Samhitas and the Charak. Triphala has countless benefits and consists of three powerful ingredients, Bhibitaki (Terminalia chebula), Haritaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis).
While the combination of ingredients is the true source of power in Triphala, which is one of the best all natural remedies found in Maharishi Ayurveda, each ingredient was chosen specifically for its own unique benefits.
Bhibitaki
Bhibitaki is a tree that grows wild throughout India and bears fruit and flowers. Traditionally, both the bark and the fruit are used as a supplement and are often referred to as 'the one who keeps disease away'. Bhibitaki's prime benefit is the healthy formation and support of three bodily tissues, the muscles, the bone, and nutrient plasma. It is most often seen in combination with Haritaki and Amalaki to make up Triphala, but it can be used on its own as well.
Bhibataki also helps to maintain balance within all of the systems of the body and acts to purify the blood. This allows it be useful when trying to curb hemorrhage. Bhibataki is also renowned for its ability to cleanse the body of toxic ama, excess fat, and other harmful toxins. In independent studies, it has shown to improve eyesight, improve the quality of one's voice, and enhance hair growth and health. It contains antiseptic, rejuvenative, antiviral, astringent, antibacterial, lithotriptive, expectorant, anthelmintic, and laxative properties. It is excellent for the stomach, digestive system, and brain. It scrubs the colon clean and can help treat bronchitis, disorders of the nose, ear, and throat, as well as diseases of the heart.
Haritaki
Haritaki contains five out of the six rases, or tastes, including astringent, bitter, pungent, salty, sour, and sweet. It has the ability to strengthen the organs and stimulate the digestive system. In studies, it has shown to be an effective cure for gallstones, gastro-intestinal infections, diarrhoea, anemia, and asthma. It has also been shown to be helpful in combating headaches, migraines, coughs, and fevers. It is known in Maharishi Ayurveda as the 'king of medicines' and is renowned as one of the better all natural remedies to promote the longevity and health of the brain and heart. It also helps to regulate blood pressure, decreasing it if it is too high and raising it if one is affected by low blood pressure.
Amalaki
Amalaki, or Amla fruit, is one of the richest sources of vitamin c available and aids the body in strengthening, building, and supporting the immune system. Its antioxidant qualities allow it to remove toxic ama from the body's channels and aid in the absorption of calcium, which strengthens bones and prevents premature graying of the hair and hair loss. Amalaki nourishes and strengthens the lungs and respiratory system by removing and eliminating mucus. It also strengthens fertility in both men and women and regulates the female menstrual cycle, which promotes good reproductive health. Like Bhibataki, Amalaki is also effective at purifying the blood, aids in blood circulation, and induces the production of iron, which leads to proper functioning and maintenance of the health of the heart. Amla fruit leaves you with glowing and healthy skin as all of the toxins are purged out and fresh, new tissue grows in place of the dead and eliminated tissue.
Triphala combines these amazing fruits and herbs from nature into one of the most powerful and healing all natural remedies available in Maharishi Ayurveda. It provides much needed nutrients as well as blood, liver, and kidney cleansing properties. According to Ayurveda, Triphala is tridoshic rasayan, which means it has a rejuvenative, cleansing, and balancing effect on all three doshas. This makes it acceptable for any and everyone to take, regardless of their dosha type. The three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, govern all aspects of the human body and nature through its constitutional effects. In the human body, Vata moderates the nervous system, Pitta maintains the metabolism and all its processes, and Kapha supports the structural integrity of the body.
Good Health Results Using Triphala
Triphala for Stomach and Colon Health
In a recent survey, conducted all over the world, Triphala was ranked number one as the world's best colon cleanser. All three fruits or herbs used in Triphala have laxative properties, the capacity to cleanse and purify the blood, and the ability to help eliminate harmful toxins clogging the body's channels. Practicing colon cleaning on a regular and seasonal basis has been part of Maharishi Ayurveda for thousands of years, and its principles still hold true today. It helps to rejuvenate the body, all the way down to a cellular level, which allows the body to grow new and healthy cells. It detoxifies the blood, removes crusted and undigested food particles from within the intestinal tract, eliminates cravings, and scrubs the colon clean. Triphala is one of the safest laxatives known at this time. Most laxatives can be dangerous as they can grow to be habit-forming and deplete precious nutrients from the body, but Triphala is mild, rejuvenative, and replenishes essential vitamins. Triphala not only prevents colon cancer, one of the fastest spreading and deadliest cancers, but it also eliminates bad breath, constipation, excessive and malodorous flatulence, stomach distension, discomfort and pain, parasites, haemorrhoids, and foul body odour.
Triphala was designed and formulated over five thousand years ago by the experts and physicians of Ayurveda and has been used by millions of people since then. It is safe, effective, and reliable. By cleansing the colon, eliminating toxins, and maintaining the digestive system, Triphala improves the digestion of food, allowing the body to assimilate nutrients and eliminate the unneeded waste more completely. The supplement also helps stimulate and release gastric enzymes that break food down into a more digestible form, which prevents the digestive system from hanging onto waste material for too long and letting the toxins get reabsorbed back into the body. Additionally, Triphala stimulates the peristaltic function of the intestines and helps digested food move properly through the digestive tract until the waste is evacuated.
Triphala also helps to soften stools into the correct consistency, which prevents straining and damaging the sphincter muscle while allowing the stool to pass easily and evacuating the waste more effectively. A common complaint amongst people with constipation is feeling like they still have to go, even after they are done, or feeling the urge to go, but are unable to evacuate their bowels. Triphala safely eliminates this issue and restores proper functioning of the elimination system. Interestingly, if one suffers from frequent diarrhoea, Triphala is also effective in forming proper stool and preventing the body from expelling food before it is properly digested. Recent in vitro studies have also proved Triphala to be deadly for various bacteria and pathogens, including Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Shigella, and Salmonella, and it also eradicates fungi like Candida albicans. The resulting effects from using Triphala on a regular basis make it one of the most recommended all natural remedies for Ulcerative Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Ayurvedic practitioners.
Triphala helps cure hyper-acidity by relieving harmful gases out of the body and regulating the amount and strength of acid inside of the stomach and digestive tract. If you do not have enough acid in your system to properly digest and move your food, Triphala stimulates certain gastric enzymes as well. It heals a multitude of gastrointestinal tract infections and helps in cleansing and detoxifying every bodily system. Triphala helps in healing and preventing stomach ulcers and acts as the body's internal cleanser.
Triphala for Weight Loss
Triphala treats obesity in nearly miraculous ways. As Triphala regulates the functioning of the digestive system, it directly reduces body fat. Triphala also directly benefits the liver through improving the secretion of bile juices that are required for burning fats. The supplement also helps shed unwanted pounds by reducing excessive water content in the tissues. Triphala can also help cut down hunger pangs and cravings for sugars, starches, simple carbs, junk, and fatty foods. Most cravings are caused by the body being physically addicted to the chemical response created by certain foods. Triphala helps the body to return to a homoeostatic level, which eliminates unhealthy cravings, helping the body to feel satiated sooner and for longer.
In most cases of severe or morbid obesity, nearly every organ and channel of the body is congested and clogged. This causes a myriad of health problems, such as increased blood pressure, heart disease and heart failure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, respiratory problems, severe acid reflux and ultimately Barrett's oesophagus, urinary stress incontinence, degenerative arthritis, venous disease, ulcers, cancer, skin infections, and infertility. While some of these health concerns can be treated, others may go unnoticed until a fatality occurs.
There are many causes of obesity, however, overeating and improper functioning of the digestive system remain two of the worst culprits. Triphala has the ability to lock onto CCK receptors within the stomach, which regulate satiety. Triphala allows you to feel full and satisfied with less food and for longer periods of time. This can help you not only control portion-sizes, but how often you eat within a day's time. Moreover, as Triphala is working to regulate your satiety levels, it is also de-clogging and de-congesting your internal organs at the same time. Days, months, and years of improperly digested and improperly eliminated waste can cause the body to produce a sticky and toxic mucus-like substance, called ama in Ayurvedic terms. This toxic ama can take over your digestive system, rob you of vital nutrients, and cause the body to store and hang on to excessive fat and spread to other systems in the body. Triphala is one of the best all natural remedies to eliminate ama, cleanse the body, and regain control of the proper weight for your body type. However, the goal should not be to be 'skinny', as being underweight is just as detrimental to your health as obesity. If you are unsure of what a healthy weight for your body is, a Maharishi Ayurveda expert can help you determine your target range.
Triphala for Blood Circulation, Purification, and Blood pressure
Triphala seeks out microorganisms like a destroyer ship, renders them inactive, and prevents them from causing damage within the body. Triphala also aids in maintaining the proper density blood should have while its astringent properties purify the blood. This holistic treatment has proven helpful in eradicating blood-borne disease and skin irritations or infections. It supports and improves liver function, protects against cardiovascular disease and congestive heart failure, and reduces and prevents the plaque formation within the arteries as is often seen in cases of arteriosclerosis. It reduces serum cholesterol, encourages production of good cholesterol, and lowers high blood pressure by reducing the spasm in the artery preventing the blood from freely flowing. These are all effective tools in fighting many diseases common in Western societies today. Triphala has also demonstrated the capacity to aid in the prevention of cancer and reducing tumours that have already formed.
Triphala for Eye Sight
Triphala is believed to be one of the most powerful eye tonics available still today. It strengthens the muscles of the eyes and studies have shown that it can improve vision in certain individuals. It is also helpful in curing various eye problems like glaucoma, conjunctivitis, cataracts, poor vision to diabetes, and progressive myopia. It can be used directly in the eyes in order to reduce redness, dryness, and irritation. Some people have reported their eyes look whiter and brighter after using eye drops containing Triphala. It is very helpful in treating impaired vision as well as chorioretinal inflammation, weakening of the eye due to old age, various inflammations of eye parts, and corneal dystrophies.
Triphala for Skin Health
Triphala, due to its astringent, antioxidant, and balancing properties, is also considered one of the best tonics for your skin. It reduces dark circles under the eyes that are often referred to as 'allergy shiners', prevents the early onset of wrinkles and loss of elasticity in the skin, enhances a youthful glow, prevents acne and other skin issues, and eliminates free radicals from damaging the skin. It is no surprise that one of Maharishi Ayurveda's best stomach tonics and all natural remedies is also the best skin tonic as well. Good health, including skin health, starts with good and proper functioning digestion. Triphala is not only effective at working topically, but it also benefits your skin by working on the inside, too. When the body is able to eliminate toxic waste as it was designed to do, you will find the benefits extend to your skin. It will appear healthier and younger, complete with a fresh, rosy glow. The best part about Triphala is its tridoshic quality, which means it is perfect no matter what skin type comes with your dosha.
Vata Skin
Vata skin tends to be delicate and dry and typically loses its plumpness and elasticity faster than other dosha types, unless it is nourished on a daily basis. Triphala nourishes the skin in two different ways, one topically when applied directly to the skin and the other from taking it internally as a supplement. Amalaki, as stated earlier, is one of the richest sources of vitamin C, and vitamin C is key to the production and rejuvenation of healthy collagen. This helps the skin stay supple, thick, and moisturised. Triphala is also rich in calcium and aids in the absorption of calcium, so that it is more readily available to be used by the body. Calcium enhances the glow and clarity of the skin and refreshed dull, tired, dry, and cracked skin.
Pitta Skin
Pitta types usually have sensitive skin that often breaks out when harsh chemicals are applied or are out in the sun too long. Protection from the elements and harsh chemicals are essential for properly balancing Pitta skin. Triphala has tremendous antioxidant properties. Besides containing a rich source of vitamin C, it also contains bountiful amounts of flavanoids, carotenoids, and other antioxidants. All these properties work together to strengthen and enhance the skin's natural ability to fight off free radicals and repair any damage they may have caused. In several studies, researchers have shown Triphala also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which support the natural immunity of the skin and aid in resisting hypersensitivity.
Kapha Skin
People who are predominately Kapha dosha tend to have oily skin, which attracts toxins like a magnet. Unless a Kapha takes the time to cleanse their skin, both from the inside and the outside, they are often plagued with frequent skin eruptions, acne, and other skin disorders. Each one of the ingredients that make up Triphala plays a vital role in cleansing the skin from impurities, topically and internally. Amalaki cleanses the blood and other tissues of toxins and enhances the natural immunity of the skin, while Bibhitaki works on balancing the lipid levels of the skin, so that any build-up of oil, sweat, or toxins is quickly cleared away and less breakouts occur. Haritaki's main role is purifying the colon and the elimination channels of the body. For the skin, the elimination channels purified by Haritaki are the sweat glands and the skin's ability to flush out toxins through the process of sweating.
Other Health Benefits at a Glance
Diabetes - Triphala has been shown effective at stimulating beta cells which are essential in the processing and breaking down of glucose and subsequent insulin response.
Immunity - Triphala provokes a health immune response from the body, strengthens the response, and aids in supporting the systems responsible for initiating the response.
Liver Problems - Triphala has shown to be an effective all natural remedy for numerous liver problems, and it also increases the quality of the bile secreted by the liver that is used in breaking down and digesting food.
Irregular Heart Beats - Common heart rate problems include tachycardia and brachycardia; however, Triphala has proven helpful in maintaining and regulating a steady, healthy, and regular heart beat.
There are countless all natural remedies recommended within Maharishi Ayurveda, but none of them may come as close to being as versatile and helpful as Triphala. Triphala is contained in both Maharishi Ayurveda's DigestTone and is a key component of their Cholesterol Protection. Just as with any of the all natural remedies recommended, this is for educational purposes only, and a doctor should be consulted to ensure Triphala will not interfere or adversely affect current medications. Also, pregnant women should avoid Triphala, as the 'downward motion' of its nature is contraindicated for pregnancy.