Triphala

Triphala powder is the most popular Ayurvedic medicine. People know it for it's laxative property and it is the most famous medicine to be sold over-the-counter for constipation. 

But it is far more than just a laxative. In Ayurveda, Triphala is best known  for it's Rasayana (i.e. Rejuvenating) property. 

Triphala is comprised of :

• 1 fruit of Haritaki (Harde)
• 2 fruits of Bhibhitaka (Behada)
• 4 fruits of Aamla

Each of the contents have different and specific properties. 

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Haritaki: ( Terminalia chebula)

• It has 5 tastes, most dominant being astringent and it lacks saline taste.
• It is light, hot and dry , its after digestion effect on body is sweet and constructive, so it helps in growth of the body.
• The harde which when put in water sinks down is considered as good quality .
• It improves memory, intellect and longevity.
• It promotes eyesight.
• It is a laxative.
• It cures digestive problems such a bloating, constipation,ulcer, vomiting etc. It cures piles, parasitic infestation, jaundice . It also cures urinary disorders, diabetes, asthma and cough.

Different ways of taking harde:

• By chewing harde, it improves digestion.
• When taken in paste form it cleanses the bowel.
• When used by steaming , it is constipative.
• When used by frying, it alleviates all three doshas.

Use of harde in different seasons:

• In summer it should be taken with equal quantity of jaggery.
• In rainy season with saindhava (rock salt)
• In autumn, it should be taken with equal quantity of sugar
• In Hemanta ritu (early phase of winter) , it should be taken with dry ginger powder (i.e. shunthi)
• In Shishira ritu (later in winter) to be taken with Pippali (black pepper).
• In spring season should be taken with honey.

Nutritional Value of Haritaki:

• Haritaki consists of active ingrediant which are recognized to have healing properties including anticancer, antibacterial, antidiabetic and anti-oxidant properties.
•  Haritaki is very nutritious containing essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It is a source of vitamin C, manganese, selenian, potassium, iron and copper. 
• It also contains plant chemicals like – tannic acid, gallic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and behenic acid.

Contra-indications:

• Harde should be avoided by an extremely exhausted person after strenuous work
• A person whose body is dried up and emaciated.
• During pregnancy.

Bhibhitak ( Terminalia belerica)

• It has astringent taste and after digestion effect is sweet and constructive.
• It is  hot,dry and alleviates kapha and pitta.
• It promotes eye sight and especially cures cough and impaired voice.
• It is good for hair.

Aamalki (Indian gooseberry-Aamla)-Emblica officinalis :

• Aamla is sour in taste and is cold.
• It is an elixir of life , it builds immunity and increases longevity.
• It is exceedingly aphrodisiac and rejuvenating
• It has all the properties of harde and specifically it cures bleeding disorders and diabetes.
• It alleviates all 3 doshas.

Nutritional value of Aamla:

• It is very rich in Vit C (90%)
• It also contains calcium, phosphorus, carotene and vit B complex.
• It is a powerful anti-oxidant.

Triphala:

It is a power pack combination of 3 fruits harde, behda and aamla

Action of Triphala:

• It improves digestion. Indigestion is the root cause of all diseases.So helps in maintaining health.
  
• Alleviates all three doshas. So helps to maintain the equilibrium.
• It has moderately laxative action, so helps in removing toxins out of the body.
  
• The after digestion effect is sweet and constructive , so it promotes healthy growth of body and rejuvenates the body tissues. The effect is long and healthy life.
• It is specifically good for eyes, it improves eyesight.

          

• Being hot, it alleviates kapha dosha , meda (Fat) and helps in diabetes and weight loss.
  
• It is very useful in wound healing.
• It also has anti-inflammatory action. Gargles and mouth wash with triphala decoction is advised in oral diseases and sore throat.
• Good for scalp infections such as dandruff. Use as scalp mask or wash hair with triphala decoction.
• It improves immunity.
  

You can include Triphala in any form( i.e. capsule, powder, decoction) in your daily regimen.