all about triphala
Triphala is a highly revered classical Ayurvedic churna (herbal blend) made of three Indian superfruits, Haritaki, Amalaki & Bibhitaki. Triphala aids in detoxification, digestion & assimilation of nutrients while establishing regular elimination & tonification of the colon. It is loved in ayurveda for it’s capacity to gently cleanse the body without depleting it, making it ideal for daily use.
Having a regular elimination pattern is considered vital in ayurveda. Constipation can be brought on by an imbalance in vata dosha, loose stools by an imbalance in pitta dosha, or sluggish moucousy stools by an imbalance in kapha dosha. Why is this important? Because In any of these three cases, this imbalance creates ama (toxicity buildup) which can then spread to the rest of the body. Ayurveda considers this the root cause of all disease. Further, when we have a buildup of ama, we are not able to assimilate nutrients.
Taking triphala daily can be incredible useful as it assists in creating a regular elimination pattern. Not only this, but it also will draw out ama acculmulated in the tissues, bringing ama back into the digestive tract where it can be eliminated from the body.
On top of this, triphala strengthens and repairs the colon, and it is also incredibly high in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting the immune system and in turn, boosting Ojas.
HOW TO TAKE TRIPHALA
The most common preparation method is as a tea. You will be able to find the powder at your local health food store or online.
It is recommended to take triphala right before bed or first thing upon rising on an empty stomach.
To make the tea, put ¼ - ½ a teaspoon of triphala powder in ½ cup of tepid or hot water and allow to infuse. If taking in the evening, let the triphala infuse for at least a few hours. I will make the infusion while making dinner in the early evening and will drink it just before bed. If taking in the morning, allow the tea to infuse overnight.
The taste is generally unfavourable. It is said that what you taste while drinking the infusion - sweet, bitter, astringent, pungent, or salty - is the taste that you are lacking most in your diet. When the triphala eventually tastes sweet, you are in balance.
It is also possible to buy triphala capules or tablets. This is a somewhat frowned upon method in ayurveda because it is considered very important to taste the medicine as a way of connecting more powerfully with the plants and the earth element. That being said, if you are travelling or live a very busy life, I belive that taking a triphala tablet is better than not taking triphala at all.