Triphala 

Ayurveda, one of the oldest, i.e, 3,000 year old science of healing, is found almost everywhere in India and now in various other parts of the world due to its recent acknowledgement and popularity. It is mainly because of its effectiveness and is proving itself yet many a time and oft. Even after modernization of the world, and the copiousness of technology, Ayurvedic medicine still has permanent solutions to some of the modern day health complications and perplexities.

Triphala, being one of the most commonly available over-the-counter traditional ayurvedic medicine in Indian subcontinents, has been used to prevent, cure and treat numerous health ailments since ancient times. 

Triphala is a Tridoshic Rasayana that almost perfectly balances the three doshas - Kapha, Vata and Pitta, is basically a mixture of three dried fruits: Amalaki or Indian gooseberry (Emblica Officinalis), Haritaki or Black Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki or Bastard Myrobalan (Terminalia bellirica). Taking its multitudinous health benefits into consideration, Triphala is well thought out as a polyherbal medicine. It is proven to be a rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin C which helps in boosting immunity. Using Triphala as a supplement on an empty stomach before bed can be gratifying as it is beneficial for internal cleansing due to its detoxifying characteristics.

Some believe that Triphala can be used to promote longevity and also prevent chronic diseases. Some of the other benefits are: protection from certain heart diseases, relief from constipation, improve and enhance the skin texture and elasticity, improves eye health, control hair fall and promote hair growth. The most excellent benefit and distinguishing feature of this medicine that makes it the Pièce de résistance, comes in its use or applications in controlling body weight.

Benefits of Triphala in weight-loss

Taking Triphala as a medication/supplement shows significant reduction in energy intake and body fats. Triphala is one among the safest Ayurvedic formulations to scale back weight. An increase in weight is caused due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestion system.

Triphala helps to keep the entire digestive system healthy by flushing out toxins from the body namely from the stomach, small intestine and large intestine. It also acts as a colon toner by helping it strengthen and tone the tissues of the colon, which indirectly but proportionally helps in the management of the weight of a person. This ayurvedic herb cocktail helps fight constipation and inflammation of the alimentary canal . It also decreases cholesterol level significantly and helps in getting rid of water weight by reduction in bloating.

Triphala powder also assists in controlling diabetes. Moreover it also regulates cholesterol levels within the body. 

According to a survey conducted in the year 2007, triphala can assist in reduction of waist circumference as it prevents accumulation of fat around the belly region.

Ways to incorporate triphala into your daily diet regime

Triphala is available readily in most pharmacies and ayurvedic stores. It can also be purchased online as it is available in many forms. The dosage varies from a person to person based on their age, body type, diet and various other factors. Although, for maximum absorption triphala must be taken in between meals preferably on an empty stomach. The advised consumption of triphala per day should be around 500mg to 1 gram. The ways to have Triphala are as follows:

1. Triphala powder with cold water: Combine two teaspoons of triphala powder in a glass of water and leave overnight. Drink the mixture in the morning on an empty stomach.
2. Triphala powder combined with honey, and cinnamon: Add a teaspoon of triphala powder and a small stick of cinnamon in a glass of water and leave it overnight before the consumption, the next day add a spoon of honey and drink it on an empty stomach.
3. Triphala tea: You can have triphala tea with triphala powder. To prepare the tea, boil a cup of water and add a tablespoon of triphala powder to it. Mix a tablespoon of lime juice before mixing it.
4. Triphala tablets and capsules: these are the easiest readily available preparations to use. Have 1 tablet with warm water on an empty stomach before going to sleep.

The Ideal Time to consume Triphala is typically between half an hour or two hours prior to a meal. Additionally, If triphala is used as a medication for treating constipation, the best time to consume it is prior to sleep.

Potential side effects of triphala 

Although Triphala is considered healthy for most populations, It may cause certain side effects in some of them. These include abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea due to its natural laxative effects on the human body. It would be worth mentioning that pregnant and lactating women and children with bleeding disorders, should avoid the consumption of Triphala. Apart from all this, it may also react with certain medications and trigger allergic reactions.

Indian Gooseberry, one of the three components of Triphala, may exponentially elevate the risk of bleeding and bruising in certain people. Henceforth, it is necessary to consult an ayurvedic doctor before consumption of Triphala.

Take Away 

Triphala is an ayurvedic remedy that has exceptional benefits and is known as the magnum opus in controlling and managing weight.

Triphala contains powerful antioxidants which help in reduction of weight by cutting down fats and bad cholesterol. Inclusively, it also assists in betterment of skin texture and health, detoxification of the body boosts immunity etc.

This natural medicinal cocktail however has certain temporary side effects which has to be kept in mind before including it in the daily lifestyle.