Triphala, meaning three fruits in Sanskrit, consists of Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry), Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). (For more on Amalaki, see my post Uses of Amalaki Powder.) Typically dried then powdered, and sometimes pressed into capsule form, triphala is used widely in India’s Ayurveda health system for both prevention and cure; it is a natural antioxidant. The most common application is digestive issues. Triphala choorna, or Three Fruit Powder, is used in preparation of Ayurveda treatments, internally, and externally.
Ayurveda Treatments
Triphala powder is used for Ayurveda preparations of:
- Dhooma Pana (medicated smoking), and
- Shirovasti (retaining of medicated oil over the head).
External Uses
Externally, triphala can be used on the eyes and as a mouthwash.
- Eye inflammation–make a decoction of triphala (boil the powder until dissolved), allow to cool, then rinse closed eyes to relieve inflammatory conditions.
- Reducing Kapha of the mouth and other senses–dissolve triphala powder in water to make a decoction, allow to settle then gargle or hold in the mouth for as long as possible. This is used in preventing and curing excessive Kapha of the mouth, namely mouth ulcers,stiff tongue, lack of taste, stiff mandible, and toothache, as well as of the sensory organs, including diseases of the eyes, ears, or nose.
Internal Uses
As mentioned earlier, when used internally, the primary effect is on the digestive tract.
- Obesity–to reduce or prevent obesity, mix 10g triphala powder into warm water, add honey to taste, and drink after meals.
- Indigestion–to prevent indigestion, add 3g triphala powder to warm water and drink daily after dinner/before bed.
Internally, triphala powder works to increase digestive fire, eliminate food stagnation and buildup, and aid passage of solid wastes (some consider it a mild laxative.) Triphala is a strong detoxifier that simultaneously strengthens and nourishes the body, and is notable in preventing metabolic syndrome.
Triphala powder is available for purchase in 50g bottles from my store! Alternatively, if you’re interested in Amalaki powder, I have that as well.
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Interesting. Is this the powder that you have been telling me about when you were back in Shanghai?
Recently i have been using aloe vera pills for indigestion, which are widely available in the pharmacies here.
Although I try to use them sparingly to not have my body get used to them too much..
Anna,
Thanks for the question. No. Triphala is much more mild. I was telling you about Avipathi Choorna, which is an even stronger purgative.
Be careful taking too many laxatives too often. Try to get more natural fiber in your diet (I know its difficult in China), but look for salads, crunchy veggies, berries, oat bran/wheat bran, and beans. And try to avoid cheese and simple starches. Most importantly, drink enough (non-caffeinated) liquid.
Keep me updated, and if I get back to SH again soon, I’ll bring a couple more options for you to try.