Triphala: The Superstar Superfruits of India

THE INDIAN SUPERFRUITS

Ayurvedic philosophy teaches us that in order to have vital, glowing skin and optimal health, we need to work on cleansing and nourishing the internal systems of the body. One of the most popular ways to do this is through the use of Triphala. This widely used formula is comprised of equal parts of three Indian superfruits: haritaki, amalaki and bibhitaki. Traditionally, these superfruits are pulverized into a powder and taken internally to support gentle, daily cleansing and a regular elimination pattern. Triphala attains these actions by drawing the ama (toxins) from the tissues of the body, back into the digestive tract, where it is then sent down into the colon. From there, the ama is successfully eliminated out of the body.

DETOXIFY & NOURISH

What makes Triphala unique is its ability to have both a detoxifying and also nourishing effect on the body. So, how exactly does it support both cleansing and rejuvenation at the same time? This is due to the fact that Triphala is able to gently detoxify the body without depleting its strength. For example, when the large intestine, or colon, is not functioning regularly, one may experience constipation brought on by an imbalance in vata, loose stools created through an imbalance in pitta or sluggish, mucousy stools due to an imbalance in kapha. All of these scenarios create ama in the digestive system and therefore the rest of the body. As explained above, when used daily, Triphala helps to establish a regular elimination pattern which in turn, gently detoxifies accumulated ama from the body. Without the proper removal of ama, the rest of the body is not able to assimilate and absorb the necessary nutrients it needs to create a healthy and vital system. Also, Ayurveda teaches us that the colon is inextricably linked to the production of hair, skin and nails; hence, without healthy bowel movements, these tissues will also not be able to produce in an ideal way. Thus, once Triphala is able to assist the digestive system in establishing regular, healthy elimination patterns, it is then able to detoxify through cleansing the body’s tissues, resulting in its ability to absorb nutrients that will nourish and rejuvenate it as a whole. In addition, Triphala strengthens and repairs the colon and is full of nutritional components like Vitamin C and antioxidants, making its effects even more tonifying to the body.

Let’s take a look at each herb that comprises the magical formulation, Triphala:

Haritaki

• Is ideal to pacify vata dosha but is also a tridoshic herb, meaning it is balancing for all doshas
• Known in Ayurvedic & Tibetan Medicine to increase awareness, creativity & wisdom
• Acts as a gentle laxative & bowel tonic
• Builds & Restores the tissues of the body, particularly the colon, lungs, liver and spleen

Amalaki

• Is ideal to pacify pitta dosha
• Builds & Restores red blood cell count
• Detoxifies the liver & mouth
• Rejuvenates the gums, bones, hair and nails
• Relieves inflammation in the stomach & colon
• 3,000 mg of Vitamin C per fruit

Bibhitaki

• Is ideal to pacify kapha dosha
• Cleanses & Tonifies the colon
• Expels kapha accumulation in the respiratory & urinary systems & digestive tract
• Rejuvenates the lungs
• Improves voice, vision & promotes hair growth

As you may have gathered, Triphala is considered tridoshic, which means it is appropriate for all constitutions or doshas. The herbal components of this formula will use their innate wisdom to understand, heal and detoxify the exact needs of your body.

HOW TO INGEST TRIPHALA CHURNA

Our Triphala is offered in a powdered form and should be mixed with water. This method of ingesting herbs in Ayurveda is called a churna. Triphala churna is the traditional Ayurvedic way of taking this formula versus ingesting Triphala capsules.

We must warn you that the Triphala churna is not going to tantalize your palate; however, you will get used to its taste after time. We promise that after enough consumption, it will soon become a daily ritual that you will grow fond of and possibly even crave. You may be asking yourself, “if this churna doesn’t taste so great, why don’t you just put it into a capsule or tablet?” Well, it”s because of the wisdom of Ayurveda, of course! Ayurveda explains that when we ingest herbs in their powdered form through a churna, we are connecting more powerfully with the herbs and the earth element which they provide. Through this method, you can connect with the taste and the sensation of the herbs; building a relationship with your plant medicine and re-establishing a connection with Mother Nature.

To prepare your Triphala churna, we suggest an overnight, cold infusion process, also known as the Sheeta Kashaya in Ayurveda.

Here’s how it’s done:

In the evening, mix ¼-1/2 tsp Triphala powder into ½ cup of tepid water. Allow this to infuse overnight. In the AM, drink the infusion, connecting with the grounding, healing properties of the herbs.

HAPPY SPRING CLEANING

As we move deeper into spring, or kapha season, use this transitional time to tune in and listen to your physical body. Notice if you are feeling stagnant, lethargic or melancholy, or if you have dull skin, brittle nails or indigestion. These can all be signs of ama accumulating in the colon.

If you are ready to try a method of daily, gentle detoxification, commit to incorporating Triphala churna into your dinacharya or daily Ayurvedic rituals. We assure you that this ancient Ayurvedic formula will not steer you wrong. Stay tuned this month for more ways you can incorporate Triphala into your day and experience radiant, lasting beauty!