Triphala
SanskritTriphalaMade fromPhyllanthus emblica (Emblica officinalis), Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belliricaAlso calledThree fruits, Triphala churna
Ayurveda's best known formula: three dried fruits ground together, taken with warm water at night to keep digestion and elimination steady.
Triphala simply means "three fruits." It is an equal blend of amalaki, haritaki and bibhitaki, dried and ground into a fine brown powder. Each fruit leans toward one dosha: amalaki toward pitta, haritaki toward vata and bibhitaki toward kapha. Together they make a formula that teachers call balancing for everyone.
Be warned, it is not a pleasant drink. The taste is sour, bitter and very astringent, and it puckers the whole mouth. Many people take it at night in a little warm water and are glad they did by morning.
Ayurveda describes triphala as both gently clearing and quietly nourishing, which is why it is one of the few formulas people keep in the cupboard for years.
Ayurvedic Properties
- RasaTastes
- ViryaHeating or cooling
- Slightly heating
- VipakaPost-digestive effect
- Sweet
- AgniEffect on digestion
- Gently supports agni
Supports digestion and regular elimination without much heat.
- GunaQualities
- TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
- Vata: decreases
- Pitta: decreases
- Kapha: decreases
- ↓decreases (calms that dosha)
- ↑increases (can aggravate it)
- =neutral or balancing
- ?not known
- V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha
Triphala is considered tridoshic because each of its three fruits supports a different dosha. Very dry vata types may prefer to take it with a little ghee or honey.
Traditional Uses
- Traditionally used to support regular, comfortable elimination.
- Traditionally used to support healthy digestion and the clearing of ama, Ayurveda's idea of undigested residue.
- Traditionally used to support the eyes, as a gentle rasayana for daily use.
- Traditionally used to support healthy gums when used as a mouth rinse.
How People Use It
- WaterStir 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of powder into a small cup of warm water an hour or so before bed. Let it sit a minute, then drink.
- TeaSimmer 1 teaspoon of powder in 2 cups of water for 5 minutes, let it settle and sip the clear liquid. Some people rinse the mouth with it before swallowing.
- HoneyIf the taste is too much, mix a pinch to 1/4 teaspoon into a little raw honey and take it off a spoon.
Bedtime Triphala Ritual
A short evening habit that takes two minutes.
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon triphala powder
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional)
- About an hour after dinner, warm the water until it is pleasant to drink.
- Stir in the triphala and let it rest for a minute so the powder softens.
- Drink it in a few slow sips. If you use honey, take it right after as a chaser.
- Start with the smaller amount for a week and see how your body responds.
Pairs Well With
Cautions
- Avoid during pregnancy and while breastfeeding unless a qualified practitioner advises it.
- Skip it if you have diarrhea or loose stools, and stop if it causes stomach upset, which has been reported but is rare.
- Triphala may affect enzymes that break down many medications (CYP3A4 and CYP2D6). Talk with your doctor if you take prescription drugs.
- Some research suggests it may affect platelets, so check with your doctor if you take blood thinners.
- Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using triphala regularly.
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This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.