Explore One of Ayurveda s Most Popular Herbs: Triphala for Your Good Health

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1 Explore One of Ayurveda s Most Popular Herbs: Triphala for Your Good Health By Sheila Patel, M.D. The Ayurvedic formulary describes hundreds of plants that have the ability to keep us healthy, as well as help us heal from disease. One of the most well-known and commonly used herbs is triphala, which means three fruits. As its name implies, triphala is a combination of the fruits of three plants, which are dried, ground into powder, and precisely blended: amalaki (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica). The specific combination of these three fruits creates a beneficial synergistic effect and provides a powerful antioxidant effect that is important for detoxification. In addition, the fibers in these three fruits support the healthy bacteria in the intestines and can help to heal any damage in the intestinal lining. An Ayurvedic Perspective of Triphala Triphala acts as a rejuvenative, helping maintain a state of good health in the mind and body. According to the classical Ayurvedic text the Charaka Samhita, taking triphala daily with honey and ghee (triphala rasayana) is said to have the power to make a person live for one hundred years devoid of old age and diseases. In addition to serving as a rejuvenative, triphala can act as a treatment for many ailments. From an Ayurvedic perspective, some of triphala s therapeutic action comes from the fact that it possesses five of the six tastes (all but salty) necessary for health and well-being. It also balances all three doshas and all of the seven tissue layers. Triphala s qualities are light and dry, adding lightness to the mind-body system. It also cleanses all the channels in the body, especially the channels of elimination, thus aiding in daily detoxification. The Findings of Modern Biochemistry The multitude of phytochemicals in triphala explains the many healing properties of this herb. Scientists have identified some of these beneficial chemicals, yet it is likely that there are many more that haven t yet been identified that may also contribute to its healing effects. For example, triphala contains many antioxidant molecules, including ascorbic acid, gallic acid, bioflavonoids, and tannins. According to a recent article published in the Nutrition Journal, triphala is one of the most antioxidant-rich compounds in nature, containing a significantly higher antioxidant content than most foods and single herbs.

2 Why Are Antioxidants Important? During the normal processes of metabolism and digestion (as well as when we re exposed to the sun), our body creates free radicals, which are unstable molecules that are missing an electron (negative charge) and will steal an electron from surrounding molecules, including our healthy cells and tissues. Inside of cells, free radicals can steal these electrons from our DNA, resulting in mutations that can cause cancer and other diseases. Antioxidants are molecules that have extra electrons and can donate these electrons to free radicals so that they don t create damage in the body. We therefore need lots of antioxidants in circulation to neutralize these potentially damaging free radicals. We also require antioxidants for our body s natural detoxification process. During detoxification in the liver, we need to modify foreign chemicals that have entered the body in order to prepare them for elimination. These foreign chemicals include environmental toxins, food additives, medications, drugs, alcohol, and even potentially harmful molecules produced by our own digestion. In order for our body to eliminate these toxins, the molecules are temporarily turned into less harmful molecules through processes such as oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis. These processes create free radicals that also need to be neutralized by antioxidants. As you can see, antioxidants are an important factor in our natural detoxification process. In addition, antioxidants such as the bioflavonoids contained in triphala can reduce the oxidation of LDL particles (typically referred to as bad cholesterol ), making the particles less likely to damage blood vessel walls. In additions to antioxidants, triphala contains these beneficial biochemicals: Sennosides: These natural laxatives relieve constipation by stimulating the muscles of the colon to contract and push stool forward. They can also help the colon to soften stool by keeping water in the colon. With typical doses, the natural fibers in triphala usually prevent stool from getting too loose. Fibers: Like many other natural fibers, the fibers in triphala can help clear cholesterol, produce regular bowel movements, and promote colon health. Mucilage: Found in many plants, this substance has a thick, mucous-like quality that can soothe inflamed tissues, serve as a cough suppressant, and help hydrate tissues. There are numerous studies that show other beneficial effects of triphala, including antiinflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-cancer effects. Therapeutic Uses of Triphala As we explored above, triphala is used in Ayurveda as a detoxifier, rejuvenative, and mild laxative. It traditionally has been prescribed for health conditions ranging from diabetes and obesity to digestive issues, liver conditions, allergies, skin inflammation, and eye disorders.

3 It can often seem strange to the Western-minded practitioner that one herb can accomplish so many things. However, since plants contain potentially hundreds of bioactive molecules (as is the case with triphala), it makes sense that each of the phytonutrients in a plant may have a different beneficial effect. Each of the beneficial phytochemicals can have a different benefit, and therefore can be used for a wide variety of ailments. Let s look in more detail at some of the most common therapeutic uses of triphala... Digestive Health In Ayurveda, triphala is mainly used for maintaining a healthy digestive tract. It can help with symptoms of constipation, bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, and indigestion, as well as correct imbalances of natural bacteria that may develop in the GI tract. It can also help heal ulcers, inflammation, and hemorrhoids. Many of the fibers in triphala support the natural bacteria in the digestive tract, which play an important role in our overall well-being. Like many natural fibers, triphala can improve elimination in people whose bowels are slow, and normalize bowel movements in people who tend to have loose stools. Detoxification As a detoxifier, triphala can be used with other herbs or at higher doses during a short-term cleanse program, or daily at lower doses as a gentle detoxifier. As discussed above, one of the detoxification benefits of triphala is its antioxidant activity. In studies of mice, one of the specific antioxidants in triphala, gallic acid, has been shown to help protect liver cells from a toxin known as carbon tetrachloride. By protecting the liver, triphala supports efficient detoxification. Other studies of animals found that by neutralizing free radicals, triphala reduced liver damage from alcohol, as well as decreasing death from radiation sickness. One of the fruits in triphala, amalaki, has been shown to be effective against some of the harmful effects of heavy metals. Recommended Dosage Although the dosage can vary depending on the indication, the typical recommended dose is mg, twice daily. Please note that for the Total Mind-Body Detox, we are giving you specific dosage recommendations for both the Cleanse week and the Rejuvenation week. Safety and Contraindications Triphala is considered a very safe herb and can be used in smaller doses in children and the elderly. It is not habit forming, and therefore is safe for long-term use. As with most herbs, there are not any scientific studies on the use of triphala in pregnancy. According to Ayurveda, triphala can induce a downward movement of energy in the body and should therefore be avoided during pregnancy.

4 There are no known major drug interactions with any of the herbs in triphala when used at the typical doses. Of course, it is always recommended that you let your health care provider know when you are using any herbal supplement, especially if you are taking medications that require specific levels to be maintained, such as blood thinners, seizure medications, and chemotherapy. Since triphala can increase the elimination of foreign chemicals from the body, it may increase the elimination of certain medications as well, so it s important to discuss taking triphala with your health care provider. In general, you can continue taking triphala while monitoring the levels of your medications with your health care provider. As one of the most rejuvenative formulations in Ayurveda, triphala helps keep us healthy throughout our life span. Using this time-tested formula helps us eliminate what is not contributing to our health and well-being, while at the same time providing a combination of nutrients that allow us to create and maintain good health. References Agarwal, K., et al. (1992) The Efficacy of Two Species of Phyllanthus in Counteracting Nickel Clastogenicity. Fitoterapia, (63(1):49. Carlsen, M.H., et al. (2010) The Total Antioxidant Content of More Than 3,100 Foods, Beverages, Spices Herbs and Supplements Used Worldwide. Nutrition Journal, 9:3. Jadon, A., et al. (2007) Protective Effect of Terminalia Belerica and Gallic Acid Against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Damage in Albino Rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Jan; 19;109(2): Jagetia G.C., Malagi K.J., Baliga M.S., et al. (2004) Triphala, an Ayurvedic Rasayana Drug, Protects Mice Against Radiation-Induced Lethality by Free-Radical Scavenging. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 10(6): Kumar M.S., Kirubanandan S., Sripriya R. (2007) Triphala Promotes Healing of Infected Full- Thickness Dermal Wound. Journal of Surgical Research, Jan; 144(1): Lad, V. (2012). Textbook of Ayurveda, Vol 3. Albuquerque: The Ayurvedic Press. Mullin, G. (Ed.) (2011). Integrative Gastroenterology. New York: Oxford University Press. Pole, S. (2013). Ayurvedic Medicine-The Principles of Traditional Practice. Philadelphia: Singing Dragon. Rasool M., Sabina E.P. (2007) Anti-inflammatory Effect of the Indian Ayurvedic Herbal Formulation Triphala on Adjuvant-induced Arthritis in Mice. Phytotherapy Research, Sep; 21(9): Sandhya T., Lathika K.M., Pandey B.N., Mishra K.P. (2006) Potential of Traditional Ayurvedic Formulation, Triphala, as a Novel Anticancer Drug. Cancer Letters, Jan; 231(2):

5 Sharma, P. (Ed.). (1983). Charaka-Samhita, Vol II. (First Edition). Varanasi, India: Chaukhambha Orientalia. Shi Y., Sahu R.P., Srivastava S.K. (2008) Triphala Inhibits Both In Vitro and In Vivo Xenograft Growth of Pancreatic Tumor Cells by Inducing Apoptosis. BMC Cancer, Oct 10;8:294. Sodhi, V. (2014). Ayurvedic Herbs. Bothell: Book Publishers Network. About the Author Dr. Sheila Patel is the Chopra Center s Medical Director and a board-certified family physician who is passionate about bringing holistic healing practices into the Western medical system. She earned her M.D. at the University of Wisconsin Medical School and completed her residency in family medicine at the Ventura County Medical Center in Southern California. For more than a decade, she practiced full-spectrum family medicine, from prenatal care and deliveries to ER coverage and primary care for all ages. At the Chopra Center, Dr. Patel offers integrative medical consultations that combine the best in conventional medicine with the wisdom of Ayurveda. She also teaches at the Chopra Center s 6-day and 10-day Perfect Health programs, and is certified as an instructor of Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. Her special interests include preventive medicine and mind-body medicine, with an emphasis on Ayurveda. Her experience in treating a full range of medical conditions gives her the ability to effectively incorporate lifestyle practices into a patient s treatment plan. Dr. Patel also serves as the Clinical Director for the Chopra Center s research team. She enjoys the opportunity to bring light to the mechanisms of action of mind-body practices, giving them scientific validation. Her hope is that by confirming the benefits of the practices, more patients will gain access to these life-enhancing techniques. Dr. Patel s medical writings on a variety of topics have been featured in many integrative and holistic publications, including the Chopra Center s online newsletter. She is a Volunteer Faculty Member for the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine, where she participates in their Ambulatory Care Apprenticeship Program for first-year and second-year medical students at an outpatient family medicine office. She also mentors medical students at the Chopra Center as part of their integrative medicine rotations. Dr. Patel is an engaging speaker who enjoys bringing the principles of Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation to the public as well as to other health care providers. She is a featured lecturer at the Chopra Center s signature mind-body medicine conference, Journey into Healing. She has also served as a guest lecturer at several integrative medical conferences, as well as at Bastyr University in San Diego and UCSD School of Medicine.

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