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Triphala

Triphala · Compound: Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica

Rasa (Taste) All five tastes except Salty (Sweet, Sour, Pungent, Bitter, Astringent)
Virya (Energy) Neutral to mildly Cooling
Vipaka Sweet
Part Used Dried fruits of Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki (1:1:1 or traditional ratios)
Dosha Effect Balances all three doshas (tridoshahara); one of the few truly tridoshic formulations in Ayurveda
Family Phyllanthaceae (Amalaki), Combretaceae (Haritaki, Bibhitaki)

Traditional Uses

The Charaka Samhita extensively describes Triphala's applications, classifying it as one of the foremost rasayana (rejuvenative) formulations. Charaka recommends Triphala Rasayana -- a specific protocol involving the gradual administration of Triphala with honey and ghee -- for promoting longevity, sharpening sensory organs, and preventing disease. In the Chikitsa Sthana, Charaka prescribes Triphala for prameha (diabetes), kushta (skin diseases), netra roga (eye diseases), and pandu (anemia).

Preparations

Triphala Churna: equal parts powdered Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki (the most common preparation). Triphala Tablet/Capsule: compressed powder for convenience. Triphala Kashaya (decoction): 1 teaspoon powder steeped overnight in water, drunk in the morning.

Dosage

Powder: 3-6 grams at bedtime with warm water (standard daily dose). Tablets/capsules: 500 mg to 1 gram, one to two tablets twice daily.

Dosha Guidance

For Vata types, Triphala is a gentle, supportive formulation that addresses Vata's tendency toward constipation, irregular digestion, and dry intestinal membranes. The Haritaki component particularly benefits Vata, and the sweet vipaka nourishes rather than depletes Vata tissue. Vata individuals should take Triphala with warm water and a pinch of ghee or sesame oil at bedtime.

Synergistic Combinations

Combined with Guggulu and Pippali in Triphala Guggulu for arthritis, joint pain, and metabolic conditions. Paired with Trikatu for comprehensive digestive restoration (Triphala for cleansing, Trikatu for igniting agni).

Contraindications

Triphala is one of the safest formulations in Ayurveda, but some precautions apply. It may cause loose stools or diarrhea in sensitive individuals or at high doses -- reduce the dose if this occurs. Not recommended during pregnancy (due to Haritaki's mild stimulant effect on the uterus) or during active diarrhea/dysentery.

Tissues & Channels

Dhatus: All seven dhatus

Srotas: Annavaha (digestive), Purishavaha (excretory), Raktavaha (circulatory), Mamsavaha (muscular), Medovaha (fat metabolism)

Where to Buy

For authentic Triphala, the quality of each individual fruit matters. Look for products that specify the botanical names and the ratio used (traditional equal parts by weight, or the Vagbhata ratio of 1:2:4 Haritaki:Bibhitaki:Amalaki).

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