Triphala is a natural remedy that plays a very important role in Ayurvedic medicine (ancient Indian medicine). This herbal blend is made from the dried powder of 3 fruits: amla, haritaki and bibhitaki. It is usually taken in the form of herbal tea, but it can also be found in tablets, liquids and capsules. Traditionally it is used to combat various ailments, from intestinal problems (such as flatulence and constipation) to problems with the immune system, such as inflammation. However, many of these uses have not been proven by science, so it is good to consult a doctor before taking triphala, especially if you are taking other medicines.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choose Shape and Dosage
Step 1. Take triphala in the traditional way
You can consume the dried fruits that compose it or use it to prepare an herbal tea. You can get dried fruit or triphala powder on the internet or at a herbalist's shop. To make herbal tea, mix half a teaspoon (3g) of powder with one cup (250ml) of hot water. Alternatively, you can mix the same amount of powder with honey or ghee and take it before a meal.
Step 2. If you are looking for an alternative to traditional methods, choose ready-to-use commercial preparations
Triphala can be purchased online or in herbal medicine in the form of capsules, liquids, lozenges, or chewable tablets. Choose one of these products if you find them more comfortable. Read the instructions on the package insert to determine the dosage equivalent to a traditional triphala variant.
- To use liquid supplements, you typically need to mix 30 drops of the product with 250ml of water or juice. The preparation should be taken 1-3 times a day.
- Chewable capsules, lozenges and tablets should be taken 1 or 2 times a day.
Step 3. Take the triphala on an empty stomach
This is the recommended mode of administration in most cases. If you need to take multiple servings a day, try to take one in the morning before breakfast, then take another before dinner. However, if you use this remedy for its digestive properties (for example to facilitate bowel evacuation or assimilation of food), take one dose in the evening, approximately 2 hours after dinner or approximately 30 minutes before going to bed.
Traditionally it is recommended to take triphala on an empty stomach. It seems that this method of recruitment helps to maximize its effects
Step 4. Take the triphala dose separately from other medicines
Regardless of why you use it, take it 2 hours earlier (or later) than other medications or supplements. This will ensure you take full advantage of all its benefits.
Part 2 of 3: Using Triphala to Reap the Traditional Benefits
Step 1. Use it to relieve occasional digestive upsets
Triphala is traditionally consumed to get rid of flatulence, constipation, stomach pain and many other gastrointestinal problems. If possible, prefer traditional variations. For example, buy dried fruit or use the powder to make herbal tea. Take 1-3 grams per day.
- If you want to use it as a laxative, take 2-6 grams per day.
- You have to wait for 6-12 hours for triphala to have a laxative effect. Do not use it for this purpose for more than 7 days.
Step 2. Use it to fight cough
Triphala helps to get rid of cough easily. Just take 2-6 g of dried fruit every day until completely healed. You can also sip triphala tea to find relief and soothe your cough.
Step 3. Use it to strengthen the immune system
Drink 1-3 cups of herbal tea a day to prevent various ailments. According to the Ayurvedic tradition, triphala is effective for strengthening the immune system and maintaining good general health.
Triphala can also be taken in other ways to reap these same benefits
Step 4. Use it to reduce inflammation
Taking one dose of triphala a day can relieve the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Contact your doctor to determine the correct doses for your condition and whether triphala can interact with other medicines you are taking for the condition in question.
Step 5. Use it to lower cholesterol
Traditionally, the digestive benefits of triphala are thought to help reduce "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels as well. However, if you take other medicines for this purpose, consult a doctor before starting to take it.
Step 6. Use it to fight cancer
According to Ayurvedic tradition, triphala helps reduce the cancerous cells of cancer patients. However, research into these effects is inconclusive. In case you want to try it, you can ask your doctor if he considers it a potentially safe and effective option.
Triphala should not be used as a substitute for conventional cancer treatments
Part 3 of 3: Taking Triphala the Safe Way
Step 1. Talk to your doctor before using triphala if you have severe symptoms
Abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and vomiting can be symptomatic of a more serious illness. As if that weren't enough, triphala has elevated laxative properties that can exacerbate these symptoms. In these cases it is best to talk to your doctor before taking it.
Step 2. Do not use triphala if you have chronic intestinal problems
If you have conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, another inflammatory condition affecting the colon, or another chronic intestinal disorder, you should avoid getting it. Its effects can severely worsen these diseases and also cause:
- Intestinal obstructions.
- Intestinal atony.
- Appendicitis.
- Rectal bleeding.
- Dehydration.
Step 3. Ask your doctor if you can use triphala if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Despite being a natural product and extracted from fruit, it has powerful medicinal properties. This means that it can affect the pregnancy or the health of the baby. If your doctor thinks you can take it safely, he can help you determine a safe dosage.
Step 4. Reduce doses or stop taking triphala if you experience side effects
See if you experience abdominal pain, cramps, spasms or diarrhea during the treatment. In this case, try reducing the dose, or stop taking it directly.
Step 5. Every 10 weeks, stop taking triphala for 2-3 weeks
Although it is not addictive, it is preferable to avoid using it constantly for prolonged periods. After taking it for 10 weeks, take a 2-3 week break. You can then resume with your normal daily intake. This is to ensure that the remedy is as effective as possible.
