Dear Friends,
As many of you know, I am passionate about sharing the life-changing wellness benefits I have gotten from practicing Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic healing. I will soon be launching a new product offering, Digestiva Triphala, to continue doing just that.
If you’ve never heard of triphala, don’t worry. I’m excited to tell you all about it.
WHAT IS TRIPHALA?
Triphala is an Ayurvedic concoction made of three fruits: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). In fact, the word triphala itself means three fruits! Each of these fruits has its own unique wellness-supporting properties:
Amalaki
Also known as an Indian gooseberry, this fruit has a sour, sharp taste. It is incredibly nutritious and high in vitamin C, amino acids, and minerals. Because the Amalaki berry has a fibrous texture, it is often served pickled, soaked in sugar syrup, or cooked with other ingredients. These berries are used to treat constipation and may also support cancer prevention.
Bibhitaki
The fruit of a large tree that grows throughout India, Bibhitaki is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help in the treatment of gout, and may also support the treatment of diabetes and dysregulated blood sugar. High in gallic acid and ellagic acid, Bibhitaki may have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and body weight as well.
Haritaki
Often referred to as “the king of medicines” in Ayurveda, Haritaki is a small green fruit that can be used to help treat conditions as far-ranging as heart disease, asthma, ulcers, and stomach aliments. Like Amalakti, it can help treat constipation as well.
WHAT MAKES DIGESTIVA TRIPHALA SPECIAL?
One of the things I love most about Ayurveda is the emphasis on combining different herbs for maximum wellness effects – of which triphala has many.
Triphala is best known as a digestive tonic and gentle laxative that helps support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements by cleansing the digestive tracts, removing toxins, and promoting better food absorption.
But this is far from its only potential benefit. Triphala contains many antioxidant properties that can help support overall cellular health and healthier-looking skin. Furthermore, diets high in antioxidants have been liked to reduced risk of heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes and premature aging. And believe it or not, triphala may protect against dental disease and cavaties and even aid with weight management – particularly loss of gut fat – as well.
Ayurveda teaches that there are three general types of human physical and emotional compositions, called doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), and that triphala can be used to balance them and promote overall well being.
HOW SHOULD I TAKE DIGESTIVA TRIPHALA?
Though I am both a Western and Indian medical expert with over 30 years of experience, I always recommend consulting your doctor before adding any new supplements or protocols to your wellness routine.
That said, I encourage everyone who takes triphala to do so in the evening, about two hours after eating and at least 30 minutes before bedtime. This is because triphala may be best absorbed on an emptier stomach.
If you will excuse my saying so, you will also want to be near a private bathroom that you can use comfortably. While I know this is a delicate matter, it is one that is beneficial to wellness–and I hope you know that regarding wellness, there is nothing that is off-limits for me to discuss.
I am not at all embarrassed to say that I take triphala for all its many benefits. I hope you will consider doing so as well.
Namaste,
Puneet
