Triphala
(containing three seeds: amloki, bahera, and haritaki)
Triphala translates to "three fruits": Phyllanthus emblica—in Sanskrit, "amlaki" or Indian gooseberry; Terminalia bellirica—Vibhitaki, Aksha, or "Bahera"; and Chebulic myrobalan—known as "haritaki", whose natural color is *hara* (green), hence the name. Often called 'the king of medicines' since the time of Charaka, it is employed in the treatment of a wide array of conditions. The primary therapeutic action of Triphala is to scrape away digestive toxins from the digestive tract and blood, rejuvenating the body—especially the colon, lungs, and mind—while imparting wisdom, intelligence, and longevity.
- Haritaki: Known as *pathya* in Sanskrit, Haritaki holds a prestigious place in Ayurveda. It prevents aging, imparts longevity, boosts immunity, improves mental faculties, and enhances the body's resistance against diseases. Chebulic myrobalan (Haritaki) was first mentioned in Chinese medicine in the *Materia Medica of Medicinal Properties (Yao Xing Ben Cao)*, published around 600 A.D., as a fruit originating from India that later found favor in Greco-Roman, Tibetan, and Chinese traditions, being heavily extolled in the *Four Tantras (Gyushi)*.
- Amlaki: Amloki or Amla, referenced in Hindu mythology, is said to have originated from drops of *Amrit* (divine nectar). In the Sanskrit Buddhist tradition, half an amloki fruit was the final gift offered to the Buddhist sangha by the great Indian emperor Ashoka. It helps heal numerous ailments and promotes longevity.
- Bahera: The Bahera fruit is particularly useful for dysentery and diarrhea. Chakradatta recommends taking the inner seed pasted with a few black peppers and a little date-palm treacle (*khajur gur*) once a day for 3, 7, or 21 days, accompanied by bael water as food. Sharangadhara recommends frying the fruits in ghee before coating them in a paste of wheat flour.
Administrations:
Triphala is an essential ingredient in famous Ayurvedic formulas known for cleansing body systems while acting as an effective astringent and laxative. After consuming it in the morning, one should only drink water (not more than a glass) and avoid eating anything else for at least 1 hour.
"My Morning Rituals"
At bedtime, it works exceptionally well when taken with warm milk. One of the earliest treatises of Ayurveda, the *Harit Samhita*, mentions "Triphala Kalpa," where it is used to assuage the symptoms of premature aging.
Traditional Whole Fruit Triphala Morning Infusion
A traditional Ayurvedic wellness drink prepared by soaking whole dried Triphala fruits overnight to gently extract their medicinal properties for a morning detox. The traditional infusion using whole dried fruits (Haritaki, Amlaki/Amla, and Bahera) rather than commercial churna powder, complete with prep steps, traditional steeping instructions -
Ingredients
- 1 whole dried Haritaki (Chebulic myrobalan) fruit
- 1 whole dried Amlaki (Indian gooseberry) fruit
- 1 whole dried Bahera (Vibhitaki) fruit
- 1.5 cups Pure drinking water (clay pot or glass container preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruits: Clean the whole dried fruits (Haritaki, Amlaki, and Bahera). If the fruits are large or hard, lightly crack or crush them using a mortar and pestle to help release the inner extracts more effectively.
- Soak Overnight: Place the whole or lightly crushed fruits into a glass or traditional clay container. Pour 1.5 cups of pure drinking water over them.
- Steep: Cover the container and let it steep undisturbed overnight (for at least 8 to 12 hours). The water will absorb the active herbal essence and change color.
- Strain and Consume: In the morning, strain the herbal water into a clean glass. Drink the infusion on an empty stomach.
- Post-Consumption Guidelines: After drinking, you may have up to one glass of plain water if needed, but avoid eating or drinking anything else for at least 1 hour to allow the cleanse to work effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three fruits that make up Triphala?
Triphala is composed of three medicinal fruits: Amlaki (Indian gooseberry), Bahera (Vibhitaki), and Haritaki (Chebulic myrobalan).
How should Triphala be consumed in the morning?
In the morning, it is typically taken to cleanse the system. Afterwards, only a glass of water is recommended, and food should be avoided for at least one hour.
Can Triphala be taken at night?
Yes, taking Triphala with warm milk at bedtime is traditionally practiced to support digestion and ease the symptoms of aging.