Triphala...Tri pha what?

When I tell people that I love triphala, they always ask, "What is that?"

Triphala is a combination of 3 fruits that originate in India. They consist of Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. It comes in a dry powdered form that you can either take as a warm tea or compressed into a pill.

These 3 fruits each have different properties that when taken together help to cleanse the digestion, remove accumulated toxins from the body, rejuvenate all of our tissues, and bring balance to our bodies and mind.

In the ancient practice of ayurveda, Haritaki is known as one of the most sacred herbs. "It feeds the brain, the nerves, and imparts the energy of Shiva (pure awareness)." Dr. David Frawley

Without creating any imbalances, triphala supports regular elimination as it has a mild laxative effect.

Bibhitaki can be used externally as an antiseptic. Amalaki helps with circulation and Haritaki is a natural astringent.

This makes it a wonderful facial cleanser, exfoliator, and mask.

To use triphala as a face mask, all you need are 3 ingredients.

1 tablespoon of triphala powder

1 teaspoon of raw unrefined coconut oil

3 teaspoons of water

You combine the 3 ingredients until it forms a paste. You apply it to your face and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It will get dry and form a crusty consistency. You'll want to moisten your face with a clean damp washcloth before you rinse it off. As you rinse it off, use upward circular motions with your fingers. This adds the bonus exfoliating effect. And once it is completely rinsed off, your face will feel clean, refreshed and softer than it has in years.

I discovered triphala a couple of years ago as I was going through my Ayurveda Health Educator training at Yoga on High. I have since included it as a regular part of my diet. Although it does not create any imbalances there are couple things to consider.

1. There are no known drug interactions with triphala.

2. Do Not Use if you have diarrhea or dysentery.

3. It is not recommended during pregnancy.

As always consult with a Dr. or a certified Ayurveda Practitioner before taking anything!

research for this blog...

Banyanbotanicals.com

The Yoga of Herbs: An ayurvedic guide to herbal medicine, by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad

Sabrina is an ACE certified health coach and fitness trainer. She has taught a variety of fitness classes and worked with clients from all across the country. She has 20 years of experience. She recently recieved her Ayurveda Health Educator Certificate from Yoga on High and the California College of Ayurveda.