Triphala
November 29, 2004
By: Dr. Sonja Pettersen N.M.D.

While Triphala may be new in our medicinary, it is by no means a new formula. There are documents that are 2500 years old that mention the health benefits of Triphala, which is an ayurvedic formula for internal purification. It is actually a combination of three fruits and in ayurvedic medicine it is called a tridoshic rasayan, which means that it has a balancing effect on all three doshas, which are the constitutional types of traditional Indian medicine. This quality alone makes it a unique medicine because it can be beneficial for anyone.

Triphala has another unique characteristic in that it can detoxify the body without depleting it. Many botanicals have such strong detoxifying or purging qualities that the body risks losing valuable nutrients or energy. When using herbal medicine the strategy is often to either tonify or eliminate, however, if you do either one in excess, a strain is put on the body. For example, if you tonify too much you will cause stagnation and congestion in some people. On the other hand, if you push the elimination pathways in weakened people they will be further depleted.

Triphala balances tonification and elimination making it a great choice for so many patients. It is a nutritive product rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, tannins and other nutrients. It is considered a blood purifier and liver cleanser. Its antioxidant properties are so strong that it has been shown to scavenge free radicals caused by radiation that would otherwise damage the DNA.

One of the fruits has a strong laxative effect but it is balanced by the other herbs and modified in the processing so that it is not excessive for the body. It works as an astringent for the colon and improves motility but not as an irritant so it is gentle on the gut.

The other properties it possesses include: anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-malarial, anti-mutagenic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, cardio-tonic, anti-aging, and liver protective.

Because of its multitude of properties, it has been useful for so many conditions including constipation, asthma, cough, jaundice, fever, eye disease, chronic ulcers, leucorrhea, weight loss, stress, elevated cholesterol, mental sluggishness, low immunity and wound healing.

The really great aspect of Triphala is that it has been around for thousands of years and has proven to be very safe even with long-term use.

It is really a great rejuvenating tonic with anti-aging benefits for all constitutional types. Traditionally it was given in 2-4 grams a day for one year to obtain these benefits.

At Poliquin Performance Center we use Planetary Formula's Triphala Internal Cleanser in many protocols since addressing the GI system is central to resolving most health conditions. Our primary application is for restoring healthy gut tone and regular elimination of the bowels.

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