In Ayurvedic medicine, Triphala is considered a tridoshic rasayana. This means Triphala supports all three doshas: air/space, fire/water, and water/earth. Doshas are the elements responsible for physical, mental, and emotional health. Triphala means “three fruits.” A combination of Indian gooseberry, black myrobalan, and belleric myrobalan.

Triphala can treat a wide range of health conditions. As with many multi-herbal medications, it is unknown which parts of Triphala are responsible for its potential benefits.

Many of Triphala’s possible health benefits can be attributed to its laxative effect, or ability to “cleanse the system.” At lower doses, Triphala works as a bowel tonic to alleviate gas and promote digestion. It can also be used at higher doses as a purgative, or strong laxative.

In addition to the gastrointestinal benefits, Triphala is believed to help:

• Alleviate inflammation
• Control diabetes
• Promote weight loss
• Reduce cholesterol
• Relieve stress
• Treat a variety of bacterial and fungal infections