Triphala is one of the most famous Ayurvedic herbal blends. It is a rasayana formula, meaning it has great rejuvenative properties. As the name suggests, it is made of three tropical fruits: amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki.

Normally, this formula is taken to cleanse, tonify, and regenerate the lower intestines, but the formula also works as a kind of physiological roto rooter in the arteries, often making a significant difference in circulation and vision.

Triphala is not a laxative much less a purgative, but it can be bowel stimulating. Its longer term action is to promote better assimilation and elimination, thereby leading to better health. It is the best selling formula in the Ayurvedic repertoire and is balancing for all constitutional types.

In a study done of the radioprotective properties of triphala, mice were given the equivalent of 1 gram of triphala per kilogram of body weight. This would work out to about two ounces of powdered triphala for an adult weighing about 130 pounds.

This dosage was administered for seven days prior to lethal full body irradiation. The triphala appeared to reduce oxidative damage to the DNA and conferred a 60% reduction in mortality. Practically speaking, the dosage is very high but for those with obstructed bowels or sluggish elimination, short-term use at these levels might be considered as prophylactic in the event of exposure to high levels of gamma radiation.

Research: PubMed

The aqueous extract of the fruits of Emblica officinalis (T1), Terminalia chebula (T2) and Terminalia belerica (T3) and their equiproportional mixture triphala were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity. gamma-Radiation induced strand break formation in plasmid DNA (pBR322) was effectively inhibited by triphala and its constituents in the concentration range 25-200 microg/mL with a percentage inhibition of T1 (30%-83%), T2 (21%-71%), T3 (8%-58%) and triphala (17%-63%). They also inhibited radiation induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes effectively with IC(50) values less than 15 microg/mL. The extracts were found to possess the ability to scavenge free radicals such as DPPH and superoxide.

Research: PubMed

Ingredients

Amalaki

Amalaki can be found throughout South and Southeast Asia. It is sometimes called a tropical gooseberry. It is astonishingly sour and is the primary ingredient in India's two most famous herbal preparations: Chyawanprash and triphala. It is sometimes regarded as the world's richest and most stable source of vitamin C. The fruit is also a surprisingly good source of minerals and has a rather high protein content for fruit. The fruit, juice, and sediment are all antioxidant and anti-aging.

The fruit is antihemorrhagic and antidiarrheal. It can be used as an eye tonic as well as liver and digestive tonic. Mixed with turmeric and honey, it is used to treat diabetes.

"An aqueous extract of the fruit has been reported to provide protection against radiation-induced chromosomal damage in both pre-and postirradiation treatment. . . The fruit can be used as a dietary supplement to counteract prolonged exposure to metals in population in industrial areas." [1] [1] Khare, C, P., Indian Medicinal Plants, p. 247 Photo: http://bestamla.com/

Bibhitaki

Bibhitaki is native to the deciduous forests of India. When ripe and dried, the fruit is astringent and is therefore styptic and useful in stopping diarrhea. For this purpose, the powder works best.

Bibhitaki is warming and acts as an expectorant. It is used to eliminate intestinal parasites, improve vision, and reduce blood pressure. It has antihistaminic properties than help to relieve symptoms of allergies.

Experiments have shown that Bibhitaki possesses anti-HIV-1, antimalarial, antimutagenic and antifungal activities.[2] [2] http://bibhitaki.com/aboutbibhitaki.htm Photo: http://www.oshims.com