- Written by Dr. Keshavan Nambisan, Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer of UWAY Health
I still remember the first time I held the three dried fruits that make up Triphala in my hands—Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. I must have been seven or eight, following my grandfather, a towering figure in our family of Vaidyas, as he prepared a rasayana blend for one of his regular patients. “These three,” he told me with a glint in his eye, “are like the Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara of Ayurveda. Together, they balance the entire body.”
At the time, I didn’t understand what he meant. But today, after over two decades of treating chronic, complex diseases across 70+ countries, I can say with conviction: he was absolutely right.
Where It All Began
The story of Triphala begins thousands of years ago in the sacred forests and texts of India. Our ancient Ayurvedic sages, particularly Charaka and Sushruta, wrote extensively about a magical combination of three fruits:
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) — the nurse, the rejuvenator, packed with Vitamin C supporting immunity, digestion, and skin health.
Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) — Known for its detoxifying properties, clearing excess mucus and toxins
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) — the king of medicines, regulating digestion, metabolism and longevity
Together, they formed Triphala—literally, “three fruits”—a formula so balanced and powerful that it was prescribed for everything from gut issues to spiritual clarity.
It was considered a tridoshic rasayana, meaning it could pacify all three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—and promote longevity, strength, and rejuvenation. My great-grandfather used to say, “A teaspoon of Triphala with honey and ghee before bed can make you live a hundred years free of disease.”
As a child, that felt like mythology. Today, it feels like science catching up.
How I Rediscovered Triphala—As a Doctor
Despite my BAMS training , it wasn’t until I began seeing patients suffering from autoimmunity, diabetes, gut disorders, and chronic inflammation that I truly understood Triphala’s relevance in modern medicine.
What stunned me was how often a single Ayurvedic formulation could support such a wide range of conditions. The secret? Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microbiome-modulating powers—properties we now understand through the lens of polyphenols, tannins, and gut flora.
Let me walk you through where Triphala is showing remarkable promise—both in tradition and in clinical research.
Gut Health: The Heart of Ayurveda and Triphala
Triphala is first and foremost a gastrointestinal tonic. Ayurveda teaches us that all disease begins in the gut—and Triphala is our frontline warrior.
It helps:
Regulate bowel movements (without creating dependency)
Heal intestinal lining and ulcers
Improve nutrient absorption
Support a healthy microbiome by promoting beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria
In modern terms, it supports peristalsis, acts as a mild laxative, and balances gut pH. I’ve seen patients with IBS and chronic constipation experience relief within days—sometimes after years of discomfort.
Oral Care: From Root Canals to Mouth Rinses
Few people know this, but Triphala is an oral care powerhouse. In our clinics, we often recommend Triphala decoction as a mouthwash—especially for patients with gingivitis or recurrent ulcers.
Clinical trials have found it just as effective as chlorhexidine, the standard antiseptic mouthwash, but without the side effects like tooth staining or altered taste.
What truly amazed me was its effect on stubborn infections like Enterococcus faecalis, often found in root canal failures. Triphala in 10% DMSO outperformed sodium hypochlorite in dissolving bacterial biofilms. It’s not just folk wisdom—it’s biochemistry.
Type 2 Diabetes & Obesity: Managing Modern Epidemics
We regularly get patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Some of them are terrified of insulin, confused about diets, and skeptical of Ayurveda. Here we recommended Triphala, cautiously, as an add-on.
If the patients are stedfast, they will observe that their fasting sugars drop, insulin sensitivity improves, and most importantly, his mindsets change.
There are several research that confirms that Triphala:
Reduces blood glucose levels by slowing carbohydrate absorption
Enhances insulin sensitivity via compounds like gallic acid
Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides
Helps prevent glycation-related damage (which leads to diabetic complications)
And yes, it supports fat metabolism—studies even show weight loss in humans and animals. However, we should also understand that it only supports and cannot be as a single drug in all cases.
For the Skin, Mind, and Joints
Patients with psoriasis, eczema, or wound healing issues often find relief with topical Triphala paste or internal supplementation.
Its anti-inflammatory and collagen-boosting properties help rebuild tissue, reduce pigmentation, and delay signs of aging.
Even in cases of arthritis and gout, Triphala reduces inflammation, uric acid levels, and oxidative stress. It can modulate markers like IL-17 and COX-2 and inhibit pathways like NF-κB.
And when it comes to stress, Triphala acts as an adaptogen—normalizing cortisol, protecting neurons, and improving resilience.
Doubts and Misconceptions we Often Hear about Triphala
Because Triphala is so popular and often recommended by many, people are actually quite confused about how to use it. At UWAY, we regularly get questions about it from patients—both during consultations and on our social media channels.
“Is Triphala just a laxative?”
No. While it does aid bowel movements, it’s not habit-forming or aggressive. It works by improving gut tone, not flushing it forcefully.
“Can I take it daily?”
Yes, in the right dose. In fact, Ayurveda recommends regular use as a rasayana. But dosage matters—start low and observe your body.
“Is it safe during pregnancy?”
Generally not advised without supervision, especially in powder form, due to its mild detoxifying effects.
“Is all Triphala the same?”
Absolutely not. The source, processing, and synergy of the three fruits matter immensely. Always opt for formulations that are traditionally prepared and tested.
Misuse and Overuse: What I Caution Against
In recent years, I’ve seen Triphala sold as a “quick detox” pill or “weight-loss tea.” That saddens me. Triphala isn’t a fad—it’s a very important formulation that deserves more focus.
Overuse, especially in high doses, can lead to:
Loose motions
Dehydration
Electrolyte imbalance
Some people even use it to purge regularly, which goes against the principles of Ayurveda.
Also, not all brands are safe—some supplements may be contaminated with heavy metals or lack active compounds. Look for third-party tested labels like NSF or USP.
Formulations and How I Recommend It
Triphala is available as:
Churna (powder): Traditional form; can be mixed with warm water or honey
Capsules/tablets: More convenient; easier to dose
Kashayam (decoction): For oral and eye washes
Topical paste: For wounds and skin care
Each form has its place—ask your Ayurvedic doctor what’s best for you.
For example:
For oral health: rinse with Triphala decoction
For digestion: 1 tsp Triphala powder at bedtime with warm water
For skin: mix Triphala with aloe vera gel or coconut oil
What the Future Holds—and What We Must Not Forget
Today, researchers are exploring Triphala’s effects on cancer cells, radiation damage, oxidative stress, and even DNA repair. Some studies even show it enhances natural killer cells and supports chemotherapy as an adjunct therapy.
But let’s not forget—it began with a simple principle: Balance.
Beyond Ayurveda prescriptions and general wellness, people have been taking Triphala for all sorts of reasons. Some of those reasons are valid, some are just fads. It’s a bit like that saying—’an apple a day keeps the doctor away’—but if that were true, all of us doctors would be out of work and running apple farms by now. Same goes for Triphala
So here are some of the key takeaways for you about Triphala
Triphala is not magic. It’s the result of 2,000 years of observation, refinement, and respect for nature.
In our work at UWAY, we combine classical Ayurveda with modern diagnostics and allopathic expertise. And yet, Triphala remains one of our most trusted allies.
If you’re considering trying it, here’s my advice:
Start small. Half a teaspoon of powder before bed is enough.
Be patient. It’s not a quick fix—it’s a quiet revolution.
Talk to a qualified Ayurveda doctor. Especially if you have existing conditions or are on medications.
Healing doesn’t begin with medicine. It begins with awareness, intention, and trust—in your body, in nature, and in time.
About Author
DR. PT Kesavan Nambisan
Dr. Keshavan Nambisan is a 5th-generation Ayurveda doctor with over 23 years of clinical experience. He is the Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer of UWAY Health, India’s pioneering platform for personalized and integrative healthcare. He graduated with a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences.
With over 23 years of experience, Dr Keshavan is known for his expertise in addressing complex, chronic, and progressive illnesses such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, chronic kidney disease, and autism spectrum disorders. Before co-founding UWAY, he served as Deputy Chief Medical Officer at The Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam (AVP), Coimbatore.
