Ayurvedic
Find Ayurvedic Practitioners
Herb library • Ayurveda

Triphala

A classical three-fruit formulation — Ayurveda's most famous gentle bowel regulator and Rasayana.

Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula · Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki

Quick facts

Quick facts about Triphala
Botanical nameEmblica officinalis, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula
Other namesAmalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki
Part usedDried fruits of three trees, in equal parts
Common formsPowder with warm water at bedtime; tablets; decoction as a gargle or rinse.
Hands gathering fresh herbs and lemongrass into a woven basket
Correct identification, clean growing conditions and careful processing matter as much as the herb itself. Choose licensed products that name the plant and part used.

Ayurvedic properties

Ayurveda describes every herb by its taste (rasa), qualities (guna), potency (virya), post-digestive effect (vipaka) and effect on the doshas.

Ayurvedic properties of Triphala
Taste (rasa)Five tastes (all except salty)
Qualities (guna)Light, dry
Potency (virya)Mildly heating
After digestion (vipaka)Sweet
Effect on doshasBalances all three

Traditional uses

  • Constipation and sluggish digestion
  • Eye health (Triphala ghrita, internally)
  • Mouth rinse for gums
  • General rejuvenation

These are uses described in Ayurvedic practice; they are not all supported by clinical research.

What research shows

Small trials suggest benefit for constipation and, as a mouth rinse, for dental plaque and gum inflammation. Larger, high-quality studies are lacking.

Safety

Avoid or ask a doctor first if you have:
  • Pregnancy
  • Diarrhoea or inflammatory bowel disease flares
  • Acute diverticulitis
  • Dehydration

Possible interactions

  • May reduce absorption of other medicines taken at the same time — take 2 hours apart

Side effects

Loose stools and cramps, especially at higher doses. Long-term daily use for constipation should be reviewed with a doctor.

Stop and seek medical advice if you develop yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, a rash, or feel unwell after starting any herbal product.

Buying safely

  • Buy licensed products whose label shows the manufacturer's name and address, an AYUSH licence number, batch number and expiry date.
  • Prefer products that name the botanical species and the part used.
  • Be wary of products promising cures, “no side effects”, or rapid results — some have been found to contain hidden steroids or other drugs.
  • Tell every doctor and pharmacist about all the herbal products you take.
  • Report side effects through the Ministry of Ayush pharmacovigilance programme. See our Ayurvedic medicine safety guide.

Please note: this page is general education, not medical advice. Take herbal medicines only on the advice of a qualified practitioner who knows your health and your other medicines.