Hour 76 Ayurveda – Medicinal Herbs VII

Amla and Triphala

10. Indian Gooseberry (Amla) – Phyllanthus embelica

Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, is one of the most well-known and revered herbs in Ayurveda. The fruit of the Amla tree is used medicinally and is considered a powerhouse for its wide range of health benefits.

Taste: Amla possesses all five tastes except salty—sweet, sour, bitter, astringent, and pungent.

Guna: Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)

Virya: Cooling (Shita)

Vipaka: Sweet (Madhura)

Karma:  Balances Pitta and Kapha, increases Vata, rejuvenating (Rasayana), supports digestion (Deepana), antioxidant (Vishagna).

Therapeutic actions :

Health Benefits of Amla

• Digestive Health: Amla enhances Agni (digestive fire) and supports the digestive process. It promotes healthy digestion, alleviates acidity, and detoxifies the system. It is a mild carminative, helping to eliminate excess gas and toxins (Ama) from the body.
• Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging: Amla is considered an excellent Rasayana, nourishing and rejuvenating the body. It supports all seven Dhatus (tissues), promoting vitality, and slowing down the aging process.
• Hair Health: Amla is a well-known tonic for the hair, strengthening hair follicles, preventing hair loss, and promoting healthy hair growth.
• Vision Support: Amla improves vision, reduces eye strain, and supports overall eye health.
• Brain Health: It acts as a brain tonic, improving memory, intellect, and sensory perception.
• Rejuvenative Properties:
  It is considered a “Rasayana” (rejuvenator) in Ayurveda and is an excellent tonic for the body and mind. It nourishes the seven Dhatus (tissues), aids in the rejuvenation of the body, and slows down the aging process.
• Remedies :
  • Fresh juice of Amla (20 ml) can be consumed for conditions like burning sensations, constipation, and to support overall wellbeing of eyes and hair.
  • Dried Amla powder (1–2 grams) can be used in similar conditions as above.
  • To avoid coughing or cold symptoms, Amla can be consumed with a pinch of black pepper, rock salt, and dry ginger powder.
  • Amla is best consumed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., as it may aggravate Kapha if consumed later in the day.

Precautions:

• For some people, Amla may initially cause loose stools, which is a cleansing process for the body.
• People with a tendency for cough or cold should use Amla with warming spices.

11. Triphala

Triphala is one of the most famous Ayurvedic formulations, consisting of three powerful fruits: Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica). The formulation is well-regarded for its ability to balance all three Doshas and promote overall health. Triphala is frequently used in Ayurveda for digestive health, detoxification, and rejuvenation.

Preparation of Triphala

• Ingredients: Triphala is made by drying and grinding three fruits—Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki—into a powder. The most common preparation uses a 1:1:1 ratio of the three fruits.
• Alternative Ratio: For cooling properties and specific conditions like skin health, hair health, and eye health, a modified ratio of 1:2:3 is used, where Amla is the dominant ingredient.

Health Benefits of Triphala

• Digestive Health: Triphala is a mild natural laxative, making it useful for constipation relief. It cleanses the digestive tract, removes toxins (Ama), and balances digestive functions. It also stimulates appetite and promotes regular bowel movements.
• Detoxification: Triphala is a potent detoxifier, helping to remove toxins from the body, thereby supporting overall health and vitality.
• Antioxidant Properties: Triphala is rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and protect the body from free radical damage.
• Skin and Hair: Triphala improves the quality of skin and hair. It strengthens hair follicles, prevents premature graying, and enhances skin tone and texture.
• Eye Health: Regular use of Triphala helps reduce eye strain, improves vision, and can be beneficial in treating conditions such as computer vision syndrome and other vision-related problems.
• Anti-Aging: As a Rasayana (rejuvenative), Triphala supports tissue regeneration, promoting longevity and reducing the effects of aging on the body.

Remedies:

• For Constipation Relief: A common practice is to take 5 grams of Triphala powder with warm water after dinner. It is important to eat a light dinner to avoid any discomfort.
• For Detoxification and Rejuvenation: To prepare a Triphala decoction, take 10 grams of Triphala powder and boil it in 500 ml of water. Reduce the mixture to one-fourth of its original volume (about 125 ml). Strain the decoction and consume it early in the morning on an empty stomach for detoxification, weight loss, and skin and eye health.
• For Weight Loss: Triphala helps in weight management by supporting digestion, improving metabolism, and detoxifying the body.
• For General Wellbeing: A mild, regular dose of Triphala can be taken daily for overall health maintenance.