Triphala Choornam

The story

Triphala — literally “three fruits” — is the single most-prescribed internal preparation in classical Ayurveda. Composed of Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Bibhitaki (Beleric myrobalan), and Haritaki (Chebulic myrobalan), in equal proportion, taken at night with warm water.

The classical claim, made in Charaka Chikitsa Sthana 1.3: taken daily for one year, Triphala produces the body of a 20-year-old. The modern, more modest claim: it supports digestion, elimination, and through that, skin clarity.

How it works

The three fruits each address a different dosha:

• Amalaki → Pitta-pacifying, Vitamin C-rich, antioxidant
• Bibhitaki → Kapha-pacifying, supports lung and liver function
• Haritaki → Vata-pacifying, mild laxative, improves elimination

The combined effect is tridoshic — balancing all three. The mild laxative effect (without dependency) is what improves skin: classical Ayurveda holds that incomplete elimination causes ama (metabolic toxins) to surface through the skin as acne, pigmentation, dullness.

How to use it

• Standard dose: ½ to 1 teaspoon Triphala Choornam mixed with 100 ml warm water, taken at bedtime on an empty stomach, daily
• For sluggish digestion: 1 teaspoon with warm water + a few drops of honey at bedtime
• As a mouthwash: 1 teaspoon in warm water, swished for 1 minute — classical use for gum care
• As an eye wash: 1 teaspoon steeped in 1 cup warm water, strained, used as eye wash — the classical Triphala-jala

Who it’s for

Anyone over 18 with sluggish digestion, irregular elimination, or persistent dull/breakout-prone skin. Daily use is safe and recommended in classical texts.

The honest part

The taste is challenging — Triphala has all six rasas, but the dominant astringent and bitter notes take getting used to. Honey helps. Don’t take during pregnancy (the mild laxative action is not advised then) or during heavy menstruation.