Triphala is a highly revered formula in Ayurveda and is available from Maharishi AyurVeda as Triphala Rose.
Triphala means ‘three fruits’ – Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki. When combined as Triphala their complimentary and synergistic effect forms a very powerful Rasayana. Rasayana is the Ayurvedic terms for any herbal combination that enlivens the inner intelligence of mind and body from a fundamental level, promoting rejuvenation and long life.
Triphala is particularly rejuvenating for the digestive tract, and is a Rasayana for the eyes and the skin. When combined with Rose petals (Rosa centifolia) many of these benefits are enhanced. It is a mild laxative and is excellent for clearing toxins (Ama) from the digestive system.
Deep Cleansing
Triphala Rose has a gentle cleansing action on all the body’s tissues including blood, muscle, urinary tract and fat tissue. When it is taken for a long time this cleansing action becomes gradually deeper and more thorough.
Maintaining Inner Intelligence
Triphala enhances our primary digestive fire that is located the stomach, know as Jatharagni. There are said to be thirteen Agnis and these include seven Dhatuagnis. The Dhatuagnis are responsible for the digestive and metabolic processes that form and sustain our tissues (Dhatus). They also help sequential transform each tissue from one type to the next.
It is in the gaps between each Dhatu where the intelligence of nature operates. If there is any sluggishness in these gaps, due to the toxic build-up that Ayurveda calls Ama, Triphala helps to remove it and thereby enliven the intelligence between and within each tissue.
The Three Fruits (plus Rose)
Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry)
The Amla fruit is so prized in India that it is said to be divine. The Charaka Samhita says “Amalaki is the best among rejuvenating herbs”.
Amalaki helps cleanse the body in many ways. By enhancing digestion and food absorption, food is converted into useful substances rather than becoming undigested and toxic.
A rare quality of Amalaki is that it heightens digestion without over-heating the digestive tract, and is traditionally considered one of the best herbs for balancing stomach acidity. It helps support the liver, our primary organs for removing accumulated toxins that come from either dietary and lifestyle errors or from exposure to pollutants.
Amalaki also assists with bowel movements and is supportive to the urinary system by helping the body eliminate excess water in a natural way.
Haritaki (Indian Gallnut)
The great Ayurvedic Sage Charaka, considered Haritaki to be as nourishing as mother’s milk. He also stated that it is good for the digestive system and helps to enhance the absorption of nutrients in food. It cleanses both the micro and macro circulatory channels.
Haritaki is a Rasayana for the eyes and skin and is said to maintain the balance of all aspects of the skin. Sushruta Samhita, a classical Ayurvedic text on surgery, states that Haritaki and Triphala are useful in cleansing wounds and rejuvenating the insides.
Bibhitaki (Beleric myrobalan)
The ancient Ayurvedic text called Sushruta Samhita, says that Bibhitaki helps purify the blood, maintains our blood clotting ability, and purifies, clears and opens our body channels.
Charaka Samhita (another traditional Ayurvedic text) also states that Bibhitaki is ideal for pacifying Pitta and Kapha Dosha; it cleanses the Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa andMeda Dhatus (plasma, blood and fat tissues); is excellent for balancing and nurturing the vocal cords; is antibacterial and is a Rasayana for the eyes.
The Bhavprakash Nigantu text mentions that Bibhitaki is nourishing for the eyes. It is also known to nourish the hair, and helps to maintain the hair roots, colour and thickness.
Shatapatri (Cabbage Rose)
The petals of the Cabbage or Provence Rose (both shatapari and centifolia mean ‘having one hundred petals’) and are renowned for their many health giving properties. They are used in many Maharishi AyurVeda preparations.
Rose petals balance Sadhaka Pitta, the subdosha that governs the heart and emotions. What is less obvious is that rose petals also balance the mind by enhancing the coordination between Sadhaka Pitta and Prana Vata (the subdosha of Vata that governs the brain, head, chest, respiration, sensory perception and the mind).
Like Amalaki, rose petals are cooling, yet they enhance agni, the digestive fire. This is the rare quality that gives balance to all three doshas. They specifically help to maintain the health of the skin, eyes and menstrual flow.
Amalaki the Nurse
- Lungs: by balancing Shleshaka Kapha, the regulator of moisture balance in the lungs, it helps maintain resistance to infection.
- Reproduction: by balancing Apana Vata the health of the menstrual cycle, sperm, ovaries, uterus and conception is maintained.
- Skin: by helping to keep the liver healthy it cleanses the skin and enhances complexion, skin moisture and lustre.
- Nervous system: its medhya properties support and co-ordinate the acquisition, retention and recall of knowledge and development of intellect, mind and sensory awareness.
- Cardiovascular system: its high Vitamin C content improves assimilation of iron and contributes to the health of the blood.
- Muscles: it enhances protein synthesis, promotes a positive nitrogen balance and strengthens the muscles, contributing to lean muscle mass.
- Eyes: it is a rasayana for strengthening the eyes and vision.
- Hair, nails and teeth: by helping to improve absorption of calcium and other nutrients, nails and teeth are maintained and greying and thinning of hair reduced.
- Vitamin C: Amalaki is one of the most concentrated and absorbable sources of Vitamin C in the plant kingdom. The Vitamin C is in a very stable form due to the presence of tannins.
- Antioxidant: partly due to the presence of Vitamin C and Quercetin it is a powerful antioxidant and immune system enhancer.
Quality Control
The full benefits of Triphala Rose and its ingredients can only be experienced if the selection and preparation of the ingredients carefully follows the instructions of the Ayurvedic sages. Maharishi AyurVeda is committed to using only the highest quality ingredients and upholding the authenticity of the Ayurvedic tradition whatever the cost. Maharishi AyurVeda Triphala Rose uses only the rarest and most costly of the seven varieties of Haritaki.
Maharishi Ayurveda maintains a robust quality control system to ensure that all elements of quality control are consistently applied through inspection and certification by independent bodies (e.g. WHOGMP, ISO 22000:2005, AYUSH Premium Mark).’
