First things first—triphala is a powder made from the dried fruits of three Ayurvedic plants that grow in India, namely Terminalia bellirica (bibhitaki) , Terminalia chebula (haritaki) , and Emblica officinalis (amalaki). These three fruits come together to offer many amazing benefits for our body and mind. Available in pill or powder form, it’s most commonly used for its digestive benefits.

Although each of these plants has its own unique health benefits, when combined they work as a team to bring the body into balance. The fruit powder is also packed with natural antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals—a common cause of problems related to chronic disease.

In fact, traditional Indian medicine compares triphala’s effects on the body to those of shilajit, another popular herbal supplement that Ayurvedic healers have used for thousands of years.

Triphala comes in the form of capsules, powders, and herbal tea bags. You can also find it in liquid extract form. If you are using triphala for weight loss or to help with other conditions, look for a supplement that has additional ingredients as well as triphala.

A cup of tea is a great place to start if you're new to triphala. To make the brew, add one teaspoon of dried triphala powder to one cup boiling water. Allow it to steep for 20 minutes before consuming it at a temperature that's comfortable for drinking.

If you're looking to combat constipation with triphala, take about 1/2-1 teaspoon of the powdered herb mixed into a glass of warm water about two hours after you finish your evening meal and before bedtime.

Triphala is not addictive and can be taken over long periods of time without having any adverse effects or dependency issues. However, if you have an existing condition such as liver disease or stomach ulcers then consult with your doctor before taking this supplement as its safety hasn't been proven in those conditions.

Under normal circumstances, triphala is quite safe for most individuals and has been shown to be effective for many people. However, you may want to avoid triphala if the following applies to you:

If you have any questions about whether or not it would be safe for you to take triphala, consult with your doctor before using it.