Celebs have been taking this secret wellness supplement for years (and it’s the number one prescribed remedy for gut health in India)

Looking to bolster your winter wellness supplement arsenal? Allow us to introduce you to Triphala.  

No, you’re not alone in your ignorance. Despite priding myself on my extensive wellness knowledge, I’ve never heard of Triphala either but I’ve since discovered it’s the number one prescribed remedy for gut health in India, which immediately piqued my interest. 

Experts, celebrities and wellness practitioners have been using the Ayurvedic remedy on the sly for years for sorting out constipation, bloating, wind and sluggish digestion; it’s also a brilliant supplement to take when travelling to help evade stomach issues caused by jet lag.  “Everyone I know who has struggled with constipation has said this is a God send to help them go to the toilet on a regular basis,” an insider from Pukka Herbs tells me.  I’m sold.

If you’ve been struggling with digestive issues, here’s the ultimate guide to incorporating Triphala into your wellness regime…

What is Triphala?

Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal blend that has been used for well over 1000 years to treat a variety of health issues. Triphala means “three fruits” as it is made up of the Indian Gooseberry, also known as amla berry, and the Bibhitaki and Haritaki plants. According to Ayurvedic medicine, these three plants work synergistically to support digestive health and treat a variety of ailments. 

What are the benefits of Triphala?

To beat that bloated and constipated feeling

Triphala is widely used as a gentle natural laxative to help keep bowel movements regular. A study found that people taking Triphala had less abdominal pain, were less gassy and had better bowel movements all round. The researchers concluded that Triphala can be an effective treatment of constipation and other digestive issues. 

It has also been used to help with IBS – a common condition that affects 10-15% of the general population. Many people suffer in silence and struggle daily with symptoms ranging from bloating and abdominal pain to constipation and diarrhoea. It can be hard to treat and there is no ‘cure’. However, a recent research review by PubMeb on the National Library of Medicine, looked at all of the research done to date investigating the effects of Triphala on digestive health. These researchers found that Triphala has the potential to improve lower gastrointestinal tract symptoms, such as gas, bloating and other symptoms of IBS, and they suggested that it may be a valuable addition to the standard treatment for IBS. 

To boost antioxidant support

We all know about antioxidants and the fact that they are necessary to fight cell damage caused by a variety of factors in modern life, such as smoking, drinking, stress, pollution etc. Triphala actually contains a number of antioxidants, including vitamin C, tannins, polyphenols and flavonoids. So, not only are you getting the digestive benefits already mentioned, you are also getting an antioxidant boost when you take it.

To improve your cholesterol

The two plants, Bibhitaki and Haritaki, contain oleic and linoleic acid, which are “good” fats. These “good” fats are known to lower “bad” low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increase “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is important to reduce risk of heart disease and stroke. A recent research review concluded that Triphala can help to reduce total cholesterol, and one study found that Triphala lowered cholesterol in people with Type 2 Diabetes over a period of 12 months.

Anyone else joining us on the Triphala bandwagon?