Feeling constipated? Try this ancient Ayurvedic herbal remedy to improve digestion

As you age, you may suffer from irregular bowel movements or constipation. If you’re looking for a natural cure for this condition, consider Triphala, an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for constipation.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, almost 33 percent of Americans older than 60 experience this condition. Using Triphala, which promotes detoxification, can naturally cure constipation.

In Ayurvedic medicine, healers use Triphala to treat individuals suffering from constipation. Triphala, or Triphala churna, has three ingredients: Amalaki/Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), bibhitaki/beleric (Terminalia bellirica), and haritaki/myrobalan (Terminalia chebula). Triphala is Sanskrit for “three fruits.”

Ayurvedic healers believe that the fruits act synergistically with each other. This means they’re more effective when combined than when they’re taken individually. (Related: Herbs to help you age gracefully: Support for the brain, heart, digestion, and more.)

Aside from detoxification and the promotion of healthy bowel movements, Triphala also aids digestion by supporting the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, Triphala can promote a feeling of fullness that prevents overeating and food cravings so you can maintain a healthy body weight. The herbal remedy, which has anticancer effects, can also minimize inflammation and regulate blood sugar.

This Ayurvedic remedy can also be used to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Triphala can lower harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol that can cause a buildup of cholesterol in the arteries. This may increase the risk of coronary heart disease.

Triphala is revered in Ayurveda, and it is considered a rasayana, or “a substance with anti-aging and life-prolonging properties.”

Clinical studies prove Triphala’s therapeutic effects

Data from scientific studies prove that Triphala has laxative, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying effects. In a 2011 study, which was published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, researchers analyzed an Ayurvedic herbal formulation featuring Triphala. The remedy was tested on 34 patients with functional constipation.

After 14 days, the participants reported a “significant” increase in bowel movements, less straining, and less time spent in the bathroom. The study authors noted that Triphala is an “effective, safe, and non-habit-forming” remedy for functional constipation.

Aside from relieving constipation, Triphala can also help treat inflammatory bowel diseases. In a separate animal study, researchers proved that Triphala had a “considerable and reliable” effect in reducing colitis. Researchers shared that Triphala performed just as well as mesalazine, a standard pharmaceutical drug.

The researchers confirmed Triphala’s antioxidant effects via laboratory analysis. Lab results showed that Triphala contains high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. The Ayurvedic remedy also had potent antioxidant phenolic acids like chebulinic, ellagic, and gallic acids. These compounds “scavenge harmful free radicals and fight oxidative damage in cells and tissues.”

Lastly, cell studies have determined that Triphala can suppress the growth of human colon cancer cells.

If you suffer from constipation, you can ease your symptoms with a tea made from powdered Triphala. Triphala tea has a strong flavor and if you prefer a different method, you can take the remedy in tablet form. Triphala tablets must be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

Ayurvedic healers suggest taking two 500-milligram (mg) dosages of Triphala two or three times daily. Consult a healthcare professional before consuming Triphala tea or tablets.

Instead of using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that may have negative side effects, take Triphala tea or tables to cure constipation and improve digestion.

You can read more articles about Triphala and other natural cures for constipation at Healing.news.

Sources include:

NaturalHealth365.com

MedLinePlus.gov