One of my favourite herbal medicines is an ancient Ayurvedic tonic called Triphala. There is a saying in India....you have no mother? Never mind if you have Triphala. In other words, triphala takes care of our internal organs. In Ayurveda, it is considered virtually a panacea.

Triphala is made from three fruits, Indian Goosberry (Emblica officinalis), Black Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula), and Belleric Myrobalan (Terminalia belerica). In Sanskrit, the word Triphala means "three fruits.” These fruits, while not sweet at all, are rich in flavanoids, polyphenols and Vit C.

Triphala has a mild, non-addictive laxative effect that, when taken over time, can help detoxify the whole body. It is considered a bowel tonic, alleviating gas, promoting digestion and regular bowel movements, at the same time nourishing intestinal tissues.

Triphala can help with weight loss when it is associated with a congested liver and/or bowel, because it relieves stagnation in the body over time.

Triphala can also help with:

• lowering high cholesterol
• reducing high blood pressure
• protecting the heart
• improving eyesight and helping eye diseases
• improving liver function
• is anti-inflammatory
• is anti-viral
• improves general circulation

Many Indian people take it for their whole life. A dose is generally taken in the evening before bed, although sometimes it is taken in the morning as well. I often prescribe it for chronic constipation, particularly when associated with weight gain and chronic degenerative conditions.

Triphala does not taste great to most of us. it is traditionally taken as a powder in water, but nowadays we can get tablets and capsules.

With so many people with gut issues nowadays, and an overall toxic burden, I do find triphala to be a wonderful tonic with many benefits.