Triphala has long been an integral part of ancient Ayurvedic culture as a tonic to promote health. This is the great medicine of Ayurveda. It is believed to be helpful in providing relief from innumerable health related problems. Triphala is made from a combination of three fruits, amalaki (Emblica officinalis), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and haritaki (Terminalia chebula).
However, taking Triphala in excess can lead to a number of health risks. Here are 4 side effects of Triphala churna that you should know.
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Can spoil the digestive system
Triphala is a mild laxative and can cause gas, diarrhea, cramps, stomach upset and many other gastrointestinal effects. If you are consuming Triphala in excess quantity, then you may suffer from mild to severe symptoms. If you notice these problems, it is best to reduce your dose or stop it completely for a few days.
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Triphala churna can cause problems in pregnancy
Haritaki, one of the ingredients of Triphala, is known to cause abortions in pregnant women. Pregnant women can suffer from many harmful effects due to its consumption. However, more research is needed to properly understand the link between Triphala and its effects on pregnant women.
may react with drugs
Triphala interferes with the proper functioning of an important liver enzyme called cytochrome P450. This makes it difficult to metabolize the drugs properly and Triphala can interact with the standard medicines you are taking. It is not limited to allopathic medicines only.
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Can lower blood pressure excessively
Triphala is popular for its anti-diabetic properties. However, if people already taking diabetes medication consume Triphala excessively, their blood pressure can drop to dangerously low levels. The main reason for this effect is the amount of sorbitol and menthol present in Triphala.
People who already have low blood pressure should try to avoid Triphala as it tends to lower it even more. More studies focusing on the long-term effects of Triphala on the human body are needed to better understand its effects.
How to use Triphala safely?
There is insufficient scientific information about the proper dosage of Triphala, but some sources suggest that ideally, a person should consume only 500 mg to 1 gram. Please note that even though Triphala is full of health benefits, consuming it in excess can lead to various health problems.
Pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid it completely. If you have any underlying health issue, a good doctor should be consulted before consuming Triphala. It is also important to do a quality check before investing in any herbal supplement.