What is triphala?

Triphala and your health

Many families keep triphala in the kitchen cupboard, so it helps to know where it stands.

• Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine, and some Ayurvedic products sold in the market have been found to contain harmful levels of lead, mercury or arsenic.
• Herbal products can also interact with medicines.
• They shouldn't be used to put off seeing a doctor about a symptom such as ongoing constipation or a change in your bowel habits.

What does more than triphala

For regular, comfortable bowel movements, everyday habits do most of the work:

• plenty of fibre from whole grains, dals, vegetables and fruit
• enough water through the day
• daily movement such as a walk after meals

If you'd like to try triphala, buy it from a reputable brand. Check with your doctor first if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have a health condition
• take any medicines

Tell your doctor about any herbal products you use.

Where you'll see it

Amla (Indian gooseberry)Whole wheatPapaya (Papita)Guava (Amrud)