Benefits Of Triphala Churna For Hair Growth

Are you looking for a natural, powerful, and effective solution for your hair woes? Then look no further as the traditional and holistic science of Ayurveda brings ‘Triphala’, one of the safest, natural ways to rejuvenate and restore your hair health.

Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix says, “Triphala is a Keshya composition. It is a natural promoter of hair growth, prevents greying and immunes the hair from ageing.”

Scroll down to know the numerous benefits of triphala for your hair, and how to use triphala churna for long, lustrous, and healthy hair.

What Is Triphala?

Triphala in Sanskrit signifies ‘three fruits’: a blend of haritaki (Terminalia chebula), vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), and amla (Emblica officinalis). In Ayurveda, triphala is known as a tridoshic rasayana, signifying its potential to pacify and sustain all three doshas of vata, pitta, and kapha. This potential is known to improve immunity and strength, making it useful in treating several health conditions.

Traditionally used as an ayurvedic health tonic, triphala is now used as an effective remedy for managing various health, skin, and hair conditions [1]. It is a rich source of antioxidants, Vitamin C, and antifungal properties. It helps strengthen and fortify your hair from the roots, reduce dandruff, and prevents hair breakage. Each fruit plays a significant role in restoring your hair health.

1. Haritaki - It is a tiny green-clooured fruit which is enriched with natural antioxidants that help in slowing down degeneration [2]. It helps in preventing and managing hair fall, breakage, and dandruff. Also, it helps slow down the appearance of early signs of ageing such as wrinkles and fine lines.

2. Vibhitaka - This fruit is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties [3]. It helps in strengthening your hair from the root level.

3. Amla - A bright or yellow-green coloured fruit, amla is a storehouse of Vitamin C [4]. Additionally, it is known for its heat-resistant Vitamin C content. Amla is proven to improve your natural immunity levels.

Nutritional Information

One tsp of triphala churna, which is around 2.8 gms, contains:

• Sugar - Nil
• Fiber - 1 gm
• Carbohydrates - 3 gms
• Fat - Nil
• Protein - Nil
• Calories - 10

Is Triphala Good For Your Hair?

Triphala, which is a potent tonic, works wonders for your hair by stimulating the roots and follicles in the scalp, and promoting hair growth.

One of the three constituents of triphala, amla, helps maintain the optimal pH balance in your scalp as well as makes your hair strong and healthy.

Hair tonics containing triphala as an active ingredient help treat scalp issues and eliminate dandruff. This activity is due to the presence of vibhitaka which has antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Benefits Of Triphala For Your Hair

One of the most popular and common ways of using triphala is in its powdered form, which is also known as triphala churna. It is renowned for its plethora of skin, hair, and health benefits. It helps treat digestive issues along with improving your skin and hair health.

1. Boosts Hair Volume

Triphala actively improves your hair texture, thereby increasing your natural hair volume. Its active ingredients such as haritaki have antifungal and antibacterial properties which help fight all types of scalp infections that inhibit hair growth. Additionally, triphala may help eliminate dandruff and hair breakage.

2. Promotes Hair Growth

Irregular bowel movements, persistent health issues, and poor digestion may affect the normal cycle of hair growth. Triphala helps regulate your digestive system as well as supply essential nutrients to your scalp and hair. It helps stimulate hair growth and nourish the hair follicles [5].

3. Imparts A Natural Shine

Harmful UV rays, pollution, and dust minimize the natural shine of your hair. These external factors also make your hair look lifeless, damaged, and dull. Triphala helps restore the natural shine in your hair by eliminating the external toxins. Amla acts by closing the cuticles or pores, thereby locking in the fatty acids within the hair follicles.

4. Prevents Premature Greying

Balding, thinning, or premature greying of hair are common issues which are prevalent in both men and women nowadays. Triphala helps eliminate the free radicals which trigger hair thinning and premature greying as well as keep your hair healthy, strong, and shiny.

5. Nourishes Hair Roots

Lack of deep nourishment and regular use of harsh, chemical-laden shampoos make your hair roots thin and weak, resulting in breakage and hair loss. Triphala helps nourish and moisturize the hair shaft, keeping it hydrated and healthy. This in turn helps minimize hair loss by breakage.

6. Minimizes Frizz

Frizzy and dry hair tends to break frequently and easily as it lacks strength and hydration. Triphala helps retain the natural moisture level in the hair and shields it from external damage, thereby leaving your hair soft, smooth, and shiny.

7. Prevents Split Ends

Split ends occur when the hair ends become weak, thin, and fragile. The primary cause of split ends is the undue stress from lack of proper hair care regime, less nourishment, and usage of harsh, chemical-laden hair care products.

Triphala churna has the potential benefits for hair care as all the ingredients have essential oils which help prevent split ends and dryness. Also, it helps minimize the formation of tangles as well as protects your hair from breakage.

8. Other Health Benefits Of Triphala Churna

As per Ayurveda, triphala churna has the potency and efficacy to treat a wide variety of health conditions. A few such medicinal properties are due to its laxative effect, which experts suggest can cleanse and detoxify the entire system.

While there has been no concrete evidence till date, that substantially supports the curative properties of triphala, a few positive findings do need further investigation. A few benefits of triphala churna include,

A. Minimizes Inflammation

The three ingredients of triphala are a rich source of antioxidants like saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids, Vitamin C, and others. These potent antioxidants help eradicate free radicals in the system, minimize inflammation, and lower your risk of chronic conditions such as heart diseases and diabetes.

B. Anti-Carcinogenic Properties

Only a few studies have been conducted to study the anti-cancer properties of triphala [6]. These have shown that triphala may help fight prostate cancer cells as well as colon cancer cells. Even though the research has yielded positive indications, understanding the safety and effectiveness needs further investigation.

C. Improves Digestive Issues

One of the traditional uses of triphala is to address and manage constipation. Studies indicate that it may act as a natural alternative to the commercial, over-the-counter laxatives. A study found that it helps improve the symptoms associated with constipation.

Another study indicates that triphala improves the regularity of bowel movements and minimizes constipation.

D. Helps In Weight Loss

Research has shown that triphala may aid in weight loss [7]. A study has shown that individuals who took small doses of triphala daily experienced consistent weight loss than those who didn’t take any triphala.

E. Improves Dental Health

The antioxidants found in triphala have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These may aid in preventing plaque formation on your teeth, thereby preventing gum disease and cavities. A study has shown that a triphala-based mouthwash minimized gum inflammation and plaque formation.

F. Maintains Blood Sugar Levels

Amla, an ingredient in triphala, is a rich source of antioxidants and may impart antidiabetic effects [8]. These effects include restoring nerve damage, reducing blood sugar levels and cholesterol in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Vedix Tip: For individuals with ama buildup and poor digestion, triphala is known to ignite the deepana (digestive fire) as well as encourage pachana (digestion). This permits one to derive the right amount of nutrition from their daily dietary intake.

How To Use Triphala Powder For Your Hair?

There are two effective ways to reap the maximum benefits of triphala. It can either be directly applied onto your scalp or consumed orally. As triphala churna is available in dried, powdered form, it can be consumed:

1. With warm water - Take one glass of warm water and add two tsp of triphala churna along with a 1-2 tsp of jaggery or pure honey. Mix it properly and drink it early in the morning on an empty stomach.

2. With honey - Take two tsp of triphala churna in a mixing bowl and add one tsp of honey. Mix it properly to form a paste. Consume the mixture followed by a glass of water.

3. As a capsule - You may also take triphala in the capsule form which is easily available in over-the-counter stores.

A. How To Use Triphala Churna For Grey Hair?

• Heat a pan containing 4-5 tbsp of pure coconut oil on medium flame.
• Add 2-3 tbsp of triphala churna into the oil and mix it for at least 3-5 minutes to form a thick paste.
• Once cool, apply the paste onto your scalp and hair length using your fingers followed by a gentle massage.
• Leave it to dry for 20 minutes before rinsing off with normal water.

B. How To Use Triphala Churna For Hair Regrowth?

Triphala is beneficial in promoting hair growth in individuals experiencing persistent hair loss or breakage, as well as those who are experiencing thinning of hair.

The emollient properties of triphala help to lock in the moisture in your hair as well as treat alopecia.

• All you need to do is mix 3-4 tsp of triphala churna in plain water. There are two methods of using the triphala mixture for stimulating hair growth:

a. You may consume the mixture orally to reap its benefits.

b. You may simply apply the mixture onto the exact spots on your scalp where your hair is thinning. This helps your hair to quickly grow in these spots.

C. How To Use Triphala Churna For Dandruff?

When used as a hair mask, triphala churna can also help to eradicate the most persistent dandruff in a short time.

• Mix 2 tbsp of triphala churna with 5-6 tbsp of normal water.
• Apply the thick paste onto your scalp and gently massage it for a few minutes.
• Leave it for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with normal water.

D. How To Use Triphala Powder For Hair Volume?

Triphala churna works wonders by boosting your natural hair volume. Haritaki, one of the active ingredients, has antifungal and antibacterial properties which eliminate scalp infections that inhibit hair growth. Apart from boosting your hair volume, it also helps in minimizing dandruff which affects your normal hair growth.

It is important to note that one of the primary reasons your hair volume is less is due to poor digestion, or poor functioning of your liver. Triphala churna helps to prevent both these conditions by cleansing your digestive tract.

• Mix 1-2 tbsp of triphala churna in 3-4 tbsp of normal water. You may:

a. Consume this mixture orally for best results.

b. Apply the mixture onto your scalp and hair length for increasing hair volume.

E. How To Use Triphala Churna As A Hair Pack?

Herbal hair masks are an effective way to restore the health of your hair.

• Take 3-4 tbsp of triphala churna, one egg yolk and 2 tbsp of pure olive oil.
• Mix all the ingredients properly and apply the thick paste onto your damp hair with your fingers.
• Start applying onto the roots till tips.
• Leave it for 25-30 minutes before rinsing off with normal water.

F. How To Use Triphala Powder For Hair Wash?

When applied topically, triphala churna removes the natural toxin buildup on your scalp.

• Mix 1 tbsp of triphala churna and 1 tbsp of neem powder.
• Add some water to make a thin paste.
• With your fingertips, apply the paste onto your scalp and gently massage to exfoliate the skin.
• Pay attention to the spots where you observe more impurities and dirt accumulation.
• If you are experiencing dry, flaky skin, then you may add a few drops of tea tree oil for a clean and healthy scalp.
• Leave the paste for 15-20 minutes on your scalp before washing off for a deeper cleansing effect.

Possible Side Effects Of Triphala

Triphala churna works as a mild laxative; hence, it may result in gastrointestinal effects such as diarrhea, cramps, stomach upset, and gas. Based on the formulation used, these side effects may occur when you have been prescribed small doses.

If you experience gas, diarrhea, or any other gastrointestinal side effects, you may lower the dosage in case you experience mild symptoms. If the symptoms still persist, then you should avoid taking triphala churna till further advice from your ayurvedic doctor.

The long-term safety of using triphala churna is still not known, as there is no specific formula for preparing it. The doses may differ from one formulation to the other. Depending on the specific usage, a few practitioners may incorporate additional ingredients and herbs.

It is still not known how triphala churna may interact with any other prescribed medications or the long-term safety of using it on a regular basis.

Important Note:

As a precautionary measure, triphala churna should not be taken by children, nursing mothers, and pregnant women, as its efficacy and safety is unknown in these groups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Triphala For Your Hair

1. Is It Safe To Take Triphala Daily?

Yes, you may take triphala churna daily as per your ayurvedic practitioner’s advice. It is extremely beneficial for your overall health as it has a rasayana (rejuvenating) property that protects you from various internal and external infections.

2. Can I Take Triphala After Dinner?

It is safe and best to take triphala churna at least half an hour before sleeping, and at least 3 hours after having your dinner at night. It is the best period for deriving its laxative and various other digestive properties.

3. Is Triphala Good For Long Term Use?

It is recommended to use triphala churna daily with an interim break for a fortnight every 3-4 months. This interim break allows your body to ‘reset’ and it responds better with this break.

4. Who Should Not Take Triphala?

As a precautionary measure, you may stop taking triphala churna if you are already taking any prescribed medication for hypertension and diabetes, as it may lower their efficacy.

Also, most of the constituents present in triphala are broken down further by liver enzymes. These enzymes are called cytochrome P450. While taking triphala churna with medications which use this liver enzyme, it may suddenly decrease or increase its concentration in the blood.

The Last Word

Triphala is ayurveda’s most recognised and widely prescribed herbal formulation. The powdered form or churna is not only the traditional way to use this potent amalgamation of vibhitaka, haritaki, and amalaki; it also makes it a versatile formulation to treat and prevent various health, skin, and hair conditions.

If you are searching for a potent and natural health supplement which can improve your overall health, along with restoring your hair health and appearance, then triphala churna is your best bet for long, strong, and lustrous hair.

Know Your Dosha Now