Triphala: The Ayurvedic Solution To Your Skin Problems

Triphala: The Ayurvedic Solution To Your Skin Problems

Are you seeking Ayurvedic solutions for your skin problems? Then you should try triphala, a magical Ayurvedic concoction that helps you balance all three doshas.

In this article, learn which dosha is the reason behind your skin problem and how you can use triphala to help reduce it.

Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks

“Triphala is one of the most revered combinations of herbs in Ayurveda. It finds a detailed mention in the Rasayana Chikitsa of the Charak Samhita. Triphala as a rasayana, prevents physical and mental deterioration associated with aging. Regular and correct use can keep the hair strong, long and dark. The skin remains supple and taut. Triphala boosts digestion and metabolism keeping diseases at bay. It prevents obesity and keeps the eyesight keen.”

Dr. Zeel Gandhi (Bachelor Of Ayurveda, Medicine & Surgery), Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix

What Is Triphala? Is It Good For Skin?

The word triphala is a combination of two Sanskrit words, ‘tri’ which means three and ‘phala’ which means fruits. This Ayurvedic concoction, as the name suggests, is a combination of three very useful Ayurvedic herbs that can benefit your health in various ways.

Triphala with three herbs: Amla, Hareetaki, Vibheetaki

To answer the question of whether triphala is good for your skin or not, it is important to understand what it is mainly composed of.

1. Amla

This highly potential Ayurvedic herb is a natural blood purifier that reduces inflammation, keeps you safe from unwanted acne and also reduces the scar marks from acne. Amla is loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, and both these elements help in skin lightening. One of the many benefits of amla is that it reduces signs of aging and acts as a mild exfoliator.

2. Bibhitaki

Bibhitaki has a great contribution to cancer prevention according to some studies. It also increases collagen production in your skin and reduces early signs of aging. Apart from that, bibhitaki also acts as a good skin cleanser and adds hydration to your skin.

3. Haritaki

Haritaki is a very effective antibacterial agent that prevents acne breakouts. Along with being a rejuvenating and cleansing agent, haritaki is also useful in treating allergic reactions on the skin.

Amla or gooseberry, which is a part of triphala, has 20 times more vitamin C than an orange.

Skin Benefits Of Triphala

Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix elaborates that, “Triphala is one of the most revered combinations of herbs in Ayurveda. It finds a detailed mention in the Rasayana Chikitsa of the Charak samhita. Triphala as a rasayana, prevents physical and mental deterioration associated with aging.”

She adds, “Regular and correct use can keep the hair strong, long and dark. The skin remains supple and taut. Triphala boosts digestion and metabolism keeping diseases at bay. It prevents obesity and keeps the eyesight keen.”

Its main benefits to the skin are elaborated below.

1. Ayurvedic Benefits

Triphala balances all three doshas in the following manner.

A. Vata Dosha- Triphala adds moisture to the otherwise dry vata skin. The vitamin C in triphala makes the skin supple and rejuvenates it.

B. Pitta Dosha- Triphala has antioxidant properties that boost your skin’s natural immune system and act as a shield against photosensitivity and sensitivity in general.

C. Kapha Dosha- Kapha skin is generally oily and the cleansing characteristics of triphala remove all toxins from the skin and clean the build-up in the pores, reducing chances of acne. [1]

2. Cleanser

You can use triphala as a powerful exfoliator to remove the dead skin and clean your pores. You can use face masks made out of triphala to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. You can also add coconut oil to triphala to treat dead skin. [2]

3. Anti-aging

Triphala is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C that removes acne marks and dark spots from your skin, adding a radiant glow to it.

4. Anti-pigmentation

Triphala is rich in antioxidants that help smoothen and soften your skin. Additionally, it also kills acne-causing bacteria and avoids the pigmentation caused by sun damage and acne. [3]

5. Dark Circle Reduction

Vaidyacharya Acharya Balkrishan, the author of the book Aushad Darshan, said that if you wash your eyes with triphala water it will benefit your health. It will help the muscles around your eyes to work properly, reducing puffiness and dullness under your eye.

6. Anti-dandruff

Triphala balances vata and kapha doshas, so it is beneficial for dry and fungus-affected scalp. It moisturizes your scalp, reducing flakiness and the antifungal properties of bibhitaki present in it remove dandruff-causing fungal infections. It also keeps the pH level of your scalp balanced. [4]

7. Anti-microbial

Traditional medication has used triphala for ages for treating wounds, ulcers and microbial infections. Triphala also has been proven beneficial in treating microorganisms that cause HIV infection. [5]

8. pH Balance Of Skin

Triphala is an alkaline herb so it reduces hyperacidic characteristics from your skin. Hyperacidity is known as amlapitta in Ayurveda and amla present in triphala balances that and keeps the pH of your skin balanced.[6]

How To Use Triphala For Various Skin Problems?

 Indian Gooseberry fruits and powder in wooden cup

Triphala is commonly used and consumed in the form of churna or powder and it is easily available in the Indian market. You can also make this powder in your home by taking amla, bibhitaki and haritaki in a 3:2:1 ratio, deseeding them, dehydrating them and churning them into a mixture. This powder can be stored for 1-2 months if kept in an airtight container. Also, remember you should not consume more than 5-10 gms of triphala powder at a time.

1. How To Use Triphala For Cleansing

Use triphala as your daily face wash by making a paste with triphala powder and water. Gently massage your face with it twice a day. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly after it dries off and avoid applying it around your eyes.

2. How To Use Triphala For Acne

Make use of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of triphala by making a thick paste with 2 tbsp of triphala churna, 1 cup chickpea flour, 1 tbsp neem powder, 2 tbsp hibiscus powder, 2 tbsp of brahmi and honey. Rub this paste on your acne and acne spots and leave for 30 minutes. Do not wash your face with running water, rather take a soft and clean piece of cloth, damp it with some lukewarm water and clean the paste from your face. [7]

3. How To Use Triphala For Pigmentation

An imbalance in bhrajak pitta dosha causes pigmentation on your skin. Environmental factors, lifestyle and diet cause disbalances in the pitta dosha. A face mask made of triphala can help reduce pigmentation on your skin.

Mix 2 tbsp triphala powder with sesame oil if you have vata dominant skin, rosewater if you have pitta dominant skin and just water if you have kapha dominant skin. Apply the mixture on the face and leave it for 15-30 minutes. Wash it with some lukewarm water after it dries. Apply some steam on your face after that and repeat this process for 2 days a week.

4. How To Use Triphala As An Anti-dandruff

You can moisturize your scalp and remove dandruff from it by using 2 tbsp of triphala churna and mixing it with some warm coconut oil and applying it all over your scalp. Leave it for an hour or two and then wash it off with normal or cold water.

Vedix Tip: Soak 1 tsp of triphala powder in warm water overnight. Strain the soaked mixture and you can use it to clean your eyes.

Side Effects Of Triphala Churna On Skin

  • Some skin issues require triphala tablets or triphala liquid extracts instead of powder. Consult your dermatologist before using triphala churna on your skin.
  • Pregnant women should avoid using triphala powder.
  • Overdose of triphala can cause diarrhea.
  • Sensitivity towards amla, bibhitaki and haritaki can make using triphala harmful for you.

The Last Word

Along with improving the health of your skin and scalp, triphala is also a superfood that acts as a great laxative and treats bloating. It benefits your digestive system, helps in weight loss and reduces belly fat. It also helps you in reducing stress. [8]

All in all, triphala boosts your immunity and as a result, makes your body strong enough to fight off skin-threatening infections and any imbalance in your prakriti.

Know Your Dosha Now
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