Triphala is an Ayurvedic compound herb that has been used for hundreds of years to cleanse the body. It has numerous benefits, including weight loss, but may have some potential side effects. Can Triphala cause bloating?
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Triphala Side Effects
Triphala is a powdered supplement with a similar consistency to fiber supplements. It is considered to be effective for all three doshas or body types, in Ayurveda. Triphala is generally considered a safe herbal preparation.
Although Triphala has many health benefits, there are some potential side effects and concerns to be aware of (Triphala side effects). First, here’s a quick summary of important concerns to know while taking Triphala.
Pregnant women should avoid taking Triphala as it has a downward-flowing energy (Vata anulomana) which might result in miscarriage. Those on blood thinning medications and those suffering from IBS should use Triphala with caution.
We have already looked at triphala and diarrhea as well as acid reflux. Now let’s find out, can triphala cause bloating?
How Triphala Works
Triphala is an anushna virya, meaning it is not very hot or cold in potency. This renders it a very balanced energy and makes it useful in internal cleansing. Triphala gently cleanses the colon and relieves symptoms like anorectal blockage, sensation of incomplete evacuation, flatulence, and bloating.1 Triphala strengthens and tones the musculature of the bowels and does not cause dependency.2 Triphala has a gentle effect on the bowels. It improves peristalsis and cleanses the colon of metabolic wastes.1
Because it is a combination of three fruits, Triphala acts as a highly nutritious supplement, as well as a blood and liver cleansing agent. It does not function as a bulk producing or lubricating laxative but it contains some anthraquinones which help stimulate bile flow and peristalsis. Triphala is also full of vitamin C and other nutrients like linoleic oil. This makes it a nourishing supplement that rejuvenates the body tissues and helps you age gracefully.3
The three ingredients of Triphala mixed together pacifies Kapha and Pitta in particular and stimulates the digestive fire.4 It aids in metabolism of the nutrients from your dietary intake.
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What Is Bloating?
According to Ayurveda, digestive issues are due to diminished or vitiated agni, in particular jatharagni (digestive fire), along with Saman vayu, Pachak pitta and Kledaka kapha subtypes of Vata, Pitta and Kapha respectively.
When agni is vitiated or if there is diminished agni (metabolic fire), derangement of the dosha results in amajirna, indigestion and accumulation of undigested material in the amashaya (stomach). In such a state whatever is administered cannot be digested properly. Even herbs or medication needs to be digested by the agni for proper action.
Bloating is one of the most common gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and digestive disorders. It is a frequent complaint in people of all ages. Bloating is not a sickness in itself but a health condition which is the outcome of some other illness. People who have digestive issues often suffer from bloating.
According to Ayurveda, there are four clinical conditions like bloating which closely resemble each other. They are bloating or flatulence with distention (adhmana), distention of the abdomen due to obstruction to passage of urine and stools (anaha), gurgling in the abdomen with pain (atopa) and movement of vata in an upward direction (udavarta). Bloating with distention (adhmana) is purely a Vata disorder.5
Vata can become aggravated due to many factors. Improper food habits, stress, sleep disturbances, not following a proper daily or seasonal regime and forcible suppression of natural urges can all aggravate Vata dosha. The aggravated Vata causes vitiation of samana vata and formation of ama (undigested food) which results in bloating (adhmana).
READ MORE: Bloating Causes + Remedies, 5 Bloating Remedies From Ancient Ayurvedic Wellness
Bloating Treatment
Distention of the abdomen or the feeling of fullness of the abdomen is a very common complaint. It disturbs routine activities and is uncomfortable. To get complete relief it is mandatory to avoid the causative factors and eat a wholesome diet with regular food intake in proper quantities.
The first line of treatment in bloating is fasting. Adoption of carminative and digestive substances6 like cumin, rock salt, ginger, garlic, pepper and clove will help to avoid the incidence of bloating. Further buttermilk, lemon juice, or coccum juice (kokum juice), with cumin or coriander seed powder will help in relieving distention of the abdomen caused by IBS or digestive disorders due to diminished agni. This can be followed by enema or purgation, once the proper movement of apana vata is restored.
In Ayurvedic practices, Triphala has been regarded as the safest laxative for occasional constipation. It is used in cleansing the colon and to tone the gastrointestinal tract.
Some people experience an increase in intestinal upsets, bloating and flatulence as a side effect of taking triphala, though this is usually only a temporary effect.
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Can Triphala Cause Bloating?
Most people report fewer stomach problems and gas after a few weeks of using it. A little bit of time is needed for the triphala powder to start its work clearing out the intestinal tract.
About the Author
Ditimoni Goswami, BAMS is an Ayurvedic Practitioner since 2001. She served as Medical Officer (Ayur) for the government of the state of Assam, India from 2005 to 2012. She is certified in Panchakarma Therapy under Guru Shishya Parampara. Her specialization (D.Pch.) is in Panchabhautik Chikitsha. Additionally she is a Pranic healing practitioner, presently working as Ayurvedic Consultant for Transformative Learning Solutions, New Delhi India and TheAyurvedaExperience.com.
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