Beauty, Health and Living

triphalaThere are many interesting medicinal herbs used in ayurveda to help improve our health.  One such herb is Triphala.

It really consist of three herbs.  These are Amalaki, Haritaki and Bhibitaki.  Botanical Names: Terminalia Chebula, Terminalia Bellerica, Emblica Officialis.  Image source.

Haritaki or Harada is bitter tasting and best known for its laxative qualities as well as being an astringent and antispasmodic.  The herbs are considered one of the safest to use as it is non habit-forming and safe for people of all ages.

Amla very high in vitamin C and is sour tasting.  The combination of all these herbs are also good for dealing with indigestion and stomach ulcers.  As it supports healthy digestion and gastro intestinal function.

Other benefits of Triphala include help with detoxifying the liver by removing toxins.  It is purifies the blood and cleanse the colon.

Triphala is also good for improving visions and the eye muscle.  It also very popular in India and taken as food supplements. Some say it may be taken daily as an eyewash as this helps strengthens the vision. Also eliminating redness and soreness in the eye area.


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Ayurveda: Science of Life

Ayurveda is a form of traditional medicine practiced in India. It has influenced other medicinal studies as well, such as Chinese medicines.

The Sanskrit word translated into English means “science of life.” Also can be translated as “wisdom or knowledge of life”. The type of medicine used consisted of herbs and spices as well as oils.

amalaki

Amalaki fruit is used in Ayurvedic medicine.  It is used in making triphala.  High in Vitamin C (20 times more than citrus fruit) is sour and is considered good for inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Image source.

Ayurvedic philosophy emphasize that optimal health can be obtained when our physical, mental, and spiritual state is in harmony. In the west, Ayurveda has become a form of alternative therapy and also considered holistic (mind and body) treatment.

Determining your body type and your dosha is important in Ayurveda medicine. Knowing our dosha is useful because it increases awareness of our natural strengths and challenges. We can find out what health and wellness tips are useful based on our dosha.

The three active doshas are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. You can take a short quiz at Chopra Center and find out.

It turns out that I am Dosha Vata. This part of Dosha Vata I can agree - “The cold quality of Vata may lead you to feel cold more easily than others around you, have cold hands and feet and crave warmth.”


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