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Triphala Ghrita: What is it?

Triphala Ghrita is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation prepared by processing the herbal blend Triphala, a combination of three fruits (Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki), in pure cow’s ghee. In Ayurveda, this preparation is classified under ‘Ghrita Kalpana’, a category of medicated ghee formulations that combine the nourishing and rejuvenating effects of ghee (ghrita) with the therapeutic power of herbs.

Ghrita or ghee is clarified butter, one of the four lubricating foods (snehas) mentioned in Ayurvedic texts – the others being taila (oil), vasa (fat), and majja (marrow). The most beneficial is ghee, as it absorbs the therapeutic qualities of healing herbs it is blended with, without losing any of its inherent cooling and nourishing goodness.

The 17th-century Ayurvedic text, Yogratnakara, mentions Triphala Ghrita under the chapter on eye disorder treatments. Its therapeutic benefits are mentioned in various other Ayurvedic classical texts such as the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridayam. Other than being beneficial in treating eye problems, Triphala Ghrita is also valued for its eye-strengthening, rejuvenating, and dosha-balancing properties.

Triphala Ghrita: Ingredients and Impact  

Basically, the Triphala Ghrita is made of cow’s ghee and the three herbs, Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki, that together make the formulation ‘Triphala’ or ‘three fruits’. 

Haritaki brings about Vata balance and is good for digestion and detoxification; Bibhitaki expels excess Kapha and helps cleanse the respiratory tract while aiding fat metabolism; and Vitamin C-rich Amalaki helps to cool Pitta while rejuvenating tissues.

Cow’s milk ghee efficiently carries the fat-soluble phytochemicals in the herbs, deep into body tissues. It nourishes nervous tissues, lubricates internal channels, and increases the bioavailability of the herbs. 

Ayurvedic Benefits of Triphala Ghrita 

Benefits of Eye Health 

Classical texts mention the ghee as chakshushya dravya, a natural therapeutic formulation that enhances eyesight. It is used internally and externally to treat a range of eye conditions, including the below : 
- Timira (refractive errors such as myopia)
- Kacha (early-stage cataract)
- Naktandhya (night blindness)
- Netra Srava and Kandu (watery or itchy eyes)
- Computer Vision Syndrome, dry eye, and eye fatigue

While Triphala provides antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress in ocular tissues, ghee nourishes and lubricates the eye structure. Together, they are believed to rejuvenate the alochaka Pitta or the subtle bio-energy responsible for vision.

Great for the Gut 

The ghee enhances digestive fire (agni), promoting regular bowel movements and relieving constipation, while keeping up body strength.

Triphala’s mild laxative action, combined with the lubricating qualities of ghee, helps line the intestinal tract, providing relief from irritation. This makes it the ideal antidote for chronic issues, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome C (constipation), flatulence, or poor digestive fire (mandagni).

Slows Down the Ageing Process

A rejuvenating preparation, Triphala Ghrita nourishes the dhatus (tissues), supports ojas (vital essence), and slows cellular degeneration. Regular (moderate) consumption of Triphala Ghrita maintains youthfulness and strengthens immunity.

While ghee is a potent ojovardhaka (enhancer of vitality), nourishing the Majja Dhatu and Shukra Dhatu (nervous and reproductive tissues), Triphala’s antioxidant and detoxifying nature helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

Other important benefits 

• Moisturises and soothes dry, inflamed, or itchy skin, promotes hair growth, and helps restore natural colour.

• Calms Vata, promoting relaxation.

• Cleanses tissues without depleting energy.
  

Uses of Triphala Ghrita

In Netra Tarpana Therapy: This is an Ayurvedic eye-rejuvenation therapy performed under expert supervision.

The person needs to lie down comfortably while the eye area is cleansed gently. Soft wheat or black gram flour dough is placed in a ring around each eye to create a well. Lukewarm Triphala Ghrita is gently poured into the ring until it covers the eyes.

The patient is required to blink and rotate the eyes slowly to ensure deep penetration. The therapy takes 15-30 minutes.

This has several benefits: it improves distant and near vision; nourishes ocular tissues and glands; balances Vata and Pitta in the eyes; reduces dryness, strain, and burning; enhances accommodation and clarity; and detoxifies and protects against degenerative eye disorders.Modern research shows that the therapy improves visual acuity and reduces refractive errors in conditions such as myopia and dry-eye syndrome.

As eye drops: Two drops of Triphala Ghrita, applied twice daily, can help strengthen vision and soothe irritation.
(Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before using the formulation as eye drops.)

In Panchkarma Therapy: In snehapana (internal oleation), the ghee is consumed orally in increasing doses (under medical supervision) to lubricate tissues, mobilise ama (toxins), and prepare the body for detoxification or virechana/shodhana. This is a gentle process and safe for the weak and elderly, and helps harmonise doshas, strengthen digestion, and ensure smooth elimination.Morning and evening are good times for this therapy, depending on the ailment. Morning intake enhances vision and digestion, while bedtime use promotes bowel regularity.

Brahmi Ghrita vs Triphala Ghrita

Recommended Dosage and Precautions 

• About ½ - 2 tsp (approx. 6-12 g) daily. Kapha individuals should take smaller doses due to the heaviness of ghee.

• If having for the eyes, 1 tsp with lukewarm milk twice daily is recommended.

• For cataract or related issues, 1 tsp with lukewarm water before meals, twice daily, is good.

• To tackle constipation, take on an empty stomach early morning or at bedtime with warm milk.
  

• Triphala Ghrita is generally safe when used correctly. However, mild digestive symptoms such as loose stools or heaviness can occur, especially in individuals with weak digestion or high Kapha.

• The following need to be cautious when having this ghee: Those with sluggish digestion, severe Kapha imbalance, obesity, ghee intolerance or Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea.

• Always consult an Ayurvedic physician to determine the dose, duration, and method suitable for your constitution and condition.
  
  

How to Choose a Quality Triphala Ghrita 

Care must be taken to ensure you have a quality product. Below are points to look out for:

• Ensure the product label lists cow’s ghee and the three Triphala fruits.
  
  
• Should be made following the Ghrita Kalpana method of processing ghee with herbal decoctions and pastes.
  
  
• Look for GMP-certified products with clear batch numbers and expiry dates.
  
  
• Choose reputed Ayurvedic brands that disclose sourcing and preparation methods.
  
  
• Check to see if the product was stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use Triphala Ghee daily?

Yes, you may take the ghee at a stretch for 3-6 months for rejuvenation and preventive care, but under expert supervision.

2. Is there a difference between Triphala Ghrita and Triphala powder?

Triphala powder primarily helps in detoxification and regulating bowel movements, while Triphala Ghrita is a formulation where Triphala is blended in ghee – an efficient carrier that helps the herbs penetrate deep into the tissues, nourishing the eyes, nerves, and brain.

3. Does Triphala Ghrita help with diabetes?

It helps manage complications related to diabetes, such as skin and vision problems, and constipation.

4. Is Triphala Ghrita safe during pregnancy?

It is best to consult an Ayurveda practitioner before using, if you’re pregnant.

5. Can Triphala Ghrita be used as regular ghee to top dishes?

No, it’s a therapeutic formulation to be had in small doses and for specific conditions and benefits - as directed by an Ayurvedic expert. If used in regular meals, the potency may be reduced; if overused, it can trigger imbalances.

6. Can Triphala Ghrita be had by children?

Yes, in small doses and prescribed by an Ayurveda expert. It is excellent for eye health.

TESTIMONIAL
Jiten Verma, 52, media professional

Jiten suffered from vision issues, eye fatigue, and dry eyes since childhood. Of late, tired of constant visits to the doctors, check-ups, and medication, he had begun thinking of alternative medicines. It was quite by chance that he heard of Triphala Ghrita – he hadn’t even known that herbal ghee formulations existed. He consulted an Ayurvedic expert online and began using the Ghrita orally. After a few weeks, his expert suggested he try physical therapy – Jiten was hesitant since this involved allowing the ghee to be circulated in his eyes. But his Vaidya convinced him and shared research that validated the benefits of the therapy. He decided to undergo the procedure at a suggested frequency. The problems of dry eyes and eye fatigue were resolved within weeks, and his next eye check-up revealed that his vision, too, was showing signs of improvement.