
Triphala for Weight Loss: Best Time, Benefits & Ayurvedic Insights
08 Oct, 2025Introduction Triphala tri (three) + phala (fruits) is one of Ayurveda’s most trusted, time-tested...
Read moreTriphala tri (three) + phala (fruits) is one of Ayurveda’s most trusted, time-tested remedies. Traditionally celebrated for gut health, it also plays a meaningful role in metabolism (Agni), detoxification (removal of Ama), and healthy weight balance. In Ayurvedic thinking, sluggish digestion and toxin build-up slow down fat metabolism, increase water retention, and fuel cravings. By gently kindling Agni, supporting daily elimination, and promoting microbial balance in the gut, Triphala for weight loss can be a practical, natural ally, especially when paired with a Kapha-pacifying diet and lifestyle.
Check out the complete guide to Triphala benefits and dosage—>
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) – cooling, rejuvenative; rich in vitamin-C-containing compounds
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) – supports motility and elimination
Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) – traditionally used for Kapha balance and lipid metabolism
Rasa (tastes): sweet, sour, pungent, bitter, astringent (all except salty)
Guna (qualities): predominantly light & dry (Haritaki, Bibhitaki), heavy-dry (Amalaki)
Virya (potency): generally neutral
Vipaka (post-digestive effect): sweet
Prabhava (special action): tridoshic rasayana—balancing for Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Sanskrit & regional names: Thiripala Suranam, Tripula Sooranam, Thiripala Chooranam, Thiripala Podi.
Agni (digestive fire) governs digestion and nutrient assimilation.
Ama (metabolic waste/toxins) arises when Agni is impaired, contributing to heaviness, bloating, cravings, and Medoroga (obesity) in Ayurveda.
By improving digestion, supporting detox, and moderating Kapha, Triphala powder and Triphala tablets can aid sustainable fat management.
Boosts Metabolism: Triphala helps to improve and regulate your metabolic rate, which can increase calorie burning and aid in weight loss.
Promotes Digestive Health: It stimulates digestive enzymes, improves nutrient absorption, and acts as a mild laxative, ensuring regular bowel movements and flushing out toxins from the digestive tract.
Detoxifies the Body: By gently cleansing the intestines and removing accumulated waste (called Ama in Ayurveda), Triphala prevents toxins from hindering weight loss efforts.
Curbs Cravings: Triphala can help reduce cravings, especially for sugary and processed foods, by supporting balanced blood sugar levels and promoting feelings of fullness.
Reduces Fat Accumulation: It is believed to aid in the breakdown of existing fat deposits and may help inhibit the creation of new fat cells, particularly in the abdominal area.
Combats Inflammation: Triphala's powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce chronic inflammation, a factor contributing to weight gain and other health issues.
Modern research adds that Triphala’s polyphenols can favorably modulate the gut microbiome, supporting beneficial species while reducing undesirable ones, an axis increasingly linked to weight balance.
Soak 1 tsp (3–5g) churna in a cup of warm water, cover, leave overnight; stir and strain before drinking it up in the morning.
Or, boil 1–2 tsp (5- 10 g) in a cup of water; reduce to ½ cup; strain and sip warm.
When to use
Morning, empty stomach for metabolism & detox support.
Night, 30–60 min before bed for a mild laxative effect and deeper cleansing.
Dosage
Begin with 1 tsp/day, increase gradually up to 1–2 tsp/day as tolerated.
Sensitive digestion? Start at half a tsp.
Morning: kindles Agni, curbs cravings, supports fat metabolism.
Night: promotes regular elimination; reduces next-day heaviness.
For weight loss aims, not recommended. Prefer warm water (or honey + warm water as a rasayana in other contexts). Milk is more suitable for other use-cases, not fat reduction.
An empty stomach is preferred for triphala churna use in weight loss. After meals is acceptable for general digestion support, but less targeted for fat goals.
1–2 Triphala tablets (as per label strength) once or twice daily with warm water.
Best time to take Triphala tablets (h3)
Morning empty stomach to support metabolism, or
Evening/bedtime for regularity.
Triphala tablets dosage varies by brand potency; follow label or practitioner guidance.
Triphala powder or tablet, which is better?
Triphala Powder (churna): faster assimilation, adjustable dose, traditional.
Triphala Tablets: convenience, travel-friendly, taste-neutral. Choose based on lifestyle and tolerance.
Combines Triphala with Guggulu, a resin-like therapeutic natural substance, traditionally used for Kapha and metabolic sluggishness.
Guggulu is anti-inflammatory, and the synergistic impact of the formulation provides relief from piles, anal fistula, and constipation.
According to Ayurveda, the Rechana (laxative) property of Triphala Guggulu provides effective aid in the treatment of constipation. It works by stimulating the digestive fire, which in turn relieves constipation. This further prevents piles and gives relief from the pain, swelling, and other discomfort associated with them. It also helps reduce the symptoms of anal fistula (fistula-in-ano). Triphala Guggulu can also help in weight management due to its laxative properties. It improves Agni (the digestive fire), which helps promote healthy metabolism and releases excess Kapha from the system. Triphala Guggulu is considered safe when taken in the prescribed quantity. It is advisable to follow the prescribed dose for the exact prescribed duration to avoid any unwanted complications.
Triphala has shown hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) effects, making it helpful for people with type 2 diabetes who often struggle with high blood sugar after meals. Normally, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose by enzymes like alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. In diabetes, glucose uptake by cells is also reduced, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Studies suggest that Triphala works in a way similar to some diabetes medicines (like acarbose and miglitol) by:
Blocking digestive enzymes (alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase), slows the breakdown of starch into glucose.
Reducing glucose absorption lowers the rise in blood sugar after meals.
Animal studies show that Triphala lowers serum glucose in both healthy and diabetic rats. A clinical study on patients with type 2 diabetes found that taking 5 g of Triphala powder daily for 45 days significantly reduced both fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels.
For Constipation: 3–5 g at night with warm water.
For Weight loss: ½–2 tsp (≈2–8 g) morning decoction/soak; optionally ½–1 tsp at night if needed. Start low.
Helps reduce PMS-related bloating, supports regularity, and promotes a more even appetite through Agni balance.
Menstruation: Generally safe to continue; if stools become too loose, reduce dose or pause for a few days.
Have a Kapha-pacifying diet. Kapha imbalance contributes to weight gain, water retention, and sluggish metabolism. Favour foods that are light, warm, dry, and easy to digest: barley, leafy greens, bitter gourd, ginger, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, mustard seeds, apples, pomegranates, and pears. Avoid dairy, fried foods, sweets, excess wheat, cold, and oily foods.
Eat 3 meals/day, 4–6 hours apart, with lunch as the heaviest meal.
Exercise regularly and practise Yoga – it is not just exercise, it harmonises body, mind, and metabolism.
Manage sleep patterns optimally. Oversleeping and daytime sleeping increase Kapha and slow metabolism, leading to obesity.
De-stress with Ayurvedic practices as stress raises cortisol levels, leading to fat accumulation. Daily oil massage, meditation, and beginning the day with a glass of warm water are some such practices.
Triphala is generally safe and well-tolerated, but like any herb, it may cause mild reactions if taken in excess.
Loose motions or mild abdominal cramps may occur with higher-than-recommended doses due to its cleansing (Anulomana) and mildly laxative properties.
To avoid this, always start with a small dose and adjust gradually according to your digestion (Agni).
Pregnant women: Triphala has cleansing and downward-moving (Apana Vata) qualities, so best best to take advice from an Ayurvedic physician.
Those with very weak digestion or severe debility: Its scraping (Lekhana) and detoxifying in nature may be too strong for already weak systems. Like individuals suffering from IBS-D
Hence, Caution is also advised for individuals prone to loose stools or diarrhea.
Used wisely, Triphala for weight loss is a holistic, gut-led approach: it kindles Agni, reduces Ama, supports regular elimination, moderates cravings, and helps rebalance Kapha for sustainable fat loss. Combine Triphala churna benefits for weight loss with a Kapha-pacifying diet, daily movement, and restorative sleep to amplify results.
Ready to begin a gentle, Ayurvedic weight-balance routine? Start your 3-week Triphala protocol today morning on an empty stomach for metabolism, and an optional bedtime dose for regularity. Track how your digestion, energy, and cravings improve week by week.
Need personalised Ayurvedic guidance for weight balance and digestive health? Book a free Vaidya consultation to get a custom Triphala routine and diet plan suited to your body type.
Generally, yes, it’s considered safe for daily use. If you notice dryness or excessive looseness, lower the dose, add bulk (e.g., psyllium/Isabgol), or take short breaks (e.g., a few days off every 6–8 weeks).
Typical Ayurvedic timelines: 3–6 weeks to reset digestion and reduce Ama. For longer courses, cycle or seek practitioner guidance to maintain Satmya (healthy adaptation).
As part of Triphala, it helps digestion and rejuvenation, indirectly supporting weight balance.
Haritaki is included in Triphala for balanced daily use; single-herb daily use should be individualized by a practitioner.
Yes, Triphala supports weight loss by enhancing metabolism, improving digestion, reducing fat accumulation, and promoting detoxification. Regular use, combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, can help achieve sustainable, gut-led fat reduction.
Yes, Triphala can be taken long-term, but it’s advisable to take periodic breaks (e.g., after 2–3 months) or combine with castor oil or Isabgol to prevent dryness in the intestines.
Take 3–5 g of Triphala powder with lukewarm water before bedtime. It acts as a mild laxative, supports detoxification, and promotes healthy bowel movements overnight.
Yes, Triphala can be taken during intermittent fasting, preferably at night with warm water, to aid detoxification and regulate morning elimination without breaking the fast.
Introduction Triphala tri (three) + phala (fruits) is one of Ayurveda’s most trusted, time-tested...
Read moreAre you struggling with your oral health because of your eating habits? Are toothaches becoming your new normal because you have not been brushing well? Is eating ice cream a big NO, as you have brushed a little too much? A lot of you have been made to believe that your oral issues emanate from what you are doing wrong or not doing the right thing. What if we tell you that you have been approaching this all wrong and trying to solve the problems topically instead of addressing the root cause? Do you ever think about the real reason for these significant dental issues?
Ayurveda helps you focus on the fundamentals and identify the root cause. It is the science of treating the underlying imbalances and correcting the cause in a completely natural and effective way. Among its numerous health benefits, when it comes to oral health, Ayurvedic Toothpaste is a game-changer for preserving strong and healthy teeth. A natural and effective alternative to the chemical-laden equivalents and a beneficial synergy of herbs that help in holistic dental care. Surprising, right!? Well, read on to turn your surprise into a new belief!
नित्यमध्मान तां तांस्तु व्याधिभिश्च विवर्जितः।
रसैश्च दन्तमूलानां रूक्षैराचाम्य विक्रियाम्॥
Meaning: Regularly cleaning your mouth makes your teeth and gums healthy and prevents diseases.
The Charaka Samhita mentions the importance of oral care in overall health. This is more than just information from ancient scriptures; much research has validated the role of a healthy mouth in a healthy body. A 2022 study in Frontiers of Microbiology highlighted this critical link: an imbalance in the oral microbiome causes periodontal disease and promotes cardiovascular disease development.
Wondering how? Saliva is the first fluid that is secreted during digestion. It lubricates the tongue and oral cavity and ensures that the whole digestive tract stays lubricated, along with the chewed food passed down to the stomach. It carries all microbes into your gut and is the most crucial link between oral and overall health
Saliva also contains some antimicrobial proteins and enzymes that keep harmful microorganisms from growing while ensuring the good ones thrive. However, any saliva production or composition imbalance can affect the oral microbiota. This could be due to poor oral hygiene, an unhealthy diet, or systemic health issues.
This imbalance can have dire consequences for oral health, such as dental caries, gum issues, and infections. Moreover, balanced saliva helps lubricate and break down food for easy digestion and ensures that teeth get essential minerals to maintain and repair themselves.
Dantadhaawan is an ancient Ayurvedic oral hygiene practice that involves using herbal twigs, AKA ‘‘Datoon’’, to clean teeth and gums. Commonly used twigs include those from the neem, babool, and liquorice plants. These twigs have antimicrobial properties that help maintain oral hygiene.
According to the Shadrasa (six tastes) in Ayurveda, every herb has a Rasa (dominant taste) that determines its properties and actions.
An ideal toothpaste must contain Katu, Tikta, Kashaya, and Madhura Rasa, each of which positively impacts maintaining the health of our oral cavity.
Let’s uncover the properties of these essential Rasas to know more:
Rasa |
Action |
Katu (Pungent) |
It deeply cleanses the oral cavity |
Tikta (Bitter) |
Antibacterial & antiseptic action |
Kashaya (Astringent) |
Provides pain relief |
Madhura (Sweet) |
Strengthens the gums & teeth |
You see, an Ayurvedic toothpaste not only cleanses your teeth but also gives Bala (strength) through the properties of the natural Dravyas (herbs) used in it.
It may sound complex, but formulating toothpaste at home is as easy as making a face pack! All you need is 10 grams of dry leaves or powders of neem, mulethi, jamun, and amalaki. Grind or mix them, and your dry toothpaste powder is ready! During every brushing session (preferably morning and evening), mix it with your *Dosha-appropriate adjuvants. Vata *Dosha* can mix sesame oil, Pitta *Dosha* can mix ghee, and Kapha *Dosha* can mix honey/mustard oil, and your quick, healthy toothpaste is ready!
If you’re a busy bee, not interested in DIYs, or find it difficult to source these ingredients, don’t worry! We have Maharishi Ayurveda Ayurdent Toothpaste. It is your one-stop solution to all your oral problems. It’s a unique formulation that works on your saliva and is suitable for all body types, irrespective of the Doshic predominance.
It contains neem for cleansing, triphala for balancing, and meswak & ginger for stimulating saliva. Ayurdent promotes holistic oral health naturally and provides protection from major oral problems like cavities, plaque, bleeding gums, toothache, sensitivity, and bad breath. It contains the goodness of 20 Ayurvedic ingredients and is free from SLS and fluoride. Certified by COSMOS Natural, it stands out for its authenticity compared to other Ayurvedic and herbal toothpaste. This innovative, non-foaming formula is a must-try in the category.
As per Ayurveda, no two individuals are alike. Maharishi Ayurveda offers personalised treatment for each individual at all touch-points. Consult our expert Vaidyas to get root cause-based personalised treatment from the comfort of your home
CONSULT VAIDYA