What are the three fruits in Triphala?

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

Triphala, a cornerstone of traditional Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, is a polyherbal remedy consisting of a synergistic blend of three dried fruits. The potent combination is widely revered for its ability to promote digestive health and overall well-being. Understanding what are the three fruits in Triphala is key to appreciating its comprehensive effects on the body.

Quick Summary

An exploration of the three dried fruits that constitute the Ayurvedic remedy Triphala. It details the individual components—amalaki, haritaki, and bibhitaki—and their unique health benefits. The article highlights how their combined effects offer a balanced approach to supporting overall health and wellness.

Key Points

Three-Fruit Blend: Triphala is composed of three dried fruits: amalaki, haritaki, and bibhitaki.
Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry): This fruit is a potent source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, known for its cooling properties that balance the Pitta dosha.
Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan): Often called the 'King of Medicines,' Haritaki addresses the Vata dosha and is known for its gentle cleansing effects on the digestive system.
Bibhitaki (Belleric Myrobalan): Bibhitaki balances the Kapha dosha and supports respiratory function while helping to eliminate accumulated toxins.
Holistic Balance: The combination of these three fruits creates a synergistic formula that is tridoshic, meaning it helps balance all three primary energies of the body.
Digestive Tonic: Triphala is most famously known as a gentle bowel tonic that supports digestion, elimination, and detoxification without being habit-forming.
Rich in Antioxidants: The blend is packed with antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat free radical damage and reduce inflammation.

Unpacking the Components of Triphala

Triphala literally translates from Sanskrit as “three fruits” (tri = three, phala = fruit). This ancient herbal formulation brings together three distinct medicinal fruits native to the Indian subcontinent. When combined, these fruits work synergistically to provide a holistic and balancing effect on the body's systems, particularly the digestive tract. Each fruit contributes unique properties that make Triphala a powerful tonic, rather than just a simple laxative.

The Three Essential Fruits

Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry): Also known by its botanical name Emblica officinalis, Amalaki is a rich source of Vitamin C and powerful antioxidants. It is considered cooling and beneficial for balancing the Pitta dosha, supporting liver function and detoxification.
Bibhitaki (Belleric Myrobalan): Known scientifically as Terminalia bellirica, Bibhitaki is used to address imbalances related to the Kapha dosha, supporting respiratory function and helping to cleanse the body of toxins.
Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan): The fruit of the Terminalia chebula tree, Haritaki has a warming effect and benefits the Vata dosha, which governs movement and the nervous system. It is known for its gentle cleansing properties and ability to promote healthy elimination.

How the Three Fruits Work Together

The strength of Triphala lies in the balanced interaction of its three fruits, creating a new, more profound therapeutic action. This combination is considered a tridoshic rasayana, beneficial for balancing all three primary energies of the body: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Amalaki's Cooling Action: Soothes inflammation and calms the Pitta dosha.
Bibhitaki's Cleansing Effect: Targets the Kapha dosha, helping to expel excess mucus.
Haritaki's Tonifying Influence: Addresses the Vata dosha, promoting smooth and regular bowel movements.

Comparison of the Three Fruits in Triphala


Feature	Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry)	Bibhitaki (Belleric Myrobalan)	Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan)
Ayurvedic Dosha	Primarily Balances Pitta	Primarily Balances Kapha	Primarily Balances Vata
Energetic Effect	Cooling	Warming	Warming
Primary Actions	Rejuvenative, antioxidant, immune support	Expectorant, detoxifying, respiratory support	Laxative, nervine, cleansing
Nutrient Profile	High in Vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants	Contains tannins, gallic acid, potent antioxidants	High in antioxidants, anthraquinones
Well-known for...	Promoting longevity, eye health	Supporting metabolic and respiratory functions	Enhancing digestion and elimination

The Traditional Preparation and Modern Forms

Traditionally, the three fruits were dried and ground into a powder called churna. Today, Triphala is available in various forms like capsules, extracts, and teas. The most traditional ratio of the fruits is 1:1:1.

Conclusion

In summary, the three fruits in Triphala—amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki—form a potent Ayurvedic blend. Each fruit addresses different systems and doshas, working together synergistically to support healthy digestion, detoxification, and vitality. This balanced approach is why Triphala is a revered herbal remedy.

Important Considerations

Consult a healthcare provider before using Triphala, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. For more on its therapeutic uses, a comprehensive review is available from the National Institutes of Health.

Note: This information is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

More on the Health Benefits

Triphala is also studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to compounds like tannins, flavonoids, and vitamin C. It can support the gut microbiome by promoting beneficial bacteria. Benefits also include supporting eye health and regulating blood sugar.

Individual Action vs. Synergistic Effect: The combination of the fruits creates a balancing effect more potent than their individual actions, suitable for all body types.

The Role of Each Fruit in Ayurvedic Philosophy

Each fruit is believed to act on one of the three doshas. Amalaki balances Pitta, Bibhitaki balances Kapha, and Haritaki balances Vata. This 'tridoshic' effect provides a full-spectrum approach to wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary benefit of Triphala is its action as a rejuvenating tonic and gentle laxative, which supports healthy digestion, detoxification, and overall wellness.

Traditionally, the three fruits—amalaki, haritaki, and bibhitaki—are harvested, dried, and ground into a fine powder called churna. This powder can then be mixed with water, ghee, or honey.

Yes, beyond digestion, Triphala is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to support eye health, modulate the gut microbiome, and have other beneficial effects.

Many practitioners consider Triphala safe for daily use, and it is often recommended as a routine tonic in Ayurveda. However, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

In Ayurvedic pharmacology, Triphala is said to contain five of the six tastes: Amalaki is sour, Haritaki is pungent and astringent, and Bibhitaki is astringent.

In Ayurveda, Amalaki balances the Pitta dosha, Bibhitaki balances the Kapha dosha, and Haritaki balances the Vata dosha. The combination is therefore considered beneficial for all three doshas.

While generally well-tolerated, potential side effects can include mild gastrointestinal upset, especially at high doses. It's always best to start with a low dose and consult a professional before beginning.