15 Harmful Side Effects Of Triphala Churna

December 11, 2023 by Pranay David

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Triphala is a widely popular ayurvedic powder that has a vast multitude of benefits to offer. It is very popular in any home that follows ayurvedic remedies. A mixture of 3 fruits namely amla, baheda and harad, it is very useful in detoxification and several other tasks. But, just like any other herb or remedy, it is not free from side effects about which we must be aware before we use it, lest we shall suffer the consequences of ignorance.(1)

Article Contains

Various Side Effects of Triphala and Learn How to Use it Safely

1. Diarrhea

Triphala is known to stimulate the walls of the intestines and has a laxative action, thereby causing diarrhea and loose motions. The main thing to remember while starting to use Triphala is start with small dosages and then progress gradually to a larger dose as the body starts getting used to it.(2)

2. Changes in Glycogen Levels

It is said that amla, one of the three ingredients of Triphala can bring about changes in the blood sugar levels in a person. Patients of diabetes or those who are under medication to control the levels of blood sugar should consult an Ayurveda specialist and their doctor before they begin using Triphala powder for any desired benefits.(3)

3. Headache

Since Triphala is a detoxifier, it releases toxins from our tissues and when they are released we may experience certain symptoms one of which is headache also. This should not be a cause of worry and it will go away as soon as the excess toxins start getting flushed out of the body.(4)

4. Nausea

Nausea is another one of the symptoms that occurs when the toxins start getting flushed out of our body. Just like headache, it is temporary and should not worry us much. If nausea symptoms continue for too long after you have started taking Triphala, stop taking it for a while, that should be helpful. If that also doesn’t help, then consult your doctor for sure.(5)

[ Read: Does Ginger Help with Nausea? ]

5. Interferes Clotting

People who are taking any anti-coagulant or such medicines must be extra cautious as Triphala is also said to affect the clotting and the functioning of the platelets. In such cases too, consult your physician about the possible effects of taking your medicines and Triphala together.(6)

[ Read: What Are the Dangers of Spirulina ]

6. Abdominal Cramps

In people who are prone to suffering from stomach aches and cramps, it would not be unusual to see stomach cramps and aches. It is usually seen in people who have epigastrium tenderness. Such people should reduce the quantity of intake of Triphala to avoid the cramps and the stomach ache.(7)

7. Miscarriage

Triphala acts as a laxative and also acts as a stimulant for the uterus. This can lead to possible complications in case of pregnant women and in some extreme cases, miscarriages too. Nonetheless, it is advisable for pregnant women to avoid using Triphala completely.(8)

8. Poor Sleep

Initially, Triphala could cause there to be some level of difficulty while sleeping. This too is a temporary side effect though, and in a couple of days you sleep shall return to normalcy.(9)

9. Allergic Reactions

Triphala may also cause certain severe allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, breathing difficulty because of airway obstruction, swollen throat, etc. If these reactions are sudden, violent and painful, rush to your doctor immediately without any delay as they could be symptoms of a serious danger.(10)

10. Reaction to Some Medicines

Triphala might interfere with the functioning of various common medicines such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, fluvoxamine, warfarin, diazepam and caffeine. Check the salts present in any medication you are taking before you start taking Triphala. You can also consult your doctor before you take Triphala.

Having discussed about the various possible side effects of Triphala, we are sure you can use it to your benefits without encountering any adverse effect in the process. Go ahead and live healthier, good luck!(11)

11. Flatulence

Triphala is said to induce some level of flatulence in many cases. This is because of the high fiber content of the powder which the digestive system might not be able to digest completely. The colon bacteria survive by breaking down the fiber and in the process, they give out gas as a by-product. For avoiding this too, smaller dosage to start with would be the best idea.

12. Changes in LDL Cholesterol Levels

Amla present in Triphala is also said to make the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels vary and it could be harmful to anyone, especially those suffering from any sort of heart problems already. To clear such worries, doctors and Ayurveda practitioners must be consulted thoroughly first.

13. Dehydration

The colon cleansing action of Triphala may cause diarrhea which would also result in loss of fluids from our body i.e. dehydration. This can also be avoided by taking a lesser dosage of Triphala.

[ Read: Olive Leaf Extract Side Effects You Should Know ]

14. Itch, Rashes and Skin Eruptions

In some people, Triphala can also cause skin problems such as skin itching, skin rashes or skin eruptions. If the problem subsides in a couple of days, you need not worry. If it doesn’t, consult your doctor immediately. The initial detoxification could be the cause if the skin problems are temporary. If it does not seem to go away, you could be experiencing an allergic reaction most probably.

[ Read: How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Rash? ]

15. Undesired Loss of Weight

Some people have reported experiencing a sudden loss of body weight when they took Triphala for some other purpose. It is generally attributed to the diarrhea caused by Triphala. If the weight loss is very undesirable for you, you should cease using Triphala as soon as possible.

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