Guggulansma (Trifolium pratense) is a herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae or Lamiaceae). A shrub, it is a predator plant that grows to about two feet tall and is known for its flowers. In India, it is called Triphala. Other names are Pippali, Diwali and Triphala.
Triphala Guggulu has been used for centuries to treat various disorders of the stomach and colon. It is most useful for conditions such as gallbladder disease, peptic ulcers and colitis. It is also used for relieving diarrhea and to reduce constipation. Guggulansma acts rapidly to treat diseases of the stomach and intestine, which may aggravate pitta. For this reason, it is important to use it as an internal medicine for treating symptoms like nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
Triphala is usually prepared by treating the roots and underground stems of Triphala (Trifolium pretense) in water. These roots and stems are immersed in water for three to five minutes and then ground into a fine powder. There are a few variants in preparation depending on the preparation, the amount of herbs and the quality of the herb. Usually, Guggulansma (Three fruits or Five fruits) is more concentrated than Triphala. In some manufactured preparations the standard Triphala is replaced with Guggulansma to produce a much milder herbal preparation.
There are three main ways in which the herb is taken as an internal medicine. Firstly, Guggulansma is taken as a triphala chew, a tablet or a powder, or a tea. Each of these methods of consumption produces different effects. Some people find that while chewing the herb they have a feeling of wellbeing, relaxation and even happiness; others feel the opposite. The tea is very soothing and contains anti-oxidants which prevent inflammation and free radicals from damaging the cells in the body.
So, what about triphala vs. guggulu for internal use? Both contain anti-inflammatory properties which aim to normalize the process of digestion and thereby promote normal release of digestive fluids and waste products. However, while the use guggulu as an internal medicine can be more successful, the absorption of triphala and its three fruits is higher. It is not clear why this is the case. However, if you want to get the maximum benefit from the herb, then it is advisable to use guggulu in addition to triphala.
Triphala guggulu powder is prepared by blending the following Herbs: Triphala (Three pungent herbs), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Bhrungraj (Eclipta Alba), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Rakta-Chandan (Pterocarpus santalinus) and Chandraprabha-Vati. These herbs have their own unique properties and are therefore used separately in the Triphala-Guggulu blend. These ingredients are combined in a ratio suitable for each other and later on, they are added to make a complete herb blend. This herb blend is then used for treatment of various disorders such as digestive disorders, muscular pain and stress, skin disorders, fertility problems, anxiety and depression, etc.
The Triphala-Guggulu treatment consists of three components as mentioned above namely, the herb Guggulu, the main herb in the Triphala-Guggulu blend and additional ingredients. The dosage of this herbal treatment depends on the type of disorder that one is suffering from. In this case, all the ingredients work together in a perfect way to treat the disorder effectively. For Fistula, treatment with Triphala Guggulu and following combination of it with other medicines are most effective.
The manufacturing process of Triphala-Guggulu is done in the traditional method and involves heating herbaceous plants at elevated temperature. This enhances their strength and reduces the amount of processing that needs to be done in the manufacturing of this medicine. After the manufacturing process, the herbs are kept in suspension in alcohols and are then made available for application to patients suffering from inflammatory conditions. However, the manufacture of Guggulu-based medicine also requires inclusion of other medicines that work in conjunction with Guggulu such as Arjuna oil, Laghu oil, etc.
