Triphala During Pregnancy – Why You Should Avoid it?

4 min read

Written by Sindhuja Prabhu

Sindhuja Prabhu

M.Sc (Psychology),PGDBM

Sindhuja, a mother of two, is an obsessive mom with a keen interest in psychology, especially child psychology. Her quest for knowledge and way with words led her to become a passionate content writer. She transformed her love for writing into a full-fledged career which incidentally also turned up being the perfect stress buster for the last 5 years.

Triphala during pregnancy

When a woman is trying to conceive, she has a big list of items to consume. Once she is pregnant, she cannot continue consuming all these items. Some of them become dangerous for her pregnancy. Triphala is one such item. Triphala during pregnancy is a strict no as it can put your pregnancy at risk. Have you been consuming or planning to consume Triphala? Then read this first!

When you are pregnant, your system becomes very sensitive and can start reacting to various items. You need to be careful about what you consume and also closely monitor your body’s reaction to all foods you consume. While Ayurvedic medicines and products can benefit your health in multiple ways, these natural ingredients can interfere with your bodily functions too.

In This Article

What is Triphala?
Is it Safe to Have Triphala During Pregnancy?
What Are the Health Benefits of Triphala?
Why You Should Not Take Triphala During Pregnancy?
Risks of Taking Triphala During Pregnancy
FAQ’s

What is Triphala?

Triphala is an Ayurvedic medicinal herb made by combining three ingredients. It combines the dried fruits of three plants – amla (Indian gooseberry), haritaki (king of medicines in ayurveda), and bibhitaki (a large medicinal tree).

Each of these three ingredients is extensively used in Ayurveda to treat various ailments. Triphala is made by combining these three and is very effective in curing various ailments. It also helps fight cancer and improve body immunity.

Despite its high medicinal qualities and benefits, you cannot consume this without consulting an Ayurvedic doctor. Like every other medicine both in Ayurveda and otherwise, consuming triphala has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Is it Safe to Have Triphala During Pregnancy?

No, consuming triphala during pregnancy is generally not advisable. Triphala acts as a mild laxative that can lead to stomach cramps and diarrhea. It can cause reactions like itchy skin, rashes, or even swelling in the throat for the expecting mothers.

One of triphala’s main uses is to relieve constipation and to reduce weight. Losing weight when pregnant may not be safe. Triphala can also interfere with certain medications or drugs. If it interferes with any of your pregnancy medicines, it could lead to unwanted complications.

Also, consuming triphala during pregnancy can even affect the fetus by increasing its heart rate.

[Read : Itchy Skin During Pregnancy]

What Are the Health Benefits of Triphala?

The FDA does not monitor or control Ayurvedic herbs or medicines. So, all doctors may not recommend Ayurvedic remedies for any ailments. Especially during pregnancy, your gynecologist may not suggest triphala despite the following health benefits it has to offer:

According to a study, the use of triphala in mouthwash can reduce inflammations in the mouth caused by gingivitis.
It can help flush out toxins in the body, clean the intestines, and help reduce weight.
It has anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
Can help with type 2 diabetes.
It can alleviate stress and control stress-induced ailments.
Protects your cardio health.
Topical application can help reduce bacterial infection and promote faster healing of wounds.

Most of these benefits are based on tests or studies conducted on animals. There is very little information to back up the effectiveness of these claims in humans.

Why You Should Not Take Triphala During Pregnancy?

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not consume triphala. Consuming triphala during pregnancy can not only affect the mother’s health but can put the pregnancy at risk and affect the fetus’s health too.

Consumption of triphala during breastfeeding is also not advisable. The effects of the Ayurvedic drug can pass on to the baby through breastmilk. There is no clarity on how triphala can affect a newborn or an infant if it was to reach the baby through breastmilk.

Risks of Taking Triphala During Pregnancy

Triphala is the king of medicines in Ayurveda, due to its numerous benefits. However, it is not suitable for all, especially pregnant women.

During pregnancy, consumption of Triphala can lead to abdominal pain or cramps, which can stimulate contractions in the uterus. Sometimes, it can lead to a miscarriage, which is not a risk worth taking.

Triphala can also reduce your blood pressure drastically if you are already on medications for diabetes. Many pregnant women suffer from gestational diabetes and may be on medication. In such cases, Triphala may interfere with their diabetes medication and lead to very low blood pressure. Very high or very low blood pressure is not safe for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy.

Triphala is a widely used Ayurvedic drug that can heal many ailments with its wonderful medicinal properties. However, not many of its claims have sufficient scientific backing or the FDA’s approval. It is also widely accepted as unsafe during pregnancy. So, avoid consuming Triphala during or just after pregnancy.

[Read : Miscarriage]

FAQ’s

1. Are There Any Risks of Taking Triphala During Pregnancy?

Yes, Triphala can cause abdominal pain and cramps that can lead to uterine contractions resulting in a miscarriage. It can also affect both the mother’s and the baby’s health during pregnancy.

2. Can I Consume Triphala Soon After Pregnancy?

It is not advisable to consume triphala until you are breastfeeding. There are chances of the medicine mixing into your bloodstream and reaching the baby through the milk. Since no one is sure about the impact of this drug on babies, it is better to wait until you complete your breastfeeding journey.