Triphala Churna is a classical Ayurvedic formulation used since time immemorial. Triphala means three fruits, and this famous formulation contains three myrobalans in equal amount. The pericarps of three dried fruits (Haritaki, Vibhitaki, Amalki) are taken, dried, and powdered to get Triphala powder.
Triphala is time tested medicine described in ancient Ayurvedic texts such as Charak Samhita, and Sushruta Samhita as Tridoshic Rasayana. It balances Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Haritaki, and Vibhitaki are warming in nature, and Aanvla is a cooling in nature.
Triphala is a balanced formula that detoxifies the body. It cleanses the intestine, and helps to get rid of chronic constipation. It is good for the eyes, hair, and skin. In fact, Triphala is beneficial for the whole body.
Now, let see what is Divya Patanjali Udarkalp Churna. Udarkalp Churna is also a medicinal powder but not classical formulation. It is formulated, and patented by Patanjali Divya Pharmacy. Udarkalp Powder is for Constipation, Dyspepsia, Indigestion, and related conditions.
Udarkalp vs Triphala
The composition of Triphala, and Udarkalp powder is completely different.
Triphala means an equal amount of Emblica Officinalis (Family Euphorbiaceae), Terminalia bellerica (Family Combretaceae), and Terminalia chebula (Family Combretaceae).
Udarkalp contains Cassia Angustifolia, Choti Harad, Mulethi, Rheum Emodi, Saunf, Dry Ginger, and Sugar as active ingredients.
Triphala is a tonic. It is Tridoshic Rasayana, and has the energetics to balance Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Sushruta gave Triphala for treating ulcers, and wounds. Triphala benefits gut health, and promotes efficient digestion, absorption, elimination, and rejuvenation.
Triphala can be used by a very young person, the infirmed, and the elderly.
Udarkalp cannot be considered as a tonic. It is a medicine beneficial in digestive weakness, and constipation. It contains Haritaki, and Senna leaf that exerts laxative, and purgative action.
Triphala is mild laxative at normal doses. It is tonic for bowel at a low dose. When taken in excess it acts as purgative. It is carminative, expectorant, antispasmodic, and bronchodilator. The best thing about Triphala is, it is a non-habit-forming laxative. You can take it daily for years without any problem.
Udarkalp is a laxative, and purgative in action as it contains Senna. In per 5 grams of powder, Senna is half gram.
Senna has stronger, and a quick-acting compared to Triphala. But Senna has side-effects. Senna is a habit-forming stimulant laxative, and stimulates peristaltic activity. Sennosides irritate the lining of the bowel, which causes a laxative effect. Senna is not suitable for children under 12 years old.
Triphala can be safely taken for years. It has no harmful effect on the body. It is said, when Triphala is taken with honey, and ghee, daily for years has the potential to make a person live for one hundred years devoid of old age, and diseases.
Udarkalp is more suitable for short term use. It is a medicine, and you should take it occasionally as per need. Its daily intake can result in dependence, and electrolyte imbalance.
Udarkalp contains licorice. If you take licorice daily for several weeks or longer, then there are chances you may develop many side effects such as high blood pressure, low potassium levels, weakness, etc. The symptoms are dose dependent but licorice is definitely not suitable for the long term use.
So, in summary, Triphala is a tonic that can be taken daily for years to get good health. Benefits of Triphala are countless. It is formulated for the wellbeing of people.
But Udarkalp is a medicine mainly with digestive, and purgative action more suitable for occasional use to manage gas, bloating, and constipation.
This article is very informative. Thank you. However, for chronic constipation what is a solution?