This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack.

Triphala is a very effective compound made by mixing equal parts of powder of Emblica Officinalis, Terminalia Belerica & Terminalia Chebula.

Emblica officinalis is a rich source of natural vitamin C. it reduces unwanted fat , detoxifies the body, regulate digestion and promotes metabolic function.

Terminalia Belerica has a strong purgative action as such diseases are said to fear it. It can expel stones or other kapha-type accumulations in the digestive, urinary, and respiratory tracts. It is also a strong rejuvenator of the body, especially for the voice, vision and hair.

Recent research shows that Terminalia Belerica reduces levels of lipids (important dietary constituents that are insoluble in water; they contain vitamins and essential fatty acids; in excess they cause fat buildup in the tissues) throughout the body and specifically lower the lipid levels in the liver and heart. This shows a strong action in preventing heart and liver fat congestion, which can lower the disease risk associated with those organs. Other studies indicate that Terminalia Belerica has retroviral actions in inhibiting the viral growth in leukemia patients, and yet another study indicates the strong inhibiting effect Terminalia Belerica has on the HIV virus.

Terminalia Chebula is called the ''king of medicines'' in Tibet and is always listed first in the Ayurvedic meteria medica because of its extraordinary powers of healing. In Ayurveda it is considered to destroy all diseases and eliminate all waste from the body. At the same time, it is known to promote tissue growth and health.

Terminalia Chebula is used to treat digestive diseases, urinary diseases, diabetes, skin diseases, parasitic infections, heart diseases, irregular fevers, flatulence, constipation, ulcers, vomiting, colic pain and hemorrhoids. If taken after meals it prevents imbalance of any of the humors due to bad food or drink. It promotes wisdom, intellect and eyesight.

Modern science has found that Terminalia Chebula has a strong effect against the herpes simplex virus HSV, has antibacterial activity, and exhibits strong cardio tonic properties. Terminalia Chebula also has antioxidant components, which indicates it can increase the life of tissues. Yet another study shows the anti-tumor activity of Terminalia Chebula and another study shows that it has considerable effect in inhibiting the HIV virus which ultimately results in AIDS.

Triphala is the most popular Ayurvedic herbal formula of India, since it is an effective laxative which also supports the body's strength. Because of its high nutritional value, Triphala cleanses and detoxifies at the deepest organic levels without depleting the body's reserves. This makes it one of the most valuable herbal preparations in the world.

How is Triphala different from other kinds of laxatives? There are two primary types of herbal laxatives. One is called a purgative and includes herbs such as senna, rhubarb, leptandra, buckthorne and cascara. These often contain bitter principles in the form of anthroquinones which work by stimulating the peristaltic action of the intestinal lining, either directly or by promoting the secretion of bile through the liver and gall bladder.

The second type of laxative is a lubricating bulk laxative, including demulcent herbs such as psyllium and flax seed. This is more nutritional and usually does not have any significant direct effect on either the liver or the gall bladder. Rather, these work like a sponge by swelling and absorbing fluid, thus acting as an intestinal broom.

Triphala combines both nutritional as well as blood and liver cleansing actions. It has little function as a demulcent or lubricating laxative, however. It possesses some anthroquinones which help stimulate bile flow and peristalsis. The nutritional aspect is more in the form of its high vitamin C content, the presence of linoleic oil and other important nutrients which it makes more of a tonic.

Since the body is always simultaneously involved with maintaining and gaining strength through good nutrition as well as eliminating waste, Triphala is unique in that it is naturally able to support both vital processes simultaneously. Because of its high nutritional content, Ayurvedic doctors generally do not regard Triphala as a mere laxative. Some of the scientific research and practical experience of people using it down through the ages has demonstrated that Triphala is an effective blood purifier that stimulates bile secretion as it detoxifies the liver, helps digestion and assimilation, and significantly reduces serum cholesterol and lipid levels throughout body. As a result, it is regarded as a kind of universal panacea and is the most commonly prescribed herbal formula.

There are two ways to take Triphala, as a powder or capsule. Traditionally Triphala is taken as a churna or powder. One would stir in two or three grams of the powder with warm water and consume the entire amount each evening or divided into three doses throughout the day. Since for most it does not possess a flavor that one would look forward to experiencing, it is convenient that Triphala is available in capsule form. Generally the dose is from two to six capsules taken one to three times daily. Children may only require one or two capsules in the evening.

The larger dose is more laxative while the smaller dose tends to be more gradually blood purifying. A smaller dose might be one or two capsules three times daily. One should increase or decrease the dose according to one's bowel movements. Since there are no problems in using Triphala, the dose can be adjusted upwards from the suggested amount.