Triphala: Be critical about what you give your horse!
Triphala is becoming increasingly popular in the equine world – and we totally understand why! It’s a powerful herb with strong medicinal properties. Triphala can be used for gastric ulcers, sugar-sensitive horses, stress, eye problems, and various digestive issues. But did you know that the production of Triphala often goes wrong? And that’s exactly why you should be very critical about what you buy!
Triphala
Welfare
25 July '25 • 1 min reading time
Not all Triphala is equally pure
The quality of Triphala strongly depends on the origin and processing of the ingredients. Some manufacturers use fillers, artificial additives, or uncertified herbs, which can reduce the effectiveness or even have adverse effects. Triphala should be pure and free of additives. Always check the ingredient label and only buy herbs from trustworthy (online) stores.
Risk of heavy metals and pesticides
Unfortunately, a lot of Triphala is contaminated with heavy metals, and sometimes even pesticides. Farming practices in India are not as strictly regulated as in Europe, so even an organic label doesn't always guarantee safety. Heavy metals are especially problematic. They can end up in the final product because the grinding stones used may contain them. When these stones are used to process the herbs, the heavy metals get into the Triphala. As a horse owner, you want to be sure your Triphala is free of heavy metals. Testing for this is expensive – but essential! We have rejected several batches due to excessive heavy metal levels. That’s why we have our Triphala tested both in India and here in the Netherlands.
The ratio of the three fruits varies
The original Ayurvedic formula consists of an equal mix of Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. However, some manufacturers deliberately overdose one of the components, often for economic reasons. This alters the product’s effects. True Triphala has a balanced composition, aligned with Ayurvedic tradition.
Conclusion: Be critical!
When it comes to Triphala, you really need to be critical – because heavy metals in the product can seriously harm your horse’s health. Moreover, the formulation must adhere to Ayurvedic principles to be truly effective. Only buy Triphala from reliable sources that are transparent about their quality standards.
