Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), also known as Behada or Bahera, is a large tree native to the lowland forests of India and Southeast Asia. Its fruit, an oval berry with grey-brown skin, is dried and ground into powder for a traditional use spanning millennia.

In Ayurveda, Bibhitaki is one of the three pillars of Triphala, the most iconic formula in Indian traditional medicine, alongside Amalaki and Haritaki. Each of these berries is traditionally associated with a dosha: Bibhitaki with balancing Kapha, the dosha of structure and bodily fluids. French laboratory Ayur-vana offers the berry alone, as a pure powder, for those wanting to create their own blends or target Bibhitaki’s properties specifically.

Bibhitaki powder is particularly rich in compounds of interest: tannins, the characteristic polyphenolic compounds of Terminalia berries with astringent properties; gallic acid and ellagic acid, antioxidant polyphenols studied for their role in cell protection; and lignans and flavonoids, which contribute to the berry’s overall activity. These natural antioxidants help protect cells, tissue and organs against oxidative stress caused by free radicals — the richness that has made Bibhitaki a plant renowned for general wellbeing and vitality in Ayurvedic tradition.

Beyond its antioxidant action, Bibhitaki is traditionally used in Ayurveda for digestive comfort. Its astringent tannins support balanced transit and good tone of the digestive lining — this dual action, antioxidant and digestive, explains its place in Triphala, used for millennia to support elimination and intestinal regularity. Taken alone, Bibhitaki more specifically targets Kapha balance and the drainage of the upper airways, according to tradition.

Recommended dose: 1/2 teaspoon, twice a day, diluted in a drink, compote, yoghurt or a little warm water — a total recommended daily dose of 1 teaspoon (5 g). The 150 g format covers about a month’s course. Bibhitaki powder has a pronounced astringent flavour, typical of Terminalia berries; diluting it into a smooth preparation (compote, yoghurt, smoothie) makes it easier to take. A course of 1 to 3 months is recommended for optimal benefit.

Not a substitute for a varied diet. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If undergoing medical treatment, consult a healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.

What is Bibhitaki and what is it used for?

Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica) is an Ayurvedic berry rich in tannins and antioxidants, traditionally used to help protect cells from free radicals and support digestive comfort. It’s one of the three plants in Triphala.

What’s the difference between Bibhitaki, Amalaki and Haritaki?

These are the three berries of Triphala. Amalaki targets Pitta, Haritaki targets Vata, and Bibhitaki targets Kapha. Together they form the reference Ayurvedic formula for elimination and vitality.

Herba Barona is an independent specialist supplement shop in the heart of Paris — established in 2006. What you order is genuinely on our shelves: we ship from our own stock, with no dropshipping and no long waits.

Visit us at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12 — or use Click & Collect and pick up your order in-store. We also deliver across France and Europe. Friendly, expert advice in English from our team.

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Herba Barona is at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris — a two-minute walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8), close to Bastille. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm.

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