About Amla (Emblica officinalis)

Synonymy: Phyllanthus emblica Linn.

Botanical Name: Emblica officinalis

Family: Euphorbiaceae

English names: Emblic, myrobalan-tree, Indian gooseberry

Indian names: amalkamu, uririkai (Andhra Pradesh); amlaki, amluki (Assam); amla, amlaki (Bengal); amali, ambala (Gujrat); amla, aonla (Himachal Pradesh); amla, aonla, onilika (Hindi); amalaka, nelli (Karnatka); nelli (Kerala); alathanda, khondona, anola (Orissa); aonla (Punjab); adiphala, dhatri, amalaka, shriphala, vrittophala (Sanskrit); nelli (Tamilnadu)

 

Parts used: Dried Fruit, Ripe Fruit, Seed, Leaves, Root, Bark & Flowers

Introduction

As in Ayurveda (an Indian medicine system practiced from thousand of years successfully), there are three main type of Doshas, Vaata Dosha, Kaph Dosha and Pitta Dosha (For more information on these DOSHAs, please read about AYURVEDA). Amla helps in fighting and curing the Pitta Dosha which is developed in the body during summer period (It is not necessary that the Pitta Dosha develops only during summer period, in fact it can be developed any time and in anybody). Many small to big problems are caused due to Pitta Dosha, acidity problems, increased heat in the body etc. are some problems developed due to Pitta Dosha, because of which our health condition can decline at a high extent.

Amla helps in balancing the excess of heat/fire that is generated in our body, where in the heat condition causes various inflammations, bleeding (for example: nose bleeding), heart trouble, problems with liver etc. Amla is considered as one of the most successful remedy used in treatment of Pitta Dosha. Amla helps in cooling down the body system bringing the heat generated by the Pitta Dosha to end and it appeases the body inflammations, it also helps in strengthening the eyes, liver and heart. Amla also effectively helps in limiting sugar level in blood.

Amla especially helps in improving immune system of our body and makes our body stronger because of which our body fights efficiently with common diseases that cause much of the harm to our health as well as money (in term of medication it requires to cure them). Amla also helps in improving the sexual vitality in males by strengthening glands important for semen secretion. People who are suffering from low semen problem can surely take help from this herb to improve their condition, for which, they can try taking 1 to 2 tea-spoon of amla powder in warm water daily. If in case this does not help them, it surely won't harm (wont show any side effect) like other medicines.

Because of the life giving (and improving) properties of amla, it is used in herbal jam in India, which constitutes all important herbs and a major part of amla, which is also called "CHYAWANPRASH". Daily 1 to 2 tea-spoon of intake of "Chyawanprash" for about a year helps our body in developing resistance to common diseases.

As amla is a natural source of Vitamin C, which is available in amla in plenty of amount, amla is used as natural remedy in hair related problems. Amla is considered an elixir for hairs. Hair oils (Herbal hair oils), hair conditioners and medicines for hair care which contain extract of amla are also available in market, which do help in improving hair condition by nourishing hairs and giving them new look and shine.

Alma used in combination with other herbs gives better results such as herbal product called "TRIFALA", which contains a combination of three herbs (Amla, haritaki and bibitaki). This compound is used as bowel tonic, it also helps in fighting problems occurred due to the imbalance of three doshas.

Health Benefits of Indian Gooseberry or Amla THe health benefits of the Indian Gooseberry or Amla can be attributed to the high vitamin C content. Amla enhances food absorption, balances stomach acid, fortifies the liver, nourishes the brain and mental functioning, supports the heart, strengthens the lungs, regulates elimination, enhances fertility, helps the urinary system, is good for the skin, promotes healthier hair, acts as a body coolant, flushes out toxins, increases vitality, strengthens the eyes, improves muscle tone and it acts as an antioxidant.

The Indian Gooseberry belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. This fruit is ripe in autumn season in wet forest of hill areas in Indian subcontinent. In India it is considered as a sacred tree. The fruit is very nourishing. It tastes sour. Both dried and fresh fruits can be used. It provides remedies for many diseases so it is widely used in ayurvedic medicines. Gooseberry is very rich in Vitamin C. It contains many minerals and vitamins like Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Carotene and Vitamin B Complex. Amla is also a powerful antioxidant agent. Many health problems are conduced by oxidative damage (when body cells use oxygen they produce by-products that can cause damage). Antioxidant agents prevent and repair such damages. Vitamin C is a good antioxidant agent and so is Gooseberry. The health benefits of amla include the following:

• Eye care: Taking Gooseberry juice with honey is good for improving eyesight. It improves nearsightedness and cataract. It reduces intraocular tension.

• Diabetes: Gooseberry contains chromium. It has a therapeutic value in diabetics. Indian Gooseberry or Amla stimulate the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin. Thus it reduces blood sugar in diabetic patient.

• Heart disease: Gooseberry strengthens heart muscles. So heart pumps blood flawless throughout the body.

• Infection: Due t o its antibacterial and astringent attributes the Indian Gooseberry protects against infection. It improves body resistance.

• Diarrhea and dysentery: Due to its strong, cooling and laxative properties Gooseberry is useful for remedies for diarrhea and dysentery. It is a great relief for gastric syndrome and hyperchlorhydria (burning sensation in abdomen).

• Hair loss: Amla is used in many hair tonics. It enriches hair growth and hair pigmentation. It strengthens roots of hair , maintains color and luster. Eating fresh fruit or applying its paste on hair roots improves hair growth and color.

• Improving appetite: Consuming Gooseberry powder with butter and honey before meal improves appetite. It helps in balancing Nitrogen level and thus increases weight in a healthy way.

• Anti aging: Amla prevents health related hyperlipidaemia through attenuating oxidative stress in the ageing process.

The fresh fruit contains more than 80% water, protein, minerals, carbohydrates and fiber. It is also used as remedies for fever, liver disorder, indigestion, anemia, urinary problems, respiratory problems, cerebral, gastro and cardiovascular illness. Gooseberry lowers cholesterol level. It increases red blood cell production and strengthens teeth and nails. So the Indian gooseberry or Amla as a fresh fruit or juice or in dried form is much good for your health.