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Amla
Amla
Amla, also known as “Indian gooseberry”, is loaded with nutrients and is the richest natural source of vitamin C.
Amla helps improve digestion and relieve acidity. It is also effective for diabetics as it helps control blood glucose levels. It helps prevent aging, greying of hair and boosts immunity.
According to Ayurveda, Amla is one of the best Rasayanic tonics that helps to brighten the skin, purify blood and improve eyesight.
There are a number of ways in which you can consume Amla. It can be taken in the form of juice, murabba, chutney and candy or even eaten raw[1][2][4].
Amla helps improve digestion and relieve acidity. It is also effective for diabetics as it helps control blood glucose levels. It helps prevent aging, greying of hair and boosts immunity.
According to Ayurveda, Amla is one of the best Rasayanic tonics that helps to brighten the skin, purify blood and improve eyesight.
There are a number of ways in which you can consume Amla. It can be taken in the form of juice, murabba, chutney and candy or even eaten raw[1][2][4].
What are the synonyms of Amla?
Emblica officinalis, Indian gooseberry, Amalaka, Amrtaphala, Dhatriphala, Amlakhi, Aonla, Ambala, Nellikayi, Nellikka, Anvala, Anala, Aula, Nelli, Usirika, Amli, Amlaj
What is the source of Amla?
Plant Based
Benefits of Amla
Ayurvedic View
Amla helps manage indigestion by improving the Pachak Agni (digestion fire). It also helps in easy expulsion of stool due to its Rechana (mild laxative) property.
Modern Science View
Amla helps to improve the glucose metabolism in diabetic patients therefore reducing the fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in the body. Amla also lowers the risk of various diabetic complications by fighting against the free radicals, decreasing the inflammatory mediators and improving the function of blood vessels[4].
Ayurvedic View
Amla helps to control blood sugar level by regulating carbohydrate metabolism due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties.
Modern Science View
Excessive contraction of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract causes diarrhea with abdominal pain and cramping. Amla has antispasmodic property and helps relax the smooth muscles of the abdomen[4].
Ayurvedic View
Amla helps to control diarrhea due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) properties which help reduce contraction of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.
Ayurvedic View
Amla helps control weight by improving the metabolism due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) property.
Modern Science View
Amla might be useful in controlling high cholesterol. PPAR-α is the main protein involved in lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Amla helps to increase the level of PPAR-α, thereby reducing the level of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the body[4].
Ayurvedic View
Amla improves body metabolism and helps lower cholesterol by increasing the Pachak Agni (digestive fire).
Ayurvedic View
Amla helps manage bloody diarrhea (dysentery) due to its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps control bleeding and reduce contraction of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.
Modern Science View
Amla might help in reducing pain and improve mobility in osteoarthritis by protecting the cartilage cushion between the joints[4].
Ayurvedic View
In Ayurveda, Osteoarthritis is called Sandhivata in which an aggravated Vata causes pain and swelling in the joints. Amla has Vata balancing property and relieves pain and improves mobility.
Ayurvedic View
Amla helps to control joint pains and swelling due to an aggravated Vata. Amla has Vata balancing property and relieves pain and improves mobility.
Modern Science View
Since there is no definite cure for acute pancreatitis, Amla shows a protective action by fighting against the free radicals and reducing the number of inflammatory mediators[4].
Modern Science View
Vitamin C in Amla is known to increase the activity of natural killer cells leading to toxicity and breakdown of the cancerous cells. Amla also inhibits the growth and multiplication of cancer cells to some extent by inhibiting the enzymes topoisomerase and cdc25 tyrosine phosphatase[4].
How effective is Amla?
Insufficient evidence
Atherosclerosis (plaque deposition inside the arteries), Cancer, Diabetes, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, High cholesterol ABC, Indigestionasdf, Joint pain, Obesity, Osteoarthritis, Pancreatitis
Precautions when using Amla
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
1. Amla might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders. Therefore, Amla should be used with caution in such cases[3].
2. Amla might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. So it is advisable to stop taking Amla at least 2 weeks before the scheduled surgery[3].
2. Amla might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. So it is advisable to stop taking Amla at least 2 weeks before the scheduled surgery[3].
Ayurvedic View
1. Always take Amla juice in a recommended dose and duration under a doctor’s supervision. A high dose can cause dryness in the skin.
2. Avoid Amla in case of excessive Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion).
3. Avoid Amla in case of aggravated Kapha problems like coughing.
4. Avoid drinking Amla juice at night due to its cold potency and astringent taste.
2. Avoid Amla in case of excessive Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion).
3. Avoid Amla in case of aggravated Kapha problems like coughing.
4. Avoid drinking Amla juice at night due to its cold potency and astringent taste.
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Due to lack of scientific evidence, medicinal use of Amla should be avoided if you are breastfeeding[3].
Patients with diabetes
Important
Modern Science View
Amla may lower blood glucose level. So it is generally advisable to monitor the blood glucose regularly if you are taking Amla along with anti-diabetic drugs[3].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Due to lack of scientific evidence, medicinal use of Amla should be avoided during pregnancy[3].
Recommended Dosage of Amla
- Amla Juice - 3-4 teaspoons once or twice a day.
- Amla Powder - ¼- ½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Amla Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Amla Tablet - 1-2 tablets twice a day.
- Amla Candy - 2-3 candies in a day.
How to use Amla
1. Amla raw fruit
a. Take 2-3 pieces of raw Amla fruit.
b. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to taste.
c. Have it before meals to get relief from hyperacidity.
2. Amla Juice
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Amla Juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water and drink before taking food once or twice a day.
c. Avoid drinking at night especially during winters.
3. Amla Churna
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Amla churna.
b. Mix it with honey or drink with water before lunch and dinner.
4. Amla Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Amla capsule.
b. Swallow it with water, twice a day, before or after meals.
5. Amla Tablet
a. Take 1-2 Amla tablets.
b. Swallow it with water, twice a day, before or after meals.
6. Amla Candy
a. Take 2-3 pieces of Amla candy.
b. Eat them before or after meals.
7. Amla Murabba
a. Wash 20 pieces of Amla and prick them with the help of a fork.
b. Boil 1-2 cups of water in a pan add prickled Amla's to it, cook for 10 minutes till it becomes soft.
c. Now, make a sugar syrup by adding 2 cups of sugar in 2 cups of boiling water and simmer on a low flame till the consistency becomes thick.
d. Add boiled Amla to the sugar syrup
e. Let it stand for 1-2 hours till the Amla properly absorbs the sugar syrup.
f. This final product is known as Amla Murabba. You can have them preferably before lunch and dinner.
8. Amla Chutney
a. Take ½ cups of Amla.
b. Add 1 cup of chopped coriander and 2-4 green chilies to it.
c. Also, add a pinch of hing (asafoetida) and salt as per your taste.
d. Have this Amla chutney with meals.
9. Amla-Carrot-beetroot Juice
a. Take 1-2 pieces of Amla, 2 carrots and 1 beetroot. Cut them in small pieces.
b. Now put all the ingredients into a juicer.
c. Strain the juice with a strainer.
d. Squeeze ½ lemon and salt as per your taste.
e. Drink this juice after lunch for better digestion[2].
a. Take 2-3 pieces of raw Amla fruit.
b. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to taste.
c. Have it before meals to get relief from hyperacidity.
2. Amla Juice
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Amla Juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water and drink before taking food once or twice a day.
c. Avoid drinking at night especially during winters.
3. Amla Churna
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Amla churna.
b. Mix it with honey or drink with water before lunch and dinner.
4. Amla Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Amla capsule.
b. Swallow it with water, twice a day, before or after meals.
5. Amla Tablet
a. Take 1-2 Amla tablets.
b. Swallow it with water, twice a day, before or after meals.
6. Amla Candy
a. Take 2-3 pieces of Amla candy.
b. Eat them before or after meals.
7. Amla Murabba
a. Wash 20 pieces of Amla and prick them with the help of a fork.
b. Boil 1-2 cups of water in a pan add prickled Amla's to it, cook for 10 minutes till it becomes soft.
c. Now, make a sugar syrup by adding 2 cups of sugar in 2 cups of boiling water and simmer on a low flame till the consistency becomes thick.
d. Add boiled Amla to the sugar syrup
e. Let it stand for 1-2 hours till the Amla properly absorbs the sugar syrup.
f. This final product is known as Amla Murabba. You can have them preferably before lunch and dinner.
8. Amla Chutney
a. Take ½ cups of Amla.
b. Add 1 cup of chopped coriander and 2-4 green chilies to it.
c. Also, add a pinch of hing (asafoetida) and salt as per your taste.
d. Have this Amla chutney with meals.
9. Amla-Carrot-beetroot Juice
a. Take 1-2 pieces of Amla, 2 carrots and 1 beetroot. Cut them in small pieces.
b. Now put all the ingredients into a juicer.
c. Strain the juice with a strainer.
d. Squeeze ½ lemon and salt as per your taste.
e. Drink this juice after lunch for better digestion[2].
Benefits of Amla
Modern Science View
Amla might be useful to manage a number of eye disorders like lacrimation (tear formation), redness, burning, itching of the eye and in improvement of the eyesight. Tannins in Amla help to manage diabetic cataract and also prevent loss of vision by reducing the fluid pressure in the eye. Due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Amla is known as a natural eye tonic[4][5].
How effective is Amla?
Insufficient evidence
Eye disorders, Vitiligo
FAQs about Amla benefits
Precautions when using Amla
Allergy
Modern Science View
Apply Amla to a small area first to test for possible allergic reactions. People who are allergic to Amla or its constituents should use it under a doctor’s supervision.
Tip:
Always use fresh Amla juice or paste externally as commercially available Amla products contain preservatives which can cause skin irritations.
Tip:
Always use fresh Amla juice or paste externally as commercially available Amla products contain preservatives which can cause skin irritations.
Recommended Dosage of Amla
- Amla Paste - ½- 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Amla Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
- Amla Juice - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Amla Powder - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Amla
1. Amla Paste
a. Boil 2-3 raw Amla, deseed and crush them to form a paste.
b. Add coconut oil into the paste.
c. Apply it on the skin and keep for 30-40 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
d. Use it once a day[2].
2. Amla Oil
a. Use Amla based oil on the scalp 2-3 times a week for thick and long hairs.
b. For excessive dryness use daily[8].
3. Amla Juice
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Amla juice.
b. Mix with rose water or freshwater.
c. Apply it on the skin and keep for 30-40 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
d. Use it once a day.
4. Amla Powder
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Amla powder.
b. Mix with water and make a smooth paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area for 30-40 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
d. Use it once a day.
a. Boil 2-3 raw Amla, deseed and crush them to form a paste.
b. Add coconut oil into the paste.
c. Apply it on the skin and keep for 30-40 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
d. Use it once a day[2].
2. Amla Oil
a. Use Amla based oil on the scalp 2-3 times a week for thick and long hairs.
b. For excessive dryness use daily[8].
3. Amla Juice
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Amla juice.
b. Mix with rose water or freshwater.
c. Apply it on the skin and keep for 30-40 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
d. Use it once a day.
4. Amla Powder
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Amla powder.
b. Mix with water and make a smooth paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area for 30-40 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
d. Use it once a day.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Amla is used in shampoos and in the dyeing industry. It is used in sauces, candy, dried chips, pickle, jellies and powder. Amla extract is used in ink and the wood is used in firework.
Modern Science View
Amla fruit is seasonal and not available throughout the year. Thus, it can be frozen or dried and used as and when required.
Modern Science View
The antioxidant property of Amla helps to fight against the free radicals and inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. This reduces plaque formation in the blood vessels and minimizes the risk of blockage and heart attacks[4].
Ayurvedic View
Amla has cardioprotective property. It increases the Pachak Agni (digestive fire) and controls the level of high cholesterol which helps maintain a healthy heart.
Modern Science View
Amla can be used for the management of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease due to its anti-cholinesterase activity. Amla also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property. It fights against free radicals and inhibits the inflammatory mediators to reduce brain damage and improve cognitive function.
Modern Science View
The constituents in Amla shows antioxidant property and fights against the free radicals to prevent the damage of liver cells. Amla also helps reduce inflammation of the liver by lowering the level of inflammatory mediators and liver enzymes[4].
Ayurvedic View
Amla helps in the proper functioning of liver by increasing the Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Amla also helps prevent degeneration of liver cells due to its Rasayana property. It also stimulates the liver to eliminate toxins from the body.
Modern Science View
Amla helps to reduce the damage of stomach lining by increasing mucin that protects the gastrointestinal tract from acid attack, harmful micro-organisms and physical trauma. Gallic acid in Amla protects the mucosal lining of the stomach and helps in ulcer healing. Thus, Amla is known to have anti-secretory and anti-ulcer action and works as a gastroprotective agent[4].
Ayurvedic View
Amla helps to reduce gastrointestinal problems by improving the Pachak Agni (digestion fire). It also helps in easy expulsion of stool due to its Rechana (mild laxative) property.
Modern Science View
Bone disorders like osteoporosis are due to increased activity of osteoclast cells that erode the bone to release its mineral content. Amla is known to have anti-osteoclastic and anti-resorptive activity and helps control the loss of mineral content from the bones. In the case of arthritis, Amla is known to ease movement by protecting the cartilage cushion between the joints[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Amla can be eaten on an empty stomach. It has powerful antioxidant properties, is rich in Vitamin C and fibre and has high moisture content. This helps in the detoxification of the liver and kidneys and helps relieve constipation[9][10].
Modern Science View
Yes, Amla can be eaten raw as a whole fruit, in juice form or powder form as it is the highest source of vitamin C and is very beneficial for the health[11].
Modern Science View
Yes, Amla might help in reducing the symptoms of Jaundice like extreme constipation, weakness etc by removing toxins from the liver and kidneys due to its antioxidant properties[9].
Modern Science View
Amla can be administered orally as a whole fruit, juice or in powder form as it controls body weight and prevents hunger due to its high fibre and moisture content. Also, Amla being an antioxidant improves metabolism which is essential for weight loss[9].
Modern Science View
Amla can be administered orally as a whole fruit, juice or in powder form. It is rich in vitamin C that helps remove toxins and manage cholesterol, both of which are the main causes of stone formation[9].
Modern Science View
There is no scientific formula as such which confirms that Ashwagandha, Brahmi and Amla could be eaten all together.
Modern Science View
Amla improves skin elasticity and helps to get rid of dead skin by forming new cells. It also protects the skin and prevents damage by UV rays due to its strong antioxidant properties. Thus, Amla can be used in anti-aging, sunscreen and other skin care products[4].
Ayurvedic View
Amla is good for skin due to its Ropan (healing) and Rasayan properties. It is also good for controlling acne and inflammation due to its Pitta pacifying nature. Amla also helps control excessive oil on the skin due to its Kashaya (astringent) effects.
Modern Science View
Application of Amla on the hair is useful for reducing hair fall and promote hair growth. Due to its antioxidant property, Amla fights against the free radicals and prevents premature or early greying of hair. All these benefits make Amla a potent hair tonic[1][7][8].
Ayurvedic View
Amla is the most preferred ingredient for maintaining hair health due to its Ropan (healing) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties. It strengthens hair follicles and prevent hair damage. Amla also has Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) nature which stimulates hair growth and provides relief to dry and itchy scalp by reducing dandruff.
Tips:
1. Take 5-6 Amla.
2. Remove the seed and cut it into small pieces.
3. Now take 1 cup of coconut oil.
4. Add the Amla pieces to it.
5. Heat this mixture till the Amla does not turn black.
6. Switch off the gas and let the mixture cool.
7. Strain this mixture and store it in a bottle.
8. Apply this on your scalp and hair twice a week to curb hair fall and premature greying of hair.
Tips:
1. Take 5-6 Amla.
2. Remove the seed and cut it into small pieces.
3. Now take 1 cup of coconut oil.
4. Add the Amla pieces to it.
5. Heat this mixture till the Amla does not turn black.
6. Switch off the gas and let the mixture cool.
7. Strain this mixture and store it in a bottle.
8. Apply this on your scalp and hair twice a week to curb hair fall and premature greying of hair.
Modern Science View
Topical application of Amla juice accelerates wound healing and helps in preventing infection of the wound. Amla also reduces pain by blocking the inflammatory mediators in the body[5].
References
- HK Bakhru.Foods that Heal, The Natural Way to Good Health.1990. Orient Paperbacks.
- Jain A, Garg N.Therapeutic and medicinal uses of Amalaki: A review.World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research.2017;6(2):512-524.
- WebMD.Indian-gooseberry:Uses, Side effects, Interactions, Dosage [Internet]. Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Variya BC, Bakrania AK, Patel SS. Emblica officinalis (Amla): A review for its phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal uses and medicinal potentials with respect to molecular mechanisms.Pharmacological Research.2016;111:180-200.
- Dasaroju S, Gottumukala KM.Current trends in the research of Emblica officinalis (Amla): A pharmacological perspective.Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res.2014;24(2):150-159.
- Pradhan SL, Pradhan PS.Ayurvedic medicine and anaesthesia.Indian J Anaesth.2011;55(4):334–339.
- Patel S, Sharma V, Chauhan NS, et al.Hair growth: Focus on herbal therapeutic agent.Current Drug Discovery Technologies.2015;12(1).
- Luanpitpong S, Nimmannit U, Pongrakhananon V, et al. Emblica (Phyllanthus emblica Linn.) fruit extract promotes proliferation in dermal papilla cell of human hair follicle.Res J Med Plant.2011;5:95-100.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.