Introduction to Amla
Amalaki, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a small, green fruit consider holy in traditional Indian medicine. Historically, it has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda due to its impressive health benefits.
In Ayurveda, Amla is also referred to as “Amruta Phal.” “Amruta” means “nectar,” and “phal” means “fruit.” This name highlights Amla’s revered status as a potent and beneficial fruit. Amla (Indian Gooseberry) is praised for its rich nutrient profile, including high levels of vitamin C, antioxidants, and other vital compounds. It is believed to have rejuvenating properties, boosting immunity, promoting longevity, and supporting overall health, much like nectar is considered to be life-giving in ancient texts.
Botanical Description
Its botanical name is Emblica officinalis , and it belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family.
The Amalaki plant is a small to medium-sized tree with greenish-yellow flowers and spherical, green fruits. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The tree is known for its hardiness and ability to grow in various soil types. It is found throughout India mainly in winters.
Classification in Ayurveda :-
Acharya Charak: – Jwarghan, Kasghana Mahakashaya Gan
Acharya Sushruta:- Amalaki , Parushkaadi Gan .
Acharya Charak says–Amalaki is Vayasthapana, Cakshushya, Rasayana, Tridoshajit, Vrshya.
Nutritional Profile
Amalaki is a nutrient-dense fruit rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, polyphenols, and minerals like calcium and iron. Amalic acid- Tannin- Phyllantine, Phyllantidine .These nutrients contribute to various health benefits, including enhanced immunity, improved digestion, and better skin health. Its high antioxidant content helps combat oxidative stress and supports overall well-being.
Traditional Uses in Ayurveda
Vayasya, Amalaki, Vrushya, Jatiphalam, Shivam, Dhatriphalam, Shriphalam, Amrutaphalam are the synonyms of Amalaki.
Properties , (Raspanchak)-
Taste ( Rasa): Primarily sour (Amla pradhana), without salty taste
Qualities (Guna): Light ( Lagu), dry ( Ruksha)
Potency (virya): Cool (sheeta)
Post-digestion effect (vipaak) : Sweet (Madura)
Effect on Doshas (Dosha karma) : Balances all three doshas.
Amalaki controls tridoshas in the body by reducing vata dosha owing to its amla taste, controlling pitta dosha by virtue of its madhura taste and sheeta quality and reducing kapha dosha through its ruksha nature and kashay taste
Parts Used: – Fruit
Dosage:
– Amla juice: 10 to 20 ml with honey, warm water, or sugar candy (Mishri)
– Powder: 3 to 6 grams with warm water
In Ayurveda, Amalaki has multiple health benefits. It is commonly used in formulations to improve digestion, boost immunity, and promote longevity.
Popular remedies include Triphala, a blend of three fruits, including Amalaki, which is used to balance the body’s doshas and improve digestive health.
Precautions:
People with joint pain should be careful, as Amla is cold and dry, which can increase pain. Taking Amla powder with sesame oil can help balance this effect.
Modern Scientific Research
Recent scientific studies have validated many of the traditional claims about Amalaki. Research highlights its potent antioxidant properties, ability to support cardiovascular health, and its immune-boosting effects. These studies affirm the historical uses of Amalaki in promoting overall health and longevity.
Health Benefits
Amalaki offers numerous health benefits. It aids in digestion by improving gut health and regularity. Its high vitamin C content boosts the immune system, while its antioxidants protect against cellular damage. Additionally, Amalaki promotes healthy skin and hair by providing essential nutrients and enhancing collagen production.
. Research has proven that phyllemblin, the active ingredient in amalaki, has an action on endothelial dysfunction. It works to restore a healthy endothelial lining. This helps the endothelium function as it normally should. Endothelial function is vital for most body process to take place at a physiological and biochemical level. By improving and maintaining endothelial dysfunction amalaki improves quality and longevity of life. Presence of flavonoids in Amalaki and its anti-ageing property Flavonoids are compounds in plants that give colour to the fruits of the plant. All flavonoids are basically a polyphenol compounds. There are many types of flavonoids. The flavonoids found in amalaki are “quercetin” and “embelin”. Flavonoids interact with factors in the blood and the structure of arteries and blood vessels. It possess anti-oxidant and antiinflammatory and tissue – rejuvenating properties. It has also been found to be operating at the gene level to help enhance health. By virtue of these qualities flavonoids are anti-ageing. What does it m
How to Use Amalaki
Important formulations – Chawanprash avleha , Dhatri Lauha, Dhatryadi Ghrita,Triphala Churna .
Amalaki is available in various forms, including powder, capsules, and fresh fruit , Murabba, Amala Candy.
you can add Amalaki powder to smoothies, take it in capsule form, or eat the fresh fruit.
- Prameha (Diabetes) : Intake of 25ml Amalaki juice added with 3 gms of turmeric powder twice a day before food is useful in prameha, (urinary disorders including Diabetes).
- Rejuvenation: Regular intake of amalaki fruits is recommended for rejuvenation. In retains vitality, increases life span, youthfulness and resistance power.
- Eye diseases: 3 gms of Triphala churna (amalaki, haritaki and vibhitaki, along with honey and ghee is used internally in early morning on empty stomach, beneficial for Eye diseases.
- Laxative: 10-15 gms of Triphala Powder (amalaki, haritaki and vibhethaki) is used internally with hot water after food at night.
- Grey hair: External application of the paste of 50gms henna leaves, 50gms amalaki, 10 Hibiscus flowers over the scalp and hairs, keep it for 1hour before taking head bath once or twice a week is beneficial in premature greying hair.
- Amlapitta (Acid peptic disorders): Equal auantity of Amalaki fruits, shatavari root, sugar made into fine powder. Taking 5gms of this mixture along with ghee and honey in early morning on empty stomach for 40 days is beneficial.
- Hyperpigmentation – Amla juice mixed with honey, ghee, or rose water can be applied to the skin for 10 minutes before rinsing . Helps in decreasing hyperpigmentation, improves complexion
- Boosts metabolism -Increases appetite ( Rochak) and digestion (paachak)– Can be taken as pickle with meals to boost hunger .
9. Immunity Booster: Cut few Amlas into pieces add honey and crushed black pepper to it. Keep it for night and next morning have it on empty stomach atleast for 3 month
Side Effects and Precautions
While Amalaki is generally safe, some people may experience mild side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider before using Amalaki, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications, to avoid any adverse interactions.
Conclusion
Amalaki is a powerful superfruit with a rich history and a wide range of health benefits. From boosting immunity to enhancing skin and hair health, it offers numerous advantages. By understanding its traditional uses and modern scientific validation, you can incorporate Amalaki into your daily routine to support overall wellness.