Have you ever wondered how your mother and grandmother had that thick, long hair? Or blemish-free radiant skin? How does your grandpa work intensely in fields? Well, they had included the herbal elixir Amla in their daily meals. At some point in time, you might have heard about Amla. The small greenish-yellow berries that trick your taste buds with a sour and sweet taste.
Amla, or Indian gooseberry, taxonomically known as Emblica officinalis, belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family and has culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal properties. From pickles to candy, amla stimulates the taste buds and offers health benefits. The first ever tree originated from the tears of Lord Vishnu; amla conquered traditional science with numerous health benefits.
From being rich in Vitamin C to having excellent antioxidant properties, Amla has a lot of goodness; let’s explore the primary health benefits, along with certain products that help us reap them.
Health Benefits of Amla
Amla is known for its natural health benefits and has been extensively utilized in Ayurvedic formulations. The health benefits of amla include:
Amla for Immunity
Storehouse of Vitamin C, aka Ascorbic acid, with 600-700mg in each fruit, amla benefits in fighting diseases. Soluble in water with rich antioxidant properties, Vitamin C in amla is found in its most stabilized form due to the combination of tannins.
Amla allows the metabolism of free radicals responsible for premature aging and cell damage. It also protects the blood cells and strengthens the immune system. Consuming Vitamin C can enhance the performance of immune system cells. Amla benefits in preventing various health concerns and recovery from respiratory conditions.
Amla for Hair Health
From premature hair greying to hair thinning, amla can address your hair concerns. Regular use of Amla and suitable Amla products may help improve your hair health.
Benefits of amla for hair include minimizing hair fall, activating hair follicles, and promoting hair volume and growth. The crushed amla fruit benefits hair growth and premature greying.
Amla juice benefits hair strength as an organic conditioner by enhancing the softness and texture of hair and preventing split ends. They can also maintain optimal pH in the scalp, thereby nurturing it.
Amla for Ocular Health
Included in the Chakshushya group by traditional sages, Amla can improve vision and overall ocular health. Abundant in Vitamin A, amla can enhance vision and lower the incidence of age-related macular degeneration. Vitamin C in amla fights against germs and prevents eye infections. Amla strengthens the eye muscles; it may help prevent ocular health concerns such as cataracts
The tridoshic nature of Amla makes it an ideal eye tonic. Amla supports eye health by enhancing Ranjaka Pitta and Alochaka Pitta. Applying Collyrium prepared from amla benefits the eye conditions.
Amla for Digestive Health
The dietary fibers in amla benefit from better nutrient absorption, gastric juice stimulation, and bowel movement regulation. Antioxidants in amla cleanse the GI tract and flush out toxins from the body. Tannins and polyphenols in amla can support the gut. It soothes and rejuvenates the bowels, promoting proper and regular elimination.
Regular use of amla fruit improves digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food. As per Ayurveda, amla can kindle thirteen Agni; working slowly and gently makes it an excellent choice for Pitta dosha individuals. Enhancing digestion without heating the body, amla is an ideal choice for Pitta-related digestive ailments.
Amla can maintain bowel movements and ease constipation by pacifying the Apana Vayu. Grabbing one or two fresh ripe fruits or dry amla is a laxative supporting bowel movement.
Amla for Diabetes
Drinking sugar-free Ayurvedic amla juice is a natural diabetic cure that helps keep blood sugar levels at optimal ranges. In individuals with type 2 diabetes, amla can enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Consuming amla fruit benefits the release of insulin, preventing post-meal sugar spikes. It also guards against diabetes complications, including retinopathy and nephropathy, that affect the organs.
Amla for Skin Health
Have an amla or a glass of amla juice to help promote clear, glowing skin. Vitamin C increases collagen formation and shields the skin from UV radiation. In addition, it leaves the skin hydrated, reduces inflammation, removes toxins from the skin, and guards against skin disorders.
Amla's Effects on Cancer
A disease as old as humankind, cancer is globally a health problem. With its emotional and physical turmoil, many find it challenging to manage therapeutic costs. Integrating complementary and alternative medicine can extend life, promote health, and reduce the risk of side effects from cancer.
Amla contains phytochemicals that effectively treat and prevent cancer, including gallic acid, ellagic acid, pyrogallol, and certain norsesquiterpenoids. These can also scavenge free radicals, inhibit inflammation, improve immunity, and chemomodulate.
Consumption of Amla to Support Cancer Treatment
Amla, abundant in antioxidants, combats free radicals, which are accountable for cancer development. Amla extract shields the body from the damaging effects of carcinogens and stops the growth of impacted cells, particularly in the uterus, stomach, and skin. Without lessening the advantages of anti-cancer treatments, it can alleviate the adverse effects of radiation and chemotherapy.
Amla in Ayurveda
Ayurveda utilizes the amla health benefits in its numerous herbal formulations. An essential component of holistic health, amla stimulates the digestive system, regulates blood glucose levels, enhances vision, nurtures skin and hair, and rejuvenates the senses. Known by the names ‘Dhatri,’ meaning ‘nurse’ or ‘mother,’ and ‘Amrita,’ meaning ‘immortal,’ they attest to the healing power of the medicinal plant.
The predominant rasas (tastes) of amla include sour, sweet, pungent, bitter, and astringent. It is cooling in action and sweet after digestion. Bitter flavour and cold potency are attributed to the ability of Amla to balance Pitta dosha, while its sourness reduces Vata dosha and dryness, and its astringent taste calms Kapha dosha.
Dominated by a sour taste, amla can aggravate the pitta type of digestion, but it kindles the digestive fire and enhances digestion without provoking pitta. Amla helps the digestive system get rid of extra pitta.
Amla is known as a rasayana herb in Ayurveda; it has revitalizing and reviving properties. It can contribute to the formation of Ojas, life's vitality or vigor. It is one of the three herbs in the Triphala group: haritaki, bhibhitaki, and amla.
Kerala Ayurveda Products with Amla
Owing to the bitter taste of Vitamin C's abundance, consuming amla in its raw form may be unpleasant for many. We incorporate amla to prepare various formulations at Kerala Ayurveda.
You can check out at our store and have the products delivered to your doorstep. The products that include amla are:
Triphala Tablets
Triphala Tablets is a natural supplement for gut health. Made by combining three herbs, Haritaki, Bhibhitaki, and Amlaki (Amla), its regular usage can help manage constipation, boost digestion, and improve gut health.
Chyavanprash
Kerala Ayurveda Chyavanprash is a potent elixir that acts as your daily dose of good health. Formulated with Amlas from the deep forests of Chattisgarh, Long Pepper from Bengal and Assam, and Raisins from Afghanistan and sweetened with jaggery and wild honey, it can boost immunity, strength, and longevity.
Glymin Plus Tablets
Kerala Ayurveda Glymin Plus tablets are an excellent Ayurvedic solution for diabetic conditions. Rich with Amla, Jamun, and Turmeric, Glymin Plus tablets can manage blood sugar and boost energy levels in the body. Prepared from naturally occurring herbs, it prevents long-term complications of high blood sugar.
Neelibringadi Keram and Kesini Oil
Kerala Ayurveda’s assurance of hair problems. Enriched with the nutrient benefits of Amla, these oils help boost hair growth.
Neelibringadi Keram can help manage dandruff, delay the onset of male pattern baldness, and avoid premature greying of hair.
Kesini Oil helps enhance hair density and improve scalp health. The oil nourishes the hair roots and scalp and promotes hair growth.
Histantin Tablets
Histantin Tablets from the house of Kerala Ayurveda present an excellent solution for seasonal, dietary, and respiratory allergies. The inclusion of Amla, Turmeric, and Guduchi helps manage allergies and existing allergic symptoms in the long run.
Final words
Amla is a naturally occurring herb that is primarily found in the Indian subcontinent. It possesses a number of health benefits, for this reason, it finds several mentions in the Ayurvedic texts. Research on amla is still ongoing; wait and explore the benefits the fruit can offer.
