Biological Name: Emblica officinalisOther Local Name: Indian Gooseberry, Emblic myrobalan, Amla, Amalaki
Pharmacognosy of Amla
Biological Name: Emblica officinalis
Other Local Name: Indian Gooseberry, Emblic myrobalan, Amla, Amalaki
Introduction: Amla is one of the most often used herb in Indian ayurveda. It has a reputation as a powerful rejuvenating herb. The Amla fruit is reputed to have the highest content of vitamin C of any natural occurring substances in nature. Organic amla is almost good for everyone on a regular basis. Indian Research shows that 8.75 mg of natural vitamin C complex from Amla is equivalent to 100mg of the most commonly used synthetic vitamin C. Amla prossesses the highest level of heat and storage stable vitamin C known to man.
Plant Description: Amla is a medium-sized deciduous tree with gray bark and reddish wood which successfully grows in variable agro-climatic and soil conditions. Amla leaves are feathery, linear oblong in shape and smell like lemon. The flowers are greenish yellow in colour which starts appearing in the beginning of spring season. The matured tree can tolerate a high temperature of 45øC as well as a freezing temperature. Thus, it is not much influenced by hot winds and frost. It is a potential crop which grows in the marginal soils and various kinds of degraded lands such as salt-affected soils, salines and dry and semi-dry regions. Amla tree is found growing in the plains and sub-mountain on tracts all over the India and Indian subcontinent.
History: Amla is worshipped as an auspicious fruit from the ancient time and respected as a symbol of good health.The festival Amala Navami is celebrated at the begining of winter season of Hindu calender, where Amla tree are socially and religiously propagated among people and cultivated for promotion of good health.
Parts Used: Fresh Fruit, Dried fruit, the nut or seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers. Ripe fruits used generally fresh, dry also used.
Chemical Constituents: The major chemical constituents of Amla are Phyllemblin, Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Gallic acid, Tannins, Pectin etc.
Health Benefits of Amla
Amla or Gooseberry is a vibrant green colour fruit recognized by its succulent, sour and bitter taste. It is often consumed raw or used as an ingredient in various pickles, juices and sweets. Let us have a look at the nutritional and health benefits of amla.
Nutritional Benefits of Amla
Amla is a low calorie fruit. It provides only 60 calories for 100 grams of its intake. Amla contains mostly water which constitutes 80% of it. It is a rich source of carbohydrates and dietary fibre. It is one of the major providers of Vitamin-C and contains minerals like calcium, phosphorous and iron. Amla is also a rich source of antioxidants.
Health Benefits of Amla for Hair
Amla helps in maintaining proper health of hair. It makes them thick and soft. Amla is a source of Vitamin-C whose deficiency can lead to hair loss and hair breakage. Antioxidants prevent hair from premature aging and graying. Amla oil contains essential fatty acids that help in promoting hair growth. Head massage using amla oil increases blood circulation in the scalp thereby improving hair growth. It even helps in strengthening hair follicles and acts as a conditioner. Dandruff and dry itchy scalp can be avoided by applying it.
Amla promotes Digestion
Amla is a fibre rich fruit. It helps in healthy bowel movement and makes gastrointestinal tracts clean. Its bitter and sour taste triggers various taste receptors and makes the digestive enzymes active. These juices help in proper breaking of the food and make digestion efficient. It is known to neutralize acidity in the stomach and has a cooling effect.
Amla Benefits for Diabetes
Blood sugar level can be maintained by the consumption of amla. Low sugar and high fibre fruit are ideal for any diabetic patient. Antioxidants in it help in reducing glycosylated end product, serum level of creatinine and hiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels which are oxidative. These are significantly reduced by amla consumption. Amla helps in regulating glucose in the blood and decreases albumin level in patients.
Amla improves Skin Health
Vitamin-C and antioxidants in amla makes it beneficial for skin health. It helps in reviving the skin texture and makes it smooth and glamorous. Vitamin-C helps in proper digestion thereby flushes out toxins from the body. This results in reducing skin blemishes and pigmentation and provides a rejuvenating and healthy skin. Acne and pimples can be avoided by its consumption. Antioxidants help in restricting the free radical damage to the skin and reduce the onset of aging and wrinkles. Amla is anti-viral and thus helps from harmful pathogenic diseases.
Health Benefits of Amla – Reduces Cholesterol
Amla contains potent antioxidants like Vitamin-C, amino acids and pectin. Pectin helps in decreasing serum cholesterol in the blood and reduces LDL cholesterol concentration. Amla also helps in increasing HDL cholesterol which is beneficial to the body. Triglyceride and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are significantly reduced by its consumption. Arteries and blood vessels are also protected from fat and plaque accumulation.
Amla Prevents Cancer
Amla is rich in antioxidants which help in restricting the growth of carcinogenic cells. It helps in keeping harmful free radicals at bay. Antioxidants in amla can even counterattack the side effects of anti-cancer drugs. Stomach, skin and liver cancer can be successfully prevented by its intake.
Health Benefits of Amla for Weight Loss
All the health conscious and obese people must add this fruit in their diet. Amla juice has been found to lower the fat content in the body. It helps in increasing the metabolism of food which leads to reduction of food accumulation in the body. Fat accumulation can generate toxins in the body. These toxins slow the digestion process and hence hamper the health of a person. Amla is a rich source of Vitamin-C which can flush down these toxins. It is most effective when consumed empty stomach in the morning.
Other Health Benefits Of Amla
- Amla is a source of Vitamin-C which makes it a mighty medicine against cough and cold. Its intake can provide immunity to the body and helps in reducing flu and throat infection.
- Amla can be helpful in preventing mouth ulcers. Rinsing with amla juice can reduce the occurrence of it.
- Amla has anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce pain and swelling and is helpful against diseases like arthritis.
- Amla is a stress reliever and can help in inducing sound sleep.
- Amla helps in improving memory and improves cognitive functions. It also aids in improving central nervous system of the body.
- Age related macular degeneration can be avoided by its consumption.
- It aids in proper functioning of liver and urinary system.
Amla Recipe
Savour the unique taste of Amla with this refreshing Amla drink recipe
- Amla is "Sattwic" (stimulates spiritual purity).
- Amla Increases "OJAS"(the subtle essence of living matter, the foundation of good health, mental sanity, and spiritual growth).
- The edible fruit tissue of Amla contains protein concentration 3-fold and ascorbic acid concentration 160-fold than those of apples. This fruit also contains considerably higher concentration of most minerals and amino acids than apples.
- Amla juice has twenty times more vitamin C than orange juice.
- Amla is used as cosmetic in India. It is an accepted hair tonic in traditional recipes for enriching hair growth and pigmentation.
- Amla has been regarded as a sacred tree in India. The tree was worshipped as Mother Earth and is believed to nurture humankind because the fruits are very nourishing.
Everyone is familiar with amla or the Indian gooseberry, it is used in a variety of products like sweets, jams, powder, pickles, while some simply like to pluck and eat them. But are the health benefits of amla overrated? Along with Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee, Ayurvedic consultant with Satvikshop, we explore this popular Indian fruit.
Amla is known as a good source of vitamin C, but is that all? What are the other health benefits of the Indian gooseberry? Dr. Jaishree gives us a detailed list, “Amla has loads of benefits. It is a super food of Ayurveda due to its antioxidant property. It has beneficial effects on almost all the systems and organs of body.” She explains:
-“It controls blood sugar in diabetes
-Lowers cholesterol level
-It is a natural anti ageing agent for skin; nourishes scalp and hair roots and encourages hair growth
-It improves digestion and alleviates constipation
-It improves blood circulation
-It ensures proper functioning of liver.
-It is a strong immunomodulator and protects from the onset of many diseases if taken regularly
-Amla is a good hematinic as it raises hemoglobin level”
She also goes on to list out other sources of vitamin C, “There are many good sources of vitamin C beside amla:
-All leafy vegetables like palak, bathua etc.
-All kind of peppers have loads of vit-c
-Fruits like mangoes, pine apple, oranges, kiwi, strawberry, berries, papaya,
-Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, red cabbage, etc
-Herbs like basil, mint, coriander, rosemary”
You can get these health benefits by including amla and the other vitamin C rich foods in your diet. On the other hand, if fresh produce is a problem, you can invest in some organic amla products.
10 Amazing Benefits of Amla
1.) It’s an excellent source of Vitamin C:
Amla is a highly potent form of Vitamin C, and contains much more Vitamin C than is found in oranges.
2.) It enhances immunity.
3.) It’s high in antioxidants.
Antioxidants prevent the body against free radicals. Free radicals are harmful and can damage cells, potentially leading to cancer and other possible diseases.
4.) It reduces inflammation.
5.) It is good for digestion, and helps the body to absorb and assimilate nutrients from the foods we eat.
Amla also reduces acidity. It’s a lot more slow and gentle than other herbs that aid digestion. For example, ginger is an herb/root used for digestion. It is a lot stronger and warmer than Amla. But don’t get me wrong, ginger is great for anyone who can handle it. Personally, as an individual who’s a bit more sensitive than most people, I tend to not have it very often. I prefer the gentleness and cooler quality of Amla.
6.) It strengthens the liver and helps us to flush out toxins.
7.) It’s great for the urinary system.
It helps flush out toxins through the urinary system without over-stimulating it.
8.) Great for the skin.
Whenever you see someone with a lot of skin blemishes or acne, often times it’s due to them having a liver overrun by toxins. Since Amla helps to detoxify the liver and aids digestion (as well as being a good source of Vitamin C and other minerals), one of the results of taking it regularly is that it’s good for one’s complexion.
9.) Gives us healthier, more lustrous hair.
Since Amla is great for digestion, it makes it easier for our bodies to absorb the calcium in the foods we eat, therefore resulting in healthier hair (not to mention healthier bones, teeth, and nails). It helps us to preserve our natural, youthful hair color, and minimizes hair loss.
10.) Relieves menstrual cramping.
If you plan to take Amla specifically to get rid of menstrual cramps, you’ll need to start taking it at least a few weeks before menstruation in order for it to be in your system long enough to have an effect.
What Health Benefits an Amla Juice Can Provide You
The Indian gooseberry or amla has several health benefits. It is a plum sized fruit which grows on a bushy plant. It has a strong lemon scent. This sour fruit is popularly used in ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, fiber, minerals and protein.
Important Health Benefits
Rich in vitamin C: With a higher level of vitamin C as compared to oranges, amla fruit is ingrained with a number of health benefits. Amla is known to be an excellent antihistamine as it helps to prevent cold and flu. It also helps to boost the immune system. However, to obtain the true and natural benefits of amla fruit, it is essential to eat it raw.
Cardiovascular health benefits: Consumption of amla is known to improve heart conditions and cardiovascular functions of the body. It reduces the signs of aging and also detoxifies the body. It is believed that ancient royal princes used to consume amla juice early in the morning to remain young and healthy for a longer period in life.
Cure piles: A mixture of amla juice with honey and ghee is known to be a perfect cure for piles. Amla is also known to cleanse the body and improve the reproductive system.
Beauty benefits: Consumption of amla juice is known to improve the growth of hair. Amla can also be mixed with oil to be applied externally onto the hair to improve its shine and bounce.
Antioxidants: It is also an excellent source of antioxidants and therefore it offers protection from free radicals which can cause cancer. Amla is perhaps the only richest fruit in antioxidants which is ingrained with various other health benefits.
Anti inflammatory benefits: The amla fruit is known to be ingrained with anti inflammatory benefits. It helps to reduce inflammation caused due to arthritis, hay fever, joint pain and so forth.
Apart from these health benefits, amla juice can be consumed to prevent constipation, regulate bowel movements, regulate menstrual bleeding in women, cure ovarian cysts and prevent cataracts in diabetic patients. Researches have proved that this fruit has the power to relax and soothe the muscles and improve sleep quality.
Amla is one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin C – 100 gram of Amla contains 700 mg of Vitamin C or ascorbic acid which is 20 times more than that found in other fruits. Amla is also an excellent anti oxidant and one of its best qualities is that the nutrients don’t reduce on cooking or drying.
Benefits Of Natural Wonders :Amla (Gooseberry)
Including amla in your diet can be highly beneficial:
Amla has anti diabetic quality : Make a mixture of equal quantity of amla, jamun and bitter gourd powder. Take one teaspoonful of this mixture once or twice a day. This mixture is also useful in treating conjunctivitis and glucoma .
Treats respiratory system: Amla acts as an astringent and helps in drying cough. Being a good source of vitamin C, it’s very helpful when it comes to treating cold, bronchitis and respiratory problems
Treats constipation: The fruit is a good source of fibre and has proved to be an effective laxative. It’s been known to reduce constipation and even helps in the treatment of piles.
Treats skin ailments: Amla contains antibacterial properties which prevent skin disease and ulcers. It can even help in treating acne.
Good for hair: Amla can do miracles with hair problems and is an important ingredient in many products made for stimulating hair growth. Amla soaked in water and kept in an iron utensil overnight could be used as a shampoo-conditioner-hair colour to check hair greying and to make it shiny.
Improves vision: Amla is good for the eyes and can help in correcting eye problems like trachoma, glaucoma and cataract.
Treats acidity: One gram of Amla powder with a little sugar if taken with milk or water can help reduce acidity.
diarrhea. 1 tablespoon of paste of amla leaves, mixed with honey is an effective treatment for diarrhea.
Amla also works wonder with pregnant and lactating mothers.
When amla is in season it should be consumed in chutneys and pickles. And when not in season it can be taken in the form of murabba.