What Is Amla in Ayurveda? Benefits of Indian Gooseberry (Amalaki) Explained

If you are a person who consumes and trusts homeopathy more than allopathy, you must have noticed amla written on the ingredient label of herbal products. Also known by different names like amalaka, amalaki fruit, and Indian gooseberry, it is one of the most beneficial and used ayurvedic herbs for weight management in the Indian markets.

But if you don’t know much about this, we have covered everything about amla here to give you an in-depth knowledge.                           

Do you know – Amla contains up to 600–700 mg of Vitamin C per 100g (varies by variety). Studies show its Vitamin C is heat-stable due to naturally occurring tannins making it more bioavailable than many fruits.

What is Amla (Amalaki / Indian Gooseberry)?

Amla or Indian gooseberry, a small and green tree fruit which is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, is one of the most celebrated Ayurveda fruits used for treating various health issues. 

Regardless of its popularity among homeopathic patients, its existence is still unknown in America. But it is widely known to the Indians living in America, showcasing their strong roots to their homeland. 

The fruit is round and greenish yellow in color, with a sour taste, and holds rejuvenating qualities.

Scientific Name	Phyllanthus emblica (also known as Emblica officinalis)
Common Names	Amla, Amalaki, Amalaka, Amla Gooseberry, Indian Gooseberry
Type	Rasayana
Key Benefits	Enhances immunity, supports digestion, regenerates skin & hair, balances all three doshas, and slows aging
Other Uses	Eye health, liver support, detoxification, respiratory wellness, heart health
Growing Region	India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and parts of Southeast Asia
Active Compound	Vitamin C, tannins, flavonoids, polyphenols, gallic acid, ellagic acid
Caution	Excess intake may cause acidity or digestive discomfort

Amla in Ayurveda: A Quick Look at History and Origins

According to the ancient Ayurvedic texts, amalaki is one of the most potent herbs for restoring youth. Due to its unmatched benefits and health-promoting properties, it is titled as “Divyaushadhi” and used as a crucial component of several well-known Ayurvedic formulas, including Chyawanprash and Triphala.

For thousands of years, people have thought of amla as a fruit that not only feeds the body but also balances the mind and spirit.

Also Read: Haridrakhanda Explained – Ayurvedic Uses, Health Benefits, How to Take It & Precautions

Amalaki Benefits and Uses in Ayurveda

Amla can be your go-to herb for gaining a variety of benefits, like better immunity, thick hair and clear skin, healthier digestion, etc. Let’s see how amla is so beneficial. 

• Promotes a Healthy Immune System: Amla is very good for the tissues and helps keep the whole body healthy. It keeps you looking young, strengthens your immune system, and improves your health and well-being in general.

• Supports Skin and Hair Health: One of the best things about amalaki is that it can help with natural beauty care. Amla makes tissues new again, helps in making skin young, makes roots stronger, and delays wrinkles. In Ayurveda, it is often used on the outside in oils and masks to make hair shinier and thicker.

• Improves Digestion: The strong sour taste of amla is known to help digestion, which makes it easier for the body to digest, absorb, and use nutrients. It also cleanses and protects the liver, which is very important for turning food into nutrients that the body can use.

• Improves the Teeth, Nails, and Bones: It is known to have a unique tendency for creating strong and healthy bones, teeth, and nails, but its tonifying and renewing qualities also help to strengthen the entire body.

How to Consume Amla for Health and Wellness?

Amla can be consumed in different forms, like fruit, powder, mixture with other herbs, and sometimes for external use. Let’s see how. 

• Amla Fruit: Want to get the most direct benefits? Go with the raw Amla fruit or drink fresh juice. It may taste intensely sour with a little sweet aftertaste, but once you get comfortable and gel up, it won’t affect you much. 

• Amla Powder: Amla powder is the dried and powdered form of Amla, which is one of the most popular forms nowadays due to its easy availability in the market. It can be consumed with warm water, honey, or ghee, and can be mixed with smoothies. 

• Herbal Formulations: Not available by itself, Amla also comes as a star ingredient in Triphala, Chyawanprash, and many Ayurvedic tablets and capsules. 

• External Applications: Amla is also suggested for external use by Ayurveda. Hair oils and face masks made with amla strengthen roots, nourish the scalp, and give the skin a radiant appearance.

Also Read: Gokshura Benefits: A Complete Guide to Various Uses and Side Effects

Possible Side Effects of Amla

If you face any of the following side effects after consuming amla, stop it immediately and consult a practitioner to seek professional assistance.  

• Acidity and Digestive Discomfort: Although amla is known to aid in digestion and reduce excess Pitta, excessive consumption may cause mild gastric irritation or increase acidity in individuals with sensitive stomachs. 

• Lower Blood Sugar Levels: Amla naturally helps in supporting healthy blood sugar metabolism, but when taken with anti-diabetic medication, it can lower the blood sugar levels of a person. 

• Possible Dryness: Sometimes, the cooling and drying quality of the amla can lead to dryness of skin or hair in some individuals.

Important Precautions and Safety Tips

Here we have mentioned some of the cases where you should stop or avoid consuming amla. Read it thoroughly. 

• Always take precautions regarding dosage before consumption. Don’t neglect the suggested dosage and key precautions of practitioners, saying that Ayurveda doesn’t have side effects. 

• If you are pregnant and in the breastfeeding phase, consult a doctor for the use of amla.

• People with diabetes, heart disease, or any other chronic issues should consult a doctor first before regular use. 

• A genuine and organic Indian gooseberry guarantees the highest potency and purity, so choose your amla products carefully.

Amla Fruit Image Gallery

Final Thoughts

Amla is a compound ayurvedic herb that offers a combination of health benefits. People can consume it in various forms, such as the fruit itself, juice, powdered form, or formulated with other herbs to improve their digestion, immune system, hair, and skin health.

Remember to consult a practitioner if you face any side effects like acidity, low blood sugar levels, and dryness in skin and hair. 

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