Sanskrit

:

Amalaki

English

:

Indian gooseberry, Emblica myrobalan

Botanical Name

:

Emblica officinalis

Family

:

Phyllanthaceae

Common name / synonyms

Vayastha, Amla, Vrushyaa, Jatiphalarasa, Shiv Dhatriphala, Shriphala, Amrutphala etc.

Morphology:  Amalaki is available in small or moderate sized deciduous trees. The leaves are small, simple, subsessile, many in each branchlet,  linear-oblong and entire. Flowers are small, greenish yellow, unisexual in dense axillary fascicles along the branchlets. There are 6 tepals. The fruits are globose, fleshy, spherical, light greenish yellow, quite smooth and hard on appearance, with 6 vertical stripes or furrows. The fruiting Period is Autumn.

According to ayurveda there are 2 varieties of amla

• Vanya (wild)
• Gramya (cultivated)

Rasapanchaka (Ayurvedic Pharmacodynamics)

                    * Due to its Amla Rasa (Sour) it alleviates Vata

                    * Due to Madhur Vipaka (Sweet) it alleviates Pitta

                    * Due to Kashaya Rasa (Astringent) and Ruksha (Dry) 

                      Guna it alleviates Kapha

Medicinal Properties: Amla or the Indian Gooseberry is the richest source of Vitamin C and natural anti oxidant . It is digestive , aphrodisiac, laxative, diuretic and tonic.It helps in detoxifying the body and regulates digestion. It promotes Ojus and the reproductive fluids.  

Summary:

Amla is an extensively used herb in making ayurvedic medicines. Amla is supposed to rejuvenate all the organs and  systems of the body, provide strength and wellness. According to ayurvedic experts regular usage of amla will make us live more then 100 years like a youth.

Amla keeps us away from all the diseases by boosting our immune system.

Useful Parts :  Fruits

Chemical composition / key active constituents

The fruit contains Gallic acid, tannic acid, albumin, cellulose and other minerals. It contains plenty of vitamins C. it contains moisture 81.2 %, proteins 0.5%, fats 0.1 %, carbohydrates 14.1 %, calcium 0.05 %, phosphorus 0.02 %, iron 1.2 mg and nicotinic acid 0.2 mg per 100 gram. A seed contains the stable oil which is 16 %.

Key Active Constituents

Emblicanin A&B, Puniglucanin, Pedunculagin, 2-keto-gluconolactone (Vitamin-C equivalents). Ellagic acid, Hexahydroxy-diphenic acid and conjugates.

 Pharmacological activities:  

It is Vata, Pitta and Kapha suppressant. It reduces the burning sensation in the body. It helps in providing the essential minerals and vitamins required for good vision and mental development. It helps in strengthening the nervous system. It helps in improving the condition of digestive system. It stimulates liver for proper secretion of bile juices. It is helpful in supporting heart by fighting its ailments . It is a good aphrodisiac agent and also a good female tonic. It is helpful in skin related ailments. It also helps in sorting out the urinary problems and diabetes. It is a good general health tonic.

Dose  :  Swarasa (juice) 10 - 20 ml; Churna (Powder) 3 - 6 gms

Important Formulations : Chyavanaprasha, Triphala, Dhatriloha, Amalaki Rasayana., Brahmarasayana, Dhatrirasayana, Amalakyavaleha, Phalarista, Brihachhagaladya ghrita.

Medicinal Uses    : 

1. Respiratory Disorders-  It is especially valuable in seasonal cough and cold. Amla is also useful in recurrent respiratory  tract infections such as tonsilitis, sinusitis and sore throat.

2. Diabetes- Amla, with its high vitamin C content, is considered valuable in diabetes. It  stimulates the Islets of Lengerhans i.e. -the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin. It therefore reduces the blood sugar in diabetic patient.  Being the best eye toner, it will also prevent eye problems as complications of diabetes.

3. Heart Disease-  It tones up the heart muscles and make them strong. The heart then pumps the blood  throughout the body. Amla is also known to build the health by destroying the heterogeneous elements and regenerating the body energy.

4. Eye Disorders-The Amla, taken with honey, is useful in preserving eye sight. It will also be beneficial in the treatment of conjunctivitis and glaucoma. It reduces intraocular tension in effective manner.

5. Rheumatism-Amla  is useful in the treatment of rheumatism.

6. Scurvy-As an extremely rich source of vitamin C. Indian gooseberry is one of the best remedies for scurvy. It heals bleeding gums and spots over the body.

7. Prevents Aging- It has revitalizing effects. It contains an element which is very valuable in preventing aging and in maintaining strength in old age. It improves body resistance and protects against infection. It strengthens the heart, hair and different glands in the body. It is said that the great ancient sage Maharishi Chyawan rejuvenated himself in his late 70's and regained his virility by the use of amla.

8. Hair Tonic- Amla  is an accepted hair tonic in traditional recipes for enriching hair growth and hair pigmentation. Amla is excellent for strengthening the roots of  hair and maintaining its color and luster.

9. Liver Functions-  Regular use of pain killers, antibiotics and medication, regular intake of alcohol, all cause toxin build-up in the liver. Amla helps strengthen the liver, and rid the body of these toxins. It thus helps purify and clean the blood. This is why amla is good for the skin, and if taken in combination with Neem, it can help clear out pimples that are caused due to impure blood.

10. Other uses- It is also indicated in gastritis, colitis, ulcers, heartburn or acid reflux. It expels excess heat from the body.  It cures thirst, burning sensation, vomiting, anorexia, toxicosis, fever. Also useful in cough, dysponea, jaundice, leucorrhoea and menorrhagia. It is coolant, refrigerant, diuretic, laxative and tonic.

Home remedies:

1.     Amalaki is  the highest natural source of Vitamin C. Consumption of one fresh fruit provides 3000 mg Vitamin C to the body. It is particularly effective as Rasayana (Rejuvenative) herb.

2.     Internal use of Amalaki powder in the dose of 3-5 gm daily improves eyesight, cleanses mouth, and also provides rejuvenative effects.

3.    External use of paste of Amalaki on scalp provides luster and shine to  the hair .

4.   Internal use of Amalaki in any form helps in increasing immunity.

Summary:

Amla is an extensively used herb in making ayurvedic medicines. Amla is supposed to rejuvenate all the organs and  systems of the body, provide strength and wellness. According to ayurvedic experts regular usage of amla will make us live more then 100 years like a youth.

Amla keeps us away from all the diseases by boosting our immune system.