Amla (Emblica officinalis)

Amla, commonly known as Indian gooseberry,” is a nutrient-dense fruit that is nature’s richest source of vitamin C.^(HR/1)

Amla is a fruit that aids digestion and reduces acidity. It is also beneficial to diabetics because it aids in the regulation of blood glucose levels. It aids in the prevention of ageing, hair greying, and increases immunity. Amla is one of the best Rasayanic tonics, according to Ayurveda, and it helps to brighten the complexion, purify the blood, and improve vision. Amla can be consumed in a variety of different ways. It can be consumed raw or in the form of juice, murabba, chutney, and confectionery.”

Amla is also known as :- Emblica officinalis, Indian gooseberry, Amalaka, Amrtaphala, Dhatriphala, Amlakhi, Aonla, Ambala, Nellikayi, Nellikka, Anvala, Anala, Aula, Nelli, Usirika, Amli, Amlaj

Amla is obtained from :- Plant

Uses and benefits of Amla:-

As per several scientific studies, uses and benefits of Amla (Emblica officinalis) are mentioned as per below^(HR/2)

• Indigestion : Amla aids in the management of dyspepsia by enhancing the Pachak Agni (digestion fire). Due to its Rechana (moderate laxative) characteristic, it also aids in stool ejection.
• Obesity : Amla’s Deepan (appetiser) and Pachan (digestive) properties help reduce weight by increasing metabolism.
• High cholesterol : Amla may be beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels. The primary protein involved in lipid and cholesterol metabolism is PPAR-. Amla promotes the production of PPAR-, which lowers total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in the body.
  Amla increases the Pachak Agni in the body, which promotes metabolism and lowers cholesterol (digestive fire).
• Dysentery : Amla’s Kashaya (astringent) property aids in the treatment of bloody diarrhoea (dysentery). It aids in the management of bleeding and the relaxation of the gastrointestinal tract’s smooth muscles.
• Osteoarthritis : By maintaining the cartilage cushion between the joints, amla may help to reduce discomfort and increase mobility in osteoarthritis.
  Osteoarthritis is known as Sandhivata in Ayurveda, and it is caused by an exacerbated Vata, which produces pain and swelling in the joints. Amla has a Vata-balancing effect, reducing discomfort and improving mobility.
• Joint pain : Due to an aggravated Vata, Amla aids in the relief of joint discomfort and edoema. Amla has a Vata-balancing effect, reducing discomfort and improving mobility.
• Pancreatitis : Because there is no therapy for acute pancreatitis, Amla acts as a protective agent by fighting free radicals and decreasing the quantity of inflammatory mediators.
• Cancer : Vitamin C in Amla has been shown to stimulate the activity of natural killer cells, causing malignant cells to become toxic and break down. Amla also inhibits the enzymes topoisomerase and cdc25 tyrosine phosphatase, which hinder cancer cell growth and multiplication to some amount.
• Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 & Type 2) : Amla aids diabetes individuals in improving their glucose metabolism, lowering their fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels. Amla also helps to reduce the risk of diabetes complications by combating free radicals, reducing inflammatory mediators, and enhancing blood vessel function.
  Amla’s Kashaya (astringent) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) qualities aid to manage blood sugar levels by regulating carbohydrate metabolism.
• Diarrhea : Diarrhea with abdominal pain and cramping is caused by excessive contraction of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal system. Amla is antispasmodic and aids in the relaxation of the smooth muscles of the abdomen.
  Amla’s Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cool) characteristics aid to manage diarrhoea by reducing the contraction of the gastrointestinal tract’s smooth muscles.
• Eye disorders : Amla may help with lacrimation (tear generation), redness, burning, and itching of the eyes, as well as improving vision. Tannins in Amla aid in the management of diabetic cataracts and the prevention of visual loss by lowering eye fluid pressure. Amla is a natural eye tonic because of its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities.

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Precautions to be taken while using Amla:-

As per several scientific studies, below precautions should to be taken while taking Amla (Emblica officinalis)^(HR/3)

• Amla might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders. Therefore, Amla should be used with caution in such cases. Amla might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. So it is advisable to stop taking Amla at least 2 weeks before the scheduled surgery.
• Always take Amla juice in a recommended dose and duration under a doctor’s supervision. A high dose can cause dryness in the skin. Avoid Amla in case of excessive Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). Avoid Amla in case of aggravated Kapha problems like coughing. Avoid drinking Amla juice at night due to its cold potency and astringent taste.

Special precautions to be taken while taking Amla:-

As per several scientific studies, below special precautions should to be taken while taking Amla (Emblica officinalis)^(HR/4)

• Breastfeeding : If you are breastfeeding, you should avoid using Amla as a medicine due to a lack of scientific proof.
• Patients with diabetes : Amla has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels. If you’re using Amla with anti-diabetic medication, it’s a good idea to check your blood sugar levels on a frequent basis.
• Pregnancy : Amla should not be used medicinally during pregnancy due to a lack of scientific proof.
• Allergy : To rule out any allergic reactions, test Amla on a tiny area first. People who are allergic to Amla or its components should only take it under the guidance of a doctor. Tip: Externally, always use fresh Amla juice or paste, as commercially available Amla products contain preservatives that might irritate the skin.

How to take Amla:-

As per several scientific studies, Amla (Emblica officinalis) can be taken into the methods mentioned as per below^(HR/5)

• Amla raw fruit : Take two to three pieces of raw Amla fruit. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to taste. Have it before meals to get relief from hyperacidity.
• Amla Juice : Take three to four teaspoons of Amla Juice. Add the exact same quantity of water and drink prior to taking food once or twice a day. Avoid drinking in the evening especially during winter seasons, or, Take one to two teaspoon Amla juice. Mix with climbed water or freshwater. Apply it on the skin and also maintain for thirty to forty minutes as well as wash with warm water. Use it once daily.
• Amla Churna : Take one fourth to half teaspoon of Amla churna. Mix it with honey or beverage with water before lunch and supper.
• Amla Capsule : Take one to two Amla capsule. Swallow it with water, two times a day, prior to or after meals.
• Amla Tablet : Take one to two Amla tablets. Swallow it with water, twice a day, prior to or after meals.
• Amla Candy : Take two to three pieces of Amla candy. Eat them prior to or after dishes.
• Amla Murabba : Wash twenty pieces of Amla and prick them with the help of a fork. Boil one to two cups of water in a frying pan add prickled Amla’s to it, prepare for ten minutes till it comes to be soft. Now, make a sugar syrup by adding two cups of sugar in two mugs of boiling water and also simmer on a low fire till the consistency ends up being thick. Add boiled Amla to the sugar syrup. Let it represent one to two hours till the Amla correctly takes in the sugar syrup. This end product is referred to as Amla MurabbaYou can have them preferably prior to lunch as well as dinner.
• Amla Chutney : Take half mugs of Amla Add one mug of chopped coriander as well as two to four environment to friendly chilies to it. Also, include a pinch of hing (asafoetida) as well as salt according to your taste. Have this Amla chutney with dishes.
• Amla-Carrot-Beetroot Juice : Take one to two items of Amla, two carrots and also one beetroot. Cut them in small pieces. Now put all the components into a juicer. Strain the juice with a strainer. Squeeze half lemon and also salt as per your taste. Drink this juice after lunch for far better digestion.
• Amla Paste : Boil two to three raw Amla, deseed as well as squash them to develop a paste. Add coconut oil into the paste. Apply it on the skin and also maintain for thirty to forty minutes and also clean with warm water. Use it daily.
• Amla Oil : Usage Amla based oil on the scalp two to three times a week for thick and lengthy hairsFor extreme dry skin usage daily.
• Amla Powder : Take one to two teaspoon Amla powder. Mix with water and also make a smooth paste. Apply it on the damaged location for thirty to forty minutes and also clean with lukewarm water. Use it once daily.

How much Amla should be taken:-

As per several scientific studies, Amla (Emblica officinalis) should be taken into the amounts mentioned as per below^(HR/6)

• Amla Juice : Three to four teaspoons once or twice a day, or, One to two teaspoon or as per your requirement.
• Amla Powder : One fourth to half teaspoon twice a day, or, One to two teaspoon or as per your requirement.
• Amla Capsule : One to two capsules twice a day.
• Amla Tablet : One to two tablets twice a day.
• Amla Candy : Two to three candies in a day.
• Amla Paste : Half to one teaspoon or as per your requirement.
• Amla Oil : Two to five drops or as per your requirement.

Side effects of Amla:-

As per several scientific studies, below side effects need to be taken into consideration while taking Amla (Emblica officinalis)^(HR/7)

• There is not enough scientific data available about side effects of this herb yet.

Questions asked frequently Related to the Amla:-

Question. What are some of the other uses of Amla?

Answer. Shampoos and the dyeing industry both use amla. Sauces, confectionery, dry chips, pickles, jellies, and powder all include it. Ink is made from amla extract, while fireworks are made from the wood.

Question. How to store Amla fruit?

Answer. Amla is a seasonal fruit that isn’t available all year. As a result, it can be frozen or dried and utilised as needed.

Question. Is Amla good for heart?

Answer. Amla’s antioxidant properties aid in the battle against free radicals and the inhibition of LDL cholesterol oxidation. This lowers the risk of blockage and heart attacks by reducing plaque buildup in the blood arteries.

Amla is a heart-healthy fruit. It helps to maintain a healthy heart by increasing Pachak Agni (digestive fire) and controlling high cholesterol levels.

Question. Does Amla have a role in managing neurological disorders?

Answer. Because of its anti-cholinesterase effect, amla can be used to treat dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Amla also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It reduces brain damage and improves cognitive function by fighting free radicals and inhibiting inflammatory mediators.

Question. Does Amla have hepatoprotective property?

Answer. Amla’s components have antioxidant properties and combat free radicals, protecting liver cells from injury. Amla also helps to prevent liver inflammation by reducing inflammatory mediators and liver enzymes.

Amla increases the Pachak Agni, which aids in the correct functioning of the liver (digestive fire). Amla’s Rasayana virtue also aids in the prevention of liver cell degeneration. It also stimulates the liver, which helps the body clear toxins.

Question. Does Amla have a role in managing gastrointestinal problems?

Answer. By boosting mucin, which protects the gastrointestinal system from acid attack, dangerous microorganisms, and physical trauma, amla aids to prevent stomach lining damage. Amla’s gallic acid preserves the stomach’s mucosal membrane and aids ulcer repair. As a result, Amla is thought to have anti-secretory and anti-ulcer properties, as well as acting as a gastroprotective agent.

Amla improves the Pachak Agni, which helps to alleviate stomach issues (digestion fire). Due to its Rechana (moderate laxative) characteristic, it also aids in stool ejection.

Question. Does Amla have a role in bone disorders?

Answer. Osteoporosis is caused by an increase in the activity of osteoclast cells, which dissolve the bone to liberate its mineral content. Amla is recognised for its anti-osteoclastic and anti-resorptive properties, which aid in the regulation of mineral loss from the bones. Amla is believed to help people with arthritis move more freely by protecting the cartilage cushion between their joints.

Question. Can we eat Amla on an empty stomach?

Answer. Amla is safe to eat on an empty stomach. It has strong antioxidant effects, is abundant in Vitamin C and fibre, and retains a lot of moisture. This aids in liver and kidney detoxification as well as constipation relief.

Because of its Sita (cool) and Pitta (heat) balancing capabilities, Amla can be consumed on an empty stomach. When consumed on an empty stomach, it is useful in reducing acidity.

Question. Can we eat Amla raw?

Answer. Yes, Amla can be consumed raw as a whole fruit, juiced, or powdered because it has the largest amount of vitamin C and is quite healthy.

Amla is a fruit that can be eaten raw. Because it has a kashaya (astringent) flavour, we can season it with salt to enhance the flavour.

Question. How can I eat Amla for weight loss?

Answer. Because of its high fibre and moisture content, amla can be taken orally as a whole fruit, juice, or powder to manage body weight and avoid appetite. Amla, being an antioxidant, also boosts metabolism, which is crucial for weight loss.

Obesity or weight gain is a disorder in which the body accumulates excessive fat or Ama (toxic leftovers in the body due to faulty digestion). Amla boosts metabolism by reducing ama levels thanks to its Deepan (appetiser) and Pachan (digestive) characteristics. This aids with weight management.

Question. How can I use gooseberries or Amla to prevent the formation of gall bladder stones?

Answer. Amla can be consumed whole, juiced, or powdered and taken orally. It’s high in vitamin C, which aids in the removal of toxins and the control of cholesterol, both of which are major causes of stone development.

Gallbladder stones are caused by a Pitta dosha imbalance. Because of its Pitta-balancing properties, amla can be taken as fruit or juice to prevent gall bladder stones.

Question. Can we eat ashwagandha, Brahmi and Amla together?

Answer. Yes, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Amla can be combined because they are all Rasayana (rejuvenating) herbs. If you have a healthy digestive system, there is no risk in taking all three of these supplements together. If your digestion is normal, the combination of these three can have a powerful effect on your body.

Question. How is Amla good for the skin?

Answer. Amla enhances skin suppleness and promotes the formation of new cells, which aids in the removal of dead skin. Due to its powerful antioxidant capabilities, it also protects the skin and prevents UV radiation damage. Amla can therefore be found in anti-aging, sunscreen, and other skin care products.

Because of its Ropan (healing) and Rasayan characteristics, amla is beneficial to the skin. Because of its Pitta-calming properties, it can also help with acne and inflammation. Amla’s Kashaya (astringent) properties also aid to regulate excess oil on the skin.

Question. Does Amla help in wound healing?

Answer. Amla juice applied topically hastens wound healing and aids in the prevention of infection. Amla also helps to relieve pain by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators in the body.

SUMMARY

Amla is a fruit that aids digestion and reduces acidity. It is also beneficial to diabetics because it aids in the regulation of blood glucose levels.