Amla
Amla
Amla, also known as “Indian gooseberry”, is loaded with nutrients and is the richest natural source of vitamin C. It is widely used for many health problems. Regular use of Amla also boosts immunity. According to Ayurveda, Amla is one of the best Rasayanic tonics that helps to brighten the skin, purify the blood, and improve eyesight. Medicinal properties of amla are defined in the following shloka as:
हरीतकीसमं धात्रीफलं किन्तु विशेषतः। रक्तपित्तप्रमेहघ्नं परं वृष्यं रसायनम्।
हन्ति वातं तदम्लत्वात्पित्तं माधुर्यशैत्यतः। कफ रूक्षकषायत्वात्फलधाञ्यास्त्रिदोषजित्।
यस्य यस्य फलस्येह वीर्यं भवति यादृशम्। तस्य तस्यैव वीर्येण मज्जानमपि निर्दिशेत्।
Amla is beneficial for Pitta disorders. It also works to improve stamina and body defense against any infection because of its Vrishya (strength provider) and Rasayana (immunity) properties. Amla balances Vata because of Amala (sour) taste, balances Pitta because of its Madhura (sweet) and Sita (cold) nature. It also controls Kapha due to its Ruksha (dryness)-Kashya (astringent) properties.
Amla helps improve digestion and relieve acidity. It is also effective for diabetics as it helps control blood glucose levels. In addition to that, it helps prevent aging and greying of hair.
There are a number of ways in which you can consume Amla. It can be taken in the form of juice, murabba, chutney, and candy or even eaten raw[1][2][4]. Its beneficial properties remain nearly the same in all forms.
हरीतकीसमं धात्रीफलं किन्तु विशेषतः। रक्तपित्तप्रमेहघ्नं परं वृष्यं रसायनम्।
हन्ति वातं तदम्लत्वात्पित्तं माधुर्यशैत्यतः। कफ रूक्षकषायत्वात्फलधाञ्यास्त्रिदोषजित्।
यस्य यस्य फलस्येह वीर्यं भवति यादृशम्। तस्य तस्यैव वीर्येण मज्जानमपि निर्दिशेत्।
Amla is beneficial for Pitta disorders. It also works to improve stamina and body defense against any infection because of its Vrishya (strength provider) and Rasayana (immunity) properties. Amla balances Vata because of Amala (sour) taste, balances Pitta because of its Madhura (sweet) and Sita (cold) nature. It also controls Kapha due to its Ruksha (dryness)-Kashya (astringent) properties.
Amla helps improve digestion and relieve acidity. It is also effective for diabetics as it helps control blood glucose levels. In addition to that, it helps prevent aging and greying of hair.
There are a number of ways in which you can consume Amla. It can be taken in the form of juice, murabba, chutney, and candy or even eaten raw[1][2][4]. Its beneficial properties remain nearly the same in all forms.
What are the synonyms of Amla?
Emblica officinalis, Indian gooseberry, Amalaka, Amrtaphala, Dhatriphala, Amlakhi, Aonla, Ambala, Nellikayi, Nellikka, Anvala, Anala, Aula, Nelli, Usirika, Amli, Amlaj
What is the source of Amla?
Plant Based
Benefits of Amla
Ayurvedic View
Amla helps manage indigestion by improving the Pachak Agni (digestion fire). It also helps in easy expulsion of stool due to its Rechana (mild laxative) property.
Ayurvedic View
Amla helps control weight by improving the metabolism due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) property.
Modern Science View
Amla might be useful in controlling high cholesterol. PPAR-α is the main protein involved in lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Amla helps to increase the level of PPAR-α, thereby reducing the level of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the body[4].
Ayurvedic View
Amla improves body metabolism and helps lower cholesterol by increasing the Pachak Agni (digestive fire).
Ayurvedic View
Amla helps manage bloody diarrhea (dysentery) due to its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps control bleeding and reduce contraction of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.
Modern Science View
Amla might help in reducing pain and improve mobility in osteoarthritis by protecting the cartilage cushion between the joints[4].
Ayurvedic View
In Ayurveda, Osteoarthritis is called Sandhivata in which an aggravated Vata causes pain and swelling in the joints. Amla has Vata balancing property and relieves pain and improves mobility.
Ayurvedic View
Amla helps to control joint pains and swelling due to an aggravated Vata. Amla has Vata balancing property and relieves pain and improves mobility.
Modern Science View
Since there is no definite cure for acute pancreatitis, Amla shows a protective action by fighting against the free radicals and reducing the number of inflammatory mediators[4].
Modern Science View
Vitamin C in Amla is known to increase the activity of natural killer cells leading to toxicity and breakdown of the cancerous cells. Amla also inhibits the growth and multiplication of cancer cells to some extent by inhibiting the enzymes topoisomerase and cdc25 tyrosine phosphatase[4].
Modern Science View
Amla helps to improve the glucose metabolism in diabetic patients therefore reducing the fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in the body. Amla also lowers the risk of various diabetic complications by fighting against the free radicals, decreasing the inflammatory mediators and improving the function of blood vessels[4].
Ayurvedic View
Amla helps to control blood sugar level by regulating carbohydrate metabolism due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties.
Modern Science View
Excessive contraction of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract causes diarrhea with abdominal pain and cramping. Amla has antispasmodic property and helps relax the smooth muscles of the abdomen[4].
Ayurvedic View
Amla helps to control diarrhea due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) properties which help reduce contraction of the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.
How effective is Amla?
Insufficient evidence
Atherosclerosis (plaque deposition inside the arteries), Cancer, Diabetes, Diarrhea, Dysentery, High cholesterol, Indigestion, Joint pain, Obesity, Osteoarthritis, Pancreatitis
Precautions when using Amla
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
1. Amla might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders. Therefore, Amla should be used with caution in such cases[3].
2. 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[3].
2. 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[3].
Ayurvedic View
1. Always take Amla juice in a recommended dose and duration under a doctor’s supervision. A high dose can cause dryness in the skin.
2. Avoid Amla in case of excessive Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion).
3. Avoid Amla in case of aggravated Kapha problems like coughing.
4. Avoid drinking Amla juice at night due to its cold potency and astringent taste.
2. Avoid Amla in case of excessive Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion).
3. Avoid Amla in case of aggravated Kapha problems like coughing.
4. Avoid drinking Amla juice at night due to its cold potency and astringent taste.
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Due to lack of scientific evidence, medicinal use of Amla should be avoided if you are breastfeeding[3].
Patients with diabetes
Important
Modern Science View
Amla may lower blood glucose level. So it is generally advisable to monitor the blood glucose regularly if you are taking Amla along with anti-diabetic drugs[3].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Due to lack of scientific evidence, medicinal use of Amla should be avoided during pregnancy[3].
Recommended Dosage of Amla
- Amla Juice - 3-4 teaspoons once or twice a day.
- Amla Powder - ¼- ½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Amla Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Amla Tablet - 1-2 tablets twice a day.
- Amla Candy - 2-3 candies in a day.
How to use Amla
1. Amla raw fruit
a. Take 2-3 pieces of raw Amla fruit.
b. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to taste.
c. Have it before meals to get relief from hyperacidity.
2. Amla Juice
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Amla Juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water and drink before taking food once or twice a day.
c. Avoid drinking at night especially during winters.
3. Amla Churna
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Amla churna.
b. Mix it with honey or drink with water before lunch and dinner.
4. Amla Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Amla capsule.
b. Swallow it with water, twice a day, before or after meals.
5. Amla Tablet
a. Take 1-2 Amla tablets.
b. Swallow it with water, twice a day, before or after meals.
6. Amla Candy
a. Take 2-3 pieces of Amla candy.
b. Eat them before or after meals.
7. Amla Murabba
a. Wash 20 pieces of Amla and prick them with the help of a fork.
b. Boil 1-2 cups of water in a pan add prickled Amla's to it, cook for 10 minutes till it becomes soft.
c. Now, make a sugar syrup by adding 2 cups of sugar in 2 cups of boiling water and simmer on a low flame till the consistency becomes thick.
d. Add boiled Amla to the sugar syrup
e. Let it stand for 1-2 hours till the Amla properly absorbs the sugar syrup.
f. This final product is known as Amla Murabba. You can have them preferably before lunch and dinner.
8. Amla Chutney
a. Take ½ cups of Amla.
b. Add 1 cup of chopped coriander and 2-4 green chilies to it.
c. Also, add a pinch of hing (asafoetida) and salt as per your taste.
d. Have this Amla chutney with meals.
9. Amla-Carrot-beetroot Juice
a. Take 1-2 pieces of Amla, 2 carrots and 1 beetroot. Cut them in small pieces.
b. Now put all the ingredients into a juicer.
c. Strain the juice with a strainer.
d. Squeeze ½ lemon and salt as per your taste.
e. Drink this juice after lunch for better digestion[2].
a. Take 2-3 pieces of raw Amla fruit.
b. Sprinkle a pinch of salt to taste.
c. Have it before meals to get relief from hyperacidity.
2. Amla Juice
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Amla Juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water and drink before taking food once or twice a day.
c. Avoid drinking at night especially during winters.
3. Amla Churna
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Amla churna.
b. Mix it with honey or drink with water before lunch and dinner.
4. Amla Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Amla capsule.
b. Swallow it with water, twice a day, before or after meals.
5. Amla Tablet
a. Take 1-2 Amla tablets.
b. Swallow it with water, twice a day, before or after meals.
6. Amla Candy
a. Take 2-3 pieces of Amla candy.
b. Eat them before or after meals.
7. Amla Murabba
a. Wash 20 pieces of Amla and prick them with the help of a fork.
b. Boil 1-2 cups of water in a pan add prickled Amla's to it, cook for 10 minutes till it becomes soft.
c. Now, make a sugar syrup by adding 2 cups of sugar in 2 cups of boiling water and simmer on a low flame till the consistency becomes thick.
d. Add boiled Amla to the sugar syrup
e. Let it stand for 1-2 hours till the Amla properly absorbs the sugar syrup.
f. This final product is known as Amla Murabba. You can have them preferably before lunch and dinner.
8. Amla Chutney
a. Take ½ cups of Amla.
b. Add 1 cup of chopped coriander and 2-4 green chilies to it.
c. Also, add a pinch of hing (asafoetida) and salt as per your taste.
d. Have this Amla chutney with meals.
9. Amla-Carrot-beetroot Juice
a. Take 1-2 pieces of Amla, 2 carrots and 1 beetroot. Cut them in small pieces.
b. Now put all the ingredients into a juicer.
c. Strain the juice with a strainer.
d. Squeeze ½ lemon and salt as per your taste.
e. Drink this juice after lunch for better digestion[2].
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Amla is used in shampoos and in the dyeing industry. It is used in sauces, candy, dried chips, pickle, jellies and powder. Amla extract is used in ink and the wood is used in firework.
Modern Science View
Amla fruit is seasonal and not available throughout the year. Thus, it can be frozen or dried and used as and when required.
Modern Science View
It is usually recommended to eat about 1-2 Amla per day or you can take as per your taste as well. It can be either eaten raw or in the form of juice. However, it is generally advisable to consult a physician before using Amla for medicinal purposes.
Modern Science View
Yes, we can eat raw Amla. It can also be consumed in the form of juice or paste as it is packed with various nutrients such as Vitamin C ,iron and calcium.
References
- HK Bakhru.Foods that Heal, The Natural Way to Good Health.1990. Orient Paperbacks.
- Jain A, Garg N.Therapeutic and medicinal uses of Amalaki: A review.World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research.2017;6(2):512-524.
- WebMD.Indian-gooseberry:Uses, Side effects, Interactions, Dosage [Internet]. Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Variya BC, Bakrania AK, Patel SS. Emblica officinalis (Amla): A review for its phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal uses and medicinal potentials with respect to molecular mechanisms.Pharmacological Research.2016;111:180-200.
- Dasaroju S, Gottumukala KM.Current trends in the research of Emblica officinalis (Amla): A pharmacological perspective.Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res.2014;24(2):150-159.
- Pradhan SL, Pradhan PS.Ayurvedic medicine and anaesthesia.Indian J Anaesth.2011;55(4):334–339.
- Patel S, Sharma V, Chauhan NS, et al.Hair growth: Focus on herbal therapeutic agent.Current Drug Discovery Technologies.2015;12(1).
- Luanpitpong S, Nimmannit U, Pongrakhananon V, et al. Emblica (Phyllanthus emblica Linn.) fruit extract promotes proliferation in dermal papilla cell of human hair follicle.Res J Med Plant.2011;5:95-100.
- Jain R, Pandey R, Mahant RN et al.A review on medicinal importance of Emblica Officinalis.Int J Pharm Sci Res.2015;6(1):72-84. 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.6 (1).72-84
- Scartezzini P, Antognoni F, Raggi MA et al.Vitamin C content and antioxidant activity of the fruit and of the Ayurvedic preparation of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. J Ethnopharmacol.2006;104(1-2):113-118.
- Jain SK, Khurdiya DS.Vitamin C enrichment of fruit juice based ready-to-serve beverages through blending of Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) juice.Plant Foods Hum. Nutr.2004;59(2):63-66.
- Kulkarni KV, Ghurghure SM. Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis): Complete pharmacognosy review. International journal of chemistry studies. 2018;2(2):05-11.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.