Amalaki/ Amla (Indian Gooseberry) is also known as Dhatri (the nurse) in Sanskrit due to excellent healing properties. It is considered as the strongest rejuvenator in Ayurveda.
Amla, the fruit of Amalaki plant, improves body metabolism and is a rich source of vitamin C. It is particularly good for bones, liver, teeth, and heart. It increases the red blood cells and promotes tissue growth. Apart from improving eyesight, it relieves stomach and colon inflammation, and regulates the blood sugar levels.
Amla also is an excellent diuretic, an aphrodisiac, and a good cardiac tonic. Amalaki or Amla, is perhaps the single most often mentioned herb in the Caraka Samhita. Amalaki tincture is used as an aperient, diuretic, laxative, refrigerant, astringent and carminative. It is supportive for proper function of the liver, spleen, pancreas, heart and lungs, and has been used for conditions such as anemia, jaundice, hemorrhage disorders, asthma, bronchitis, insomnia. Amalaki extracts have been found to be very effective in the treatment of ulcers and hyperacidity.
Research On Amalaki
A research team has discovered that Amla extract taken regularly as a dietary supplement, can counteract the toxic effects of prolonged exposure to environmental heavy metals such as lead, aluminum and nickel. These metals are prevalent in the environment of industrialized countries. In the studies, the pro-oxidant or oxygen radical scavenger qualities of Amalaki suggest that it may also be effective in lowering the risk of cancers.
Other studies have shown that it is more effective than vitamin C alone in reducing chromosome abnormalities. Amla has twenty times more vitamin C than orange juice and the natural tannins help prevent oxidation of the vitamin content. It reduces unwanted fat because it increases total protein levels, and this action is due to its ability to create a positive nitrogen balance and significantly reduce the levels of free fatty acids.
Additionally, Amalaki reduces cholesterol and cholesterol induced atherosclerosis (obstruction of the arteries), making it an useful herb for fighting obesity. One study showed that it prevents atheroma, or degeneration of the artery walls due to fat and scar tissue. It reduces or eliminates the risk of environmental pollutants, normalizes cholesterol levels, reduces unwanted fat and cures ulcers.
How To Make Amalaki Juice
Amla juice when taken by adding a few drops of honey, improves appetite, treats liver problems, and hence is used in treating viral jaundice. Amalaki Rasayan used as an Ayurvedic tonic is made by stirring dried powdered Amla in fresh amla juice for 3 weeks and used for treating various diseases during their convalescence period. It is also considered to be an effective anti-ageing formula in traditional Ayurveda.
Ingredients
- Fresh Amalaki – 100gm
- Sugar Candy – 50gm
- Water – Desired quantity
Preparation
Blend the fleshy portion of the steamed Amalaki after removing the seeds. Add desired amount of water and powdered sugar.
Other Uses For Amla
Amalaki tincture is a potent rejuvenator that nourishes the tissues and gently removes natural toxins. Amalaki’s cooling effect removes excess pitta from the GI tract, which supports a healthy stomach lining and proper function of digestive actions. It is also known to cleanse the colon, eliminating excess toxins and heat, while supporting healthy bowel movements.
The powdered form of dried amla is considered an excellent medication for ulcers, hyper-acidity, and other impurities in blood. It can be taken internally (as decoction) and externally applied as a paste. Due to its haemostatic properties, amla fruit when taken twice a day with giloy satva (an extract of tinosporia cordifolia) helps in treating bleeding piles and epistaxis.
Other Ayurvedic preparations in which Amla is used are Chyawanprash (Where amla is the key ingredient), Triphala, Brahmarasayana, Dhatri Loha, etc. The flowers, fruits and bark of Amalaki are also of medicinal value and its twigs are used for dyeing and tanning.
