Amalaki/Amla

Benefits of Amalaki, Overview, Medicinal Properties, Uses, and Dosage

Amla or Amalaki which is also known as Indian gooseberry is a widely used ingredient both in Ayurveda and Allopathic medicine. The word Amla means “sour” which is a Hindi word used for a fruit tree Emblica Officinalis or Phyllanthus Emblica) which is found in India, the Middle East, and some southeast Asian countries. The other Sanskrit nicknames of Amla mean mother, nurse, and immortality.

Key facts of Amalaki

Amalaki is a medium-sized tree that grows yellow-green berries.
It’s found in India but also grown in Pakistan, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Amalaki has a sour taste.
Amalaki is rich in vitamin C and contains antioxidants.

The botanical name is Emblica Officinalis or Phyllanthus Emblica.

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Other names of Amalaki

Sanaskrit name Amalaki
Hindi name Avala
English Name Indian gooseberry
Malayalam Name Nelli
Kanada Name Nellikai
Marathi Name Avale

Taste: Five Tastes (Sour, Astringent, Sweet, Bitter, and Pungent). It does not contain a Salty taste.

Parts Used: Fruits

Properties of Amalaki

Anti-oxidant
Immunomodulator
Hypoglycemic
Hypolipidemic
Hypotensive
Antacid
Tonic
Mild laxative

Amalaki comprises phytoconstituents like ellagic acid, amlaic acid, phyllantine, phyllantidine, zeatin, zeatin nucleotide, zeatine riboside, benzenoid, chebulnic acid, etc.

Amalaki has high medicinal value and is considered one of the important herbs in Ayurveda. It can be effective to treat:

Diabetes-Prameha
Skin diseases-Kushta
Fever-Jwara
Anemia – Pandu
Bleeding disorders- Raktapitta
Jaundice- Kamala
Arthritis -Vatarakta

According to the Charaka Samhita,’ Of all the Rasayanas, Amalaki is revered as one of the most potent and nourishing; Amalaki is the best among rejuvenating herbs.” In Ayurveda, Rasayanas are considered rejuvenating therapies that help in anti-aging and longevity. Many researchers advocate the use of Amalaki on daily basis for healthy living.

Amlaki which is known as the Rasayana herb improves and restores the process of conservation, transformation, and resurgence of the life force. In the flagship formula of Ayurveda, Amlaki is the chief ingredient in Chyvanprasha.

Benefits of Amalaki

Amalaki is considered the best anti-aging ingredient in Ayurveda because it has numerous benefits.

The highest source of heat-stable Vitamin C
Improves digestion, metabolism, elimination, and normal liver.
Rich in polyphenols
Skin and hair benefits

Ayurvedic Properties of Amalaki

Rasa (taste): sour, sweet, pungent, bitter, astringent
Veerya (action): Cooling
Vipaka (post-digestive effect): Sweet

Health Benefits of Amalaki:

Slowdowns the aging process
Prevents common cold
Boosts immunity and restores the body’s vitality.
Helps to recover from chronic illness.
Regulates blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
Helps in iron absorption and increases hemoglobin levels.
Helps in gastrointestinal tract inflammation like gastritis.
Helps in indigestion.
Promotes spermatogenesis.
Reduces serum cholesterol and reduces high blood pressure.

Medicinal Properties of Amalaki

Shota Hara- Anti inflammatory

Rasayana – Rejuvenate
Medhya- Promotes intelligence
Kesya- Promotes hair growth
Swasshara- Cures asthmatic conditions
Varnya- Increases complexion
Pramehahara – Cures diabetes
Kushtaghna- Useful in skin diseases
Krimingha- Useful in worm diseases
Vishaghna- Useful in poisoning
Kasahara- Cures cough
Sula Hara- Relieves pain
Chardinga- Cures vomiting

Traditional Benefits of Amalaki

Vayasthapna- anti-aging herb
Chakshushya- good for eyes and improves vision
Sarvodoshangha- Balances Vata dosha
Balances Vata due to its sour taste
Balances Pitta due to its sweetness and coldness
Balances Kapha due to dryness and astringent properties
Raktapittaghna- helpful in bleeding disorders
Pramehaghna- helpful in diabetes.

Dosage of amalaki

Decoction ( Kawatham) 50-60 ml
Powder (Churna) 2-4g
Aqueous extract (Swarasa)- 5-10 ml

Amalaki is quite an essential herb and its fruit is widely used in Ayurveda to cure the common cold and fever, etc. Moreover, it has various therapeutic uses as well.

Note: Our purpose is to serve useful information related to Amalaki ‘s benefits, dosage, and other properties. It is advised to the patients not to consume Amalaki on the basis of this information. Before taking Amalaki as a medicine it is better to have an expert opinion because dosage and treatment vary from patient to patient depending on their symptoms and medical history.

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