Amalaki (Indian gooseberry) is known as the magical herb of Ayurveda. Due to the various benefits and healing properties of amla, it has been used in medicines for thousands of years. It is one of the best healing herbs of Ayurveda. Out of the six rasas (tastes) in Ayurveda, amla has the five rasas. It has madhur (sweet), amla (sour), katu (hot), tikta (bitter) and kasaya (astringent) tastes. Of all these tastes, amla mainly has a sour taste. Due to the presence of all these rasas, there are various benefits of amla like anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant properties, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-ulcer, analgesic, immunomodulator, and many other properties.
Benefits of Amalaki (amla)
Improved digestion:
Amalaki (Indian gooseberry) is a friend to your gut. Due to its cleansing properties, it helps in treating constipation.
It is also very effective in balancing the stomach acid levels. So problems like gas and bloating can be managed with regular consumption of amla powder.
Amalaki is rich in various vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, and E, iron, calcium, and dietary fiber which provide energy and nutrition to your body. Vitamin C properties of amla help in easily flushing out waste products from the body. These vitamins and minerals help in the healthy absorption of food in the body.
Heart health:
It helps in a healthy flow of blood and nutrients in the body which nourishes and maintains your body tissues.
Amla powder is a natural detoxifier. It cleans the blood and supports healthy transportation and absorption of nutrients.
Amalaki is also very good for increasing the hemoglobin levels in the blood. Hemoglobin is responsible for the transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide. So increased hemoglobin levels mean increased levels of oxygen in the blood.
Liver:
Vitamin C properties of amla make it very good for your liver and kidneys.
Amla is a natural antioxidant and also has anti-inflammatory properties which are very good for your liver.
It increases metabolism and helps in healthy management of fatty acids in the body.
Immunity:
It makes your immune system strong, which is the defense system of your body. It helps you in fighting off diseases. Due to the removal of toxins, the body is cleaned and the absorption of nutrients is improved. More nutrients means your body will get stronger and healthier. Also, these toxins disturb your immune system, their removal is important for your body to function properly. So, amla consumption strengthens your immune system and prevents you from various ailments.
Preventing diseases
Consumption of amla helps in the removal of Ama(toxins) from your body. Accumulation of Ama or toxins in the body is an invitation to various diseases and ailments. So regulated amounts of amla in your diet will keep you healthy.
Blood sugar management can also be done with amla. People suffering from diabetes should especially add amla to their diet. It lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin resistance.
Amla is very useful in managing the cholesterol levels in the body.
Bone and Joint Health:
Along with the detoxifying benefits of amla, it is also very good at increasing the strength of your bones and joints. Amla consumption or application of amla oil is also very good for your joints. Babies are given a massage of amla oil for healthy and strong bones. Amla oil can also be mixed with other ayurvedic oils for more benefits.
Eyes:
Amla is very effective in improving vision. It is known as “chakshushya” in Ayurveda, which means the one “strengthening the eyes”. Amla is rich in vitamins and minerals and has been widely used for improving eye health. It is a good tonic for the eyes.
Skincare:
Healthy and glowing skin is also one of the benefits of amla in your diet. The antioxidant properties of amla will help in making your blood clean. Healthy blood means a healthy body and a healthy body will naturally have glowing skin.
Hair health:
Amla is also very good for your hair health. Amla hair masks and hair oils are highly beneficial as they give the required nutrition to your hair.
It will fix the moisture content in your hair and give it a natural shine.
Also, it is useful in blackening your hair.
Oralcare:
Amla powder is a very good toothpaste. It can also be put in pastes and used for brushing and cleaning your teeth. It makes your mouth clean and refreshed. In Ayurveda, oil pulling is suggested as one of the best ways to enhance oral health. Amla oil is very good for oil pulling. It removes the toxins and enhances your oral health.
Anti-aging:
Amla, if consumed on a daily basis can help you look younger than your age. It improves your overall health.
It makes your body healthier and you can live a long and happy life.
It also improves your strength and flexibility.
It also helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Along with numerous physical health benefits, it is also good for your mental and emotional well-being. Regulated consumption of amalaki can detoxify your body at various levels. It helps in the easy flow of blood and nutrients. The energy flow of the body is also improved which helps you in your spiritual growth. It has a relaxing effect on your mind. It can reduce your stress. It is a sattvic food which means it increases balance and harmony in your body. Increased awareness is one of the benefits of amla. It will help you focus better and also enhance your memory. Amla is also very effective in the treatment of patients with hypertension, stress, and anxiety.
Amla is of immense use in improving health and well-being. It is also one of the key ingredients of Triphala. Triphala is a Sanskrit word that translates to three herbs. It is made up of amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki. Amla in Triphala gives a sour taste and increases the properties of this powder manifold. Triphala is an ayurvedic rasayana or herbal preparation that has numerous health benefits. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times.
Ayurvedic Usage Amalaki (Amla)
Amla can be consumed in various ways.
- You can make a juice of amla fruit and then drink it. This juice can also be mixed with carrot, lemon, ginger, honey, and jaggery to enhance taste and nutrients.
- Amla fruit can also be dried or candied. It increases the lifespan of the fruit and you can keep it for years. Dried amla is especially very beneficial in dry cough.
- Lastly, you can take amla in the form of powder. This powder can be added to lukewarm water, honey, or any of the ayurvedic drinks or herbal teas.
But, amla or any sour food product should never be consumed with dairy products. They are incompatible and can have serious side effects on health.
Tridoshak herb
According to Ayurveda, amla is a tridoshak herb. It means that it has the potency to balance all three doshas in the body. These three doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. An imbalance in any of these doshas results in diseases and infections. So, Amalaki can help balance all three doshas. Amla powder can be consumed with different ingredients to balance different doshas.
If a person is experiencing Vata dosha imbalance, they can take amla powder with sesame oil. If there is a pitta dosha imbalance, then amla can be consumed with clarified butter or ghee. And if there is a kapha dosha imbalance, the person can simply consume gooseberry (amla) powder with lukewarm water.
Scientific validation
Many scientific researches have been carried out to confirm the health benefits of consuming Indian gooseberry (amla). It has both dietary and medicinal uses. Various researches have confirmed that amla has medicinal properties that can be used in the treatment of various diseases. Regular consumption of amla can also help in preventing various age-related diseases, joint pain, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, auto-immune disorder, arthritis, cataracts, or wrinkling of the skin. Ayurvedic usage of amla has been confirmed and validated by scientific research.
Precautions and Side Effects
Pregnant women must consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting the consumption of Amalaki.
Patients with high levels of toxins in their bodies should also consult a doctor. The dosage of amla has to be regulated for such people. High doses of amla can result in problems like diarrhea or dehydration in such patients.
People with iron deficiencies should also consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for the proper dosage of Amalaki.
Do not consume amla with dairy products or nonvegetarian foods. It can have serious effects on your health.
Everyone should start with small quantities of amla in their diet and give your body some time to get used to it. You can increase the dosage of amla after some time.
Takeaway
Amla is a treasured herb of Ayurveda that has been used for ages in the treatment of various ailments and diseases.
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