English: Emblic myrobalan, myrobalan, Amla
Sanskrit: Amalika, Amla, Amlaki
Hindi: Amla
Malayalam: Nelli നെല്ലി
Indian gooseberry(Phyllanthus emblica ) is a deciduous tropical tree, monoecious, and grows to the height up to 18 meters tall, The leaves are small, green, and oppositely arranged, and the flowers are greenish-yellow flowering is March to May, fruits are fleshy, pale green, globose and single-seeded, a drupe, globose, 1 to 1.3 cm in diameter.
Useful plant parts: Seed, fruit, leaves, bark, roots and flowers
Medicinal uses:
It is an effective natural remedy for curing many diseases. It can cure Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, some types of cancer, age-related renal disease, eye disorder, diabetes, indigestion, heartburn, balance Vata, pita, and Kapha. It is one of Triphala’s groups.
Chemical content:
Ascorbic acid, flavonoids, kaempferol, ellagic acid.
Indian Gooseberry, scientifically known as Phyllanthus emblica and commonly referred to as Amla, is a highly valued fruit in Ayurvedic medicine. It is considered one of the most important rejuvenating herbs in traditional Ayurvedic practice. Here are some of the key Ayurvedic uses of Indian Gooseberry:
Rasayana (Rejuvenation):
Amla is considered a powerful Rasayana in Ayurveda, known for its ability to rejuvenate and revitalize the body. It is believed to promote longevity and slow down the aging process.
Digestive Health:
Amla is known for its digestive properties. It can help improve digestion, stimulate appetite, and alleviate conditions like indigestion and flatulence.
Immune Booster:
It is considered an excellent natural immune booster. Regular consumption of Amla is believed to enhance the body’s resistance to infections and illnesses.
Antioxidant Properties:
Amla is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
Liver Health:
Amla is used in Ayurvedic formulations to support liver function and detoxification processes. It may help in maintaining healthy liver function.
Heart Health:
It is believed to have cardio-protective properties. Amla may help in reducing cholesterol levels and supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Respiratory Health:
Amla is used in traditional remedies for respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. It is believed to have expectorant properties.
Hair and Scalp Health:
Amla is a common ingredient in Ayurvedic hair care products. It is believed to promote hair growth, prevent hair loss, and maintain healthy, shiny hair.
Skin Care:
Amla is used topically in various formulations for skin care. It may help in improving skin tone, reducing blemishes, and providing a natural glow.
Antimicrobial Properties:
Amla is believed to have antimicrobial properties, which can help the body fight off infections.
Vision Health:
Regular consumption of Amla is thought to support eye health and may help in reducing the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions.
Menstrual Disorders:
Amla is sometimes included in Ayurvedic preparations to help regulate menstrual cycles and address associated discomforts.
Amla can be consumed fresh, dried, as a juice, or in various formulations like powders and supplements. It is a versatile fruit and can be incorporated into a variety of recipes.
As always, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner or an Ayurvedic expert before using Amla for therapeutic purposes, especially if you have specific health concerns or are taking medications. They can provide guidance on dosage, preparation, and potential interactions.
1. Acidity-Indian gooseberry-Amla can be taken with warm milk, vegetables, or pulses and is helpful to cure acidity.
2. Herbal treatment for Dandruff and hair loss: Indian gooseberry cut into pieces remove the seed, and grind well to make a paste form Extract its juice and add three teaspoons of lemon juice, shake well, and apply on the scalp and wait for 30 minutes and the wash off in the water.
The fermented decoction of Indian gooseberry is called Nellikka Arishtam which is used as a tonic to enhance energy.
Ingredients of Nellikka Arishtam
Indian Gooseberry – Amla/Nellikka: 2 kg
Jaggery – Sharkkara: 2 kg
Raisin – Unakkamunthiry 100g
Black pepper – Kurumulak: 1 teaspoon
Cloves – Grampoo: 4 numbers
Cardamom – Elakkai: 4 Numbers
Cinnamon – Karuvappatta: small piece
Water: 6 cups
How to Prepare Nellikka Arishtam
Take the above-mentioned spices ( pepper, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon) crush well, and then crush the jaggery and keep aside, take the gooseberries and keep it clean and dry, then make a mixture of crushed jaggeries, dry grapes, and crushed spices. Take a clean vessel (A soil pot is better) and put some gooseberry into it, and take a little of the mixture and put it over the gooseberry to make a layer and again put some gooseberry over the mixture layer, repeat this till the ingredients are complete, then pour water over it and keep the vessel airtight, keep the vessel for one day and open the lid and stir well, again keep the lid airtight, continue this process for two days. Then we can keep the container in a dark room for three months. After three months take out the vessel and filter the decoction, it will be black in color and a little alcoholic.
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