Thursday 24 May 2012

Ayurvedic Benefits of Amla

Amla or Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

Sanskrit name: Dhatri (mother, nurse)


Other Name: Indian Gooseberry


Sacred association: worshipped as Mother Earth in Hinduism


Part used: fruit, seeds, root, bark


Dosha effect: balances all three doshas, but pita in particular


Energetics: all tastes but salty, predominantly sour/cooling/sweet


Dhatus: works on all tissue elements and increases ojas


Systems: circulatory, digestive, excretory


Indications: Bleeding disorders, hemorrhoids, anemia, diabetes, gout, vertigo, gastritis, colitis, hepatitis, osteoporosis, constipation, biliousness, weak liver or spleen, premature graying or hair loss, general debility and tissue deficiency


Actions: nutritive tonic, rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, laxative, stomachic, astringent, haemostatic
Precautions: acute diarrhea, dysentery
Preparation: decoction, powder, confection







   Amalaki is one of the strongest rejuvenatives in Ayurvedic medicine. The Charaka Samhita says it is the best of medicines to prevent aging. It rebuilds and maintains new tissues and increases red blood cell count and ojas. Amalaki cleanses the mouth, strengthens the teeth, nourishes bones, and causes hair and nails to grow. It improves eyesight, bleeding of gums, and relieves inflammation of the stomach and colon. It is very high in vitamin C (3,000 mg per fruit). It improves appetite, cleanses intestines and regulates blood sugar.

Amalaki includes all tastes but salty and is predominantly sour/cooling/sweet. It is sattvic in quality and gives good fortune, love and longevity – it is itself a long-living tree. It calms and balances the emotions of mothers who behave angrily towards their children. For children who have lost their mothers, it fills them with the sense that their mother is there.

Five grams of the powder, mixed in one cup of warm water, can be taken twice a day as a general tonic. It is used as a paste applied to the head for mental disorders. Triphala is a mixture of amalaki, haritaki and bibhitaki. It is the main ingredient in the famous medicinal jam chyavanaprasha, used for treating respiratory complaints and for rejuvenation.

It is also used in inks, shampoos and hair oils.



If you want to get more ayurvedic information visit http://www.ayurvedaacademy.com

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