Amla, Amalaki or Indian Gooseberry is a highly potent medicinal plant for its innumerable healing properties. Amalaki, as it is popularly known in Sanskrit and in ancient texts of Ayurveda, has various meanings – mother, nurse, immortality and it also means ‘sour.’
The small green, pulpy, juicy fruit known as usirikaya in Telugu, Nellika in Tamil, goes with the botanical names Emblica Officinalis or Phyllanthus Emblica. Ayurveda strongly recommends eating a gooseberry daily for improving immunity, boosting metabolism and longevity.
It is in fact known as a ‘divyaushada’ or a divine medicine as it contains five tastes – sweet, sour, bitter, astringent and pungent that help in the functioning of both mind and body.
The healing and medicinal properties of amla are innumerable as it is loaded with vitamin C, calcium, iron, phosphorous, carotene, vitamin B, protein and fibre.
Amla holds a lot of great religious significance during rituals in the Hindu month of Kartik, that usually falls in between October and November. In many parts of India, it is a practice to offer the fruit as a Naivedya to Lord Shiva and eat it to ward off various respiratory infections, common cold, flu and other health problems that are caused due to the imbalances of vata, kapha and pitta.
Amla is a powerhouse of antioxidants and ancient medicine endorses the consumption of this fruit to prevent the formation of cancer cells. It can be consumed raw, in the form of juice, churna, candy, pickles,teas or supplements.
If you are suffering from severe hair loss turn to Indian gooseberry, right away. Massaging the scalp with amla oil strengthens the follicles, provides luster while vitamin C prevents premature greying.
Benefits Of Amla For Treating Various Health Conditions:
1.Amla For Diabetes:
Amla is a traditional and an amazing home remedy for diabetics. It not only prevents pancreatitis but also manages levels of blood sugar. Vitamin C serves as a powerful antioxidant and it reverses the effects of oxidative stress, one of the reasons behind diabetes.
Eat fresh amla, drink amla juice or relish amla murabba, the popular Indian recipe made from this bitter-sweet fruit. You can also try consuming dried amla powder with water to witness the drop in your sugar levels.
2.Amla For Hypertension:
Studies reveal that regular intake of amla helps in lowering blood pressure and also helps in reducing the effects of cardiovascular diseases. The abundance of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals specially potassium in the Indian gooseberry makes this fruit truly notable for a high blood pressure diet. Potassium is extremely effective in dilating the blood vessels which in turn reduces the blood pressure and controls the various symptoms of hypertension.
Drink amla juice mixed with one tablespoon of honey to bring down the blood pressure naturally. Drinking this juice daily helps controls both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
3.Amla For PCOS:
Ancient texts in Ayurveda recommend amla for improving fertility in women. It flushes out toxins, regulates menstrual cycle and causes hormonal balance. It also fights against the negative effects of PCOS like obesity, unwanted hair growth etc.
Drink amla juice mixed with warm water daily in the morning to flush out toxins and aid in weight reduction. Adding small pieces of amla to your daily diet is also beneficial.
4.Amla For Weight Loss:
Indian gooseberry stimulates metabolic activity, prevents the formation of fat in unwanted places and flushes out toxins. Slow metabolism, fat accumulation and toxin build-up are primary causes behind obesity and amla help in fighting all these issues.
Eat raw amla, drink amla powder along with honey and warm water to lose weight and excess fat.
5.Amla For Skin Conditions:
Amla is a natural blood purifier and intake of the juice or fruit helps the skin glow from within. If you are suffering from acne, pimples, blemishes, freckles, go for amla based face packs to restore skin health. This succulent fruit also helps in boosting collagen, keeps skin youthful.
Mix plain amla powder in water and apply it as a face pack. Let it dry and clean after 20 minutes. Do it regularly to fight various skin allergies and conditions.
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