Amalaki: Application and Effect of the Amla Berry

What is the Amalaki Fruit?

Amalaki, Amla, Indian gooseberry – the fruit of the Amla tree has many names. Originally found throughout India, South Asia, and parts of East Africa. But why is Amla not only popular in India anymore? What is the effect of the much-praised little superfruit?

Amalaki: Effect in Ayurveda

The Amalaki tree plays a significant role in Indian tradition – so much so that the tree is considered a sacred plant in India and has its own holiday. The berry is considered a fountain of youth and is an integral part of daily life for most people in India.

And what does the Ayurvedic teaching say about Amalaki? Of course, very positive! Because the Amla fruit combines five of the six taste flavors within itself. It is primarily sour, but also bitter, sweet, pungent, and astringent. With this almost unique combination, Amla can balance all three Doshas back to a harmonious equilibrium.

This Ayurvedic medicinal plant is often combined with Haritaki and Bibhitaki in Ayurvedic products. The result is Triphala (translated “three fruits”), one of the most well-known herbal combinations in Ayurveda.

Whether in this combination or on its own, Amla berries are considered helpful for various ailments. From cough, headaches, and digestive disorders to chronic diseases, people trust the fruits in many situations.

What is the effect of Amla?

Amalaki fruits seem to be true multitaskers: They contain a lot of heat-resistant vitamin C, carotene, riboflavin, iron, and calcium. And that is just a small selection of the substances that are essential for our health as well as for beautiful skin and hair are needed (1).

Even the vitamin C content clearly strengthens the immune system (3). As nutritional supplements, Amalaki powder or capsules ensure that infections have no chance and we simply feel more powerful (2). The amla berry is said to have the following effects:

• strengthens the immune system and acts oxidatively

• helps to detoxify the body

• stimulates metabolism and digestion

• regulates cholesterol and blood sugar levels

• strengthens hair and prevents hair loss

• ensures radiant, firm skin

From an Ayurvedic perspective, the healing plant is so unique because it can calm a very agitated Pitta and prevent hyperacidity. Of course, these health-promoting states can be achieved just as well with other plants. However, no other natural remedy works as gently as Amalaki. lässt und einer Übersäuerung vorgebeugt wird. Natürlich lassen sich diese gesundheitsfördernden Zustände genauso mit anderen Pflanzen erzielen. Kein anderes natürliches Mittel aber wirkt so sanft wie Amalaki.

Does Amla have side effects?

In the doses recommended by manufacturers, generally no side effects of Amla are to be expected. As with many nutritional supplements, excessive consumption can have a laxative effect. Stomach pain and nausea are also possible then.

If you have pre-existing conditions or take medication regularly, you should definitely consult your doctor before taking Amla. Since large-scale studies on humans are still lacking, the use of Amla is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children.

Use of Amalaki: Powder, Capsules or Oil?

So it's clear: Amla is good for you. However, the fruit is hardly edible as it is very sour and bitter. Traditionally, it is made into juice, syrup or jam. Here, however, it is mainly available in dried form.

But how can the medicinal plant be applied specifically? In principle, you have three options:

Tips for the Proper Use of Amalaki

Used correctly, Amalaki has many benefits. But what does "correctly" mean in this case? Here are some tips on what you should pay attention to if you want to try out the small energy packs for yourself:

1. Pay attention to the origin

When buying, pay attention to the origin and only choose products from purely organic farming, which do not contain any artificial additives. This way, you can be sure to fully enjoy the natural power of the Amla fruit.

2. Pay attention to the maximum daily dose

If you are taking Amla capsules or powder to improve your health, you should make sure to consume no more than 2–5 g per day.

As always in Ayurveda (and in life in general!), it's important to find balance. Too much Amalaki can lead to digestive issues, while the right dose supports your Agni optimally.

3. Consult a doctor in case of pre-existing conditions

If you take medications regularly, we advise you to consult your doctor before taking Amalaki to avoid unwanted interactions.

Amalaki as a Natural Hair Treatment: Amla Oil for Hair

Aside from health benefits, Amalaki is also an increasingly popular hair care product. Beautiful, dense, shiny hair is promised by almost every well-known manufacturer of hair cosmetics.

However, promises can often be made - and the disappointment is often great when the desired effect fails to materialize. But what about natural products like Amla oil? What can you expect from them?

The Effect of Amla on Hair

In summary, Amalaki has the following effects on hair: It strengthens the hair roots and improves scalp health. And the main reason for brittle, lifeless hair that falls out quickly is primarily a dry scalp with weakened hair follicles.

In other words: On a healthy scalp, hair can grow stronger and becomes shinier. Dandruff and itchiness also become a thing of the past. Amla oil is also said to extend the growth cycle, making hair thicker. The oil inhibits the so-called 5-alpha reductase, a process that causes hair to thin or even lead to hair loss (5).

Application of Amla in Hair Care: 3 Practical Tips

Even in hair care with Amla oil, there are a few tips we'd like to share with you:

Tip #1: Apply Regularly

Massage the oil into the scalp 2-3 times a week and let it work for at least an hour or overnight before washing it out. If you choose the latter option, it's best to put a towel over your pillow or wear a shower cap. You can apply the oil to damp or dry hair.

Do not use Amla oil much more frequently than indicated above. Too much of a good thing has the opposite effect and tends to dry out the scalp.

Tip #2: Combine Natural Product with Oil

Amla oil is a natural product and is not scented with artificial fragrances. Some people need to get used to the herbal-like smell.

If you don't want to work with pure Amla oil, you can instead mix a high-quality Amalaki powder into the oil you otherwise use, such as coconut or jojoba oil.

There are also Amla shampoos available, where you should make sure when buying that no silicones or paraffins are included and that Amalaki is listed as far forward as possible among the ingredients.Amla-Shampoos, wobei Du hier beim Kauf darauf achten solltest, dass keine Silikone oder Paraffine enthalten sind und Amalaki so weit vorn wie möglich unter den Inhaltsstoffen gelistet ist.

Tip #3: Wash Out Carefully

As with any oil treatment for hair, when washing out: Be cautious in the shower, as the oil makes the floor slippery.

Amla Can Prevent Gray Hair

Amalaki is said to have an antioxidant effect, it is believed to slow down the aging process. Although there are no scientific studies on this, it is assumed that Amla delays the time when melanin production slows down.

Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its natural color. So the longer melanin is produced, the longer the hair color remains. It is often reported that hair care with Amla makes the natural color stand out more.

The dense, full head of hair of Indian women is not automatically achieved with Amla. However, Amalaki capsules or powders improve the health of the whole body, which significantly contributes to a clear complexion and a healthy scalp.

Feel good thanks to a real miracle cure from nature: There is a good reason why Amla is so valued in Ayurveda!

Cover image: © natbits – istockphoto.com (File No.: 470551584)