Herb library

Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Phyllanthus emblica

Indian gooseberry: cooling vitamin C for skin, hair and blood.

Amla tree · Tree · Parts: Fruit, Seed, Leaf

Taste (rasa)
Sour, sweet, astringent, bitter, pungent
Energy (virya)
Cooling
Balances
Pitta, Vata, Kapha

What it is used for

Benefits

  • One of the densest natural sources of vitamin C
  • Traditionally used for hair strength and premature greying
  • Supports healthy lipid levels and cooling of excess Pitta

How much

Dosage

1-3 g powder daily, one fresh fruit, or 20 ml juice diluted in water.

How to take it

Preparation & usage

Amla water

Stir 1 tsp powder into a glass of room-temperature water.

Morning, before food

Hair oil infusion

Warm amla powder in coconut oil, cool, strain and massage into the scalp.

Weekly, left on for an hour before washing

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Precautions

  • Sourness can aggravate reflux in sensitive people
  • May lower blood sugar; monitor if diabetic
  • Avoid large doses with bleeding disorders

Where this comes from

Sources

Where to buy

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If you buy, look for a batch-tested product that states the botanical name and tests for heavy metals. Check with your doctor first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.