Emblica Officinalis

Properties /Uses : Amla or Emblica Officinalis is a natural, effective antioxidant with the richest natural source of Vitamin C. Amla is one of the most frequently used of the Ayurvedic herbs. It is the fruit of Phyllanthus emblica, also called Emblica officinalis. Indian gooseberry is considered to be a wonder herb and one of the precious gifts of nature to man.

The fruit is either used in its fresh form for extraction of Vitamin C or taken for extraction after de-seeding and shade drying to obtain maximum tannins.

Amla protects cells against free radical damage and provides antioxidant protection. It is also used in the treatment of skin disorders, respiratory infections, and premature aging.

Amla is useful in hemorrhage, diarrhea, dysentery, and has therapeutic value in treating diabetes while it also has anti-bacterial and astringent properties that help prevent infection and help in the healing of ulcers.

The product is sometimes used as a laxative to relieve constipation in piles.

Indian gooseberry is an accepted hair tonic in traditional recipes for enriching hair growth and pigmentation. Indian gooseberry is used in various ways in Indian recipe.

The dried fruit of Terminalia chebula, Emblica officinalis and Terminalia bellerica has been used in Ayurvedic formulation under the term TRIPHALA in different form like Pills, Powder, etc. for over centuries.

Aplication & Uses :

Emblica officinalis is effective in the treatment of amlapitta [peptic ulcer]and in dyspepsia. The fruits exhibit hypolipiadaemic and antiatherosclerotic effects in rabbits & rats. The fruit extract has antimutagenic activity on certain directly acting mutagens in some strains of Salmonella typhimurium.The extract of amla also has antimicrobial properties. Amlaki is an antioxidant with free radical scavenging properties which may be due to the presence of high levels of super oxide dismutase.

Emblica Officinalis is Acrid, Cooling, Refrigerant, Diuretic, Laxative. It has Anabolic, Antibacterial, Antidiarrhoeal, Antidysenteric, Expectorant, Antispasmodic, Antipyretic, Antioxidative, Antiviral, Antiemetic, Antihepatotoxic, Immunomodulator and Resistance building properties. Its antibacterial, carminative, hypoglycemic, stomachic, Hypotensive and astringent action prevents infection, helps in healing of ulcers, treatment of jaundice, dyspepsia and cough and controls hyperacidity. Alma is a good Cardio Tonic and its mild stimulant action on heart helps to control blood pressure. The use of Indian Gooseberry enhances the antidiabetic action of Karela. Phyllanthus Emblica is a very good hair tonic.

Traditional Uses

Indian Gooseberry (Emblica Officinalis/Amla) is commonly used in the treatment of burning sensation anywhere in the body, anorexia, constipation, urinary discharges, inflammatory bowels, cough, hemorrhoids, fever, thirst, and toxicity of the blood.

The juice of the fresh bark mixed with honey and turmeric is given in gonorrhea. The leaf infusion with fenugreek seeds is given in chronic diarrhea. Acute bacillary dysentery may be treated with a syrup of Amalaki and lemon juice.

The exudation from incisions made into the fruit is used as a collyrium in inflammatory eye conditions; the seeds are powdered and used to treat asthma, bronchitis, and biliousness. It is an ingredient in several important medicinal preparations including Triphala (“three fruits”), a laxative and carminative, and the famous Chyavanprash, a general tonic for people of all ages, which improves mental and physical well being.