Indian Gooseberry, Emblic myrobalan, Amla, Amalaki Information

Herb Information

Name: Indian Gooseberry

Biological Name: Emblica officinalis

Euphorbiaceae family

Other Names:
Indian Gooseberry, Emblic myrobalan, Amla, Amalaki;

Parts Used: Fresh Fruit, Dried fruit, the nut or seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers. Ripe fruits used generally fresh, dry also used.

Description:
The bark of Amla is gray in color and peals in irregular patches. Its feathery leaves, which smell like lemon, are of linear oblong shape and size 10 to 12 mm length and 3 to 6 mm width. Its flowers are monoecioius having greenish yellow color. They grow in auxiliary clusters and start appearing in the beginning of spring season.

Amla fruit, depressed globose with six vertical furrows, start developing by the middle of spring and the fruit ripen towards beginning of autumn. The color of the fruit is pale yellow.

Amla has been regarded as a sacred tree in India. The tree was worshipped as Mother Earth and is believed to nurture humankind because the fruits are very nourishing. The leaves, fruit and flowers are used in worship in India. In Himachal Pradesh the tree is worshipped in Kartik as propitious and chaste.

Active Ingredients:
The active ingredient that has significant pharma-cological action in amla is designated by Indian scientists as 'phyllemblin'. The other ingredients present are gallic acid, tannins, pectin, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).
It is a tonic, has a haematinic and lipalytic function. It is one of the strongest rejuvenatives in Indian pharmacopoeia. It contains 30 times the amount of Vitamin C found in oranges.

Medicinal Applications:
Fresh fruit is refrigerant, diuretic and laxative. Green fruit is exceedingly acid. Fruit is also carminative and stomachic. Dried fruit is sour and astringent. Flowers are cooling and aperient. Bark is astringent. It is one of the highest natural source of Vitamin C (3,000 mg per fruit)

Dosage and Uses:
Amla is used in the following forms: Decoction and Infusion of leaves and seeds; liquor, essential oil; confection; powder; paste and pickles. An astringent extract equal to catechu is prepared from the root by decoction and evaporation.

As a vermifuge: AKA Gross Gunk on the skin and scalp Juice of the fruit with honey is used.

For scabies or itch Apply the seed burnt, powdered and mixed in oil for scabies or itch.

Safety:
Caution: May cause acute diarrhea. No other information is available.

Benefits of Emblica officinalis

Enhances production of Red Blood Cells. Strengthens teeth, hair and nails.

Very Powerful anti-inflammatory herb. Useful on hemorrhoids mixed with honey or witch hazel.

Prevents premature greying of hair and makes them strong and free from dandruff.

Conditions for which Indian Gooseberry is Useful For:
acidity
anemia
hair (premature gray/balding) hemorrhoids
painful urination
urinary problems