Amla has been used in Ayurveda and other Asian medicinal practices for thousands of years. It is a testament to the healing capacity of its fruits. Amla’s nutritional benefits are widely known by people but some may still have confusion about its uses and side effects.

Amla contains a really high concentration of vitamin C, a well-known within the plant kingdom– twenty times that of an orange.

Amla’s Scientific Name – Phyllanthus Emblica

It’s Family – Euphorbiaceae

Other known names 

• Amla (in Hindi),
• Amala (in Bengali),
• Avala (in Marathi),
• Nellikkai (in Tamil),
• Nelli (Malayalam) and
• Usiri Kaya (in Telugu).

Amla nutritional benefits:

1. It is useful for healthy metabolism, digestion, and elimination of acidity.
2. Promotes anti-inflammatory properties that cool, tone and nourish tissues and organs.
3. It nourishes the heart and respiratory system.
4. Assists natural internal cleansing and maintains a healthy colon.
5. Natural antioxidant
6. Promotes healthy eyes, hair, nails, and skin.
7. Balances Agni (digestive fire)
8. Builds Ojas to support a healthy immune response and youthfulness.
9. Amla pacifies vata(catabolism),pitta(metabolism) and kaph(anabolism) though it is especially beneficial in calming pitta(metabolism).
10. It promotes energy and healthy cholesterol levels and maintains healthy blood sugar levels.

How To Use Amla:

Amla is mainly used in the seasons of spring and summer. Amla can be taken internally in four forms – powder, tablet, liquid extract, or in jam such as Chyavanprash. Powder base is the most economical option for purchasing Amla and taking with hot or cold water. Banyan’s 100% USDA organic tablets come up with a lot more convenient way to intake Amla, especially while traveling.

Amla liquid extract provides an alternative method of taking Amla. It is convenient and easy to assimilate and has a long shelf life. This extract is made from the same certified organic Amla used in making the herbal tablets. Amla is a nutritive jam – Chyavanprash as a rejuvenator is typically taken in the morning and evening.

Precautions:

A night dose of Amla before sleep can weaken the teeth in the same way that overexposure citrus fruits might be eroding tooth enamel, taken in this manner, Amla may also irritate the throat. Being an edible fruit there are no other known issues. Amla should be avoided in cases of high toxicity or when anabolism is aggravated.

Cultural Significance Of Amla:

Not Only Gooseberry / Amla nutritional benefits are attracting people towards it but also the cultural significance of Amla making it a favorite fruit of many. Amla tree is considered sacred by Hindus as God Vishnu is believed to dwell in it. The tree is worshiped in the event of Amalaki Ekadashi.

Amla is said to have originated from the drops of Amrit which spilled on earth accidentally, because of the fight of Gods and Demons, after Kshirsagar Manthan. That is why it cures each and every disease.

In the Buddhist tradition half, an Amalaka fruit was the final gift to the Buddhist sangha by the great Indian emperor Ashoka. There are so many other legends also behind the significance of Amla.