Amla is a gift of nature to mankind.
It is an indispensable part of the Ayurvedic and Unani system of
medicine. Amla has amazing remedial qualities. In Sanskrit, it
is called amalaki or dhartriphala. It belongs to the
family Euphorbiecae and its scientific name is Emblica officinalis.
There are two varieties of amla - cultivated (gramya) and wild
(vanya). The wild amla is small, hard and has lots of fiber while
the cultivated amla is big, smooth and juicy. The fruit of the amla tree
possess medicinal value. It is basically sour but at times it is sweet
and pungent also.
Vitamin C is important for human
beings. It is necessary for the synthesis of the inter cellular cement "collagen".
Collagen is responsible for keeping the cells of the body together. 100
Gms of amla contains - 700 mg Vitamin C. If amla is dried in the
shade then much of the vitamin C is retained. To get the maximum out of
amla it should be taken raw with very little salt.
1. Constipation causes infrequent
stool, anal and perianal pain and abdominal discomfort. This persistent
straining during the defecation leads to bleeding piles (hemorrhoids).
Amla being rich in fibre regulates the bowel action and
keeps
constipation at bay. Juice of amla taken with 250 mg of giloy
extract provides an effective remedy for hemorrhoids.
2. If your blood cholesterol troubles you then take amla. The vitamin C
in amla helps in dilating the blood vessels and thereby lowering the
blood pressure.
Grind dried amla into a fine powder and mix it with sugar candy
(mishri). Store this mixture in a glass bottle and take one teaspoon
of this mixture every day empty stomach.
This will help maintain the
cholesterol level.
3.
Amla has anti diabetic quality. Make a mixture of equal
quantity of amla, jamun and bitter gourd powder. Take one teaspoonful of
this mixture once or twice a day. This mixture is also useful in
treating conjunctivitis and glucoma
4. In case of acidity take 1 gram of dry amla powder with a little
sugar in milk or water twice a day.
5. 1 tablespoon of paste of amla leaves, mixed with honey is an
effective
treatment for diarrhea.
6.
For promoting hair growth and prevent premature graying of hair
one can use amla rich oils and shampoos. For a quick home remedy
soak
amla powder in water for a week. Then use it wash hair. This
preparation is a 3 in 1 shampoo, conditioner and hair dye. Learn more about
how to get shiny hair.
7. Amla is helps in restoring Vitamin C level in elderly, diabetic
patients, hypertensive and women using oestrogen contraceptives.
8. Deficiency of Vitamin C makes a person lethargic, susceptible to
infections, rheumatic pains and intestinal disorders.
Consuming amla
removes this lethargic feeling and makes one vibrant and upbeat.
9. According to a research low vitamin C levels puts a person at risk
of developing gallbladder disorders.
Taking amla saves one from
gallbladder infections.
10. In children low vitamin C levels leads to disturbed growth and
fragile disorders. For a person with low vitamin C level healing of
wounds and fractures is a slow process. For quick healing, one must
consume amla.
11.
Amla is also a cure for scurvy. Dry amla powder mixed with
an equal quantity of sugar taken in doses of one teaspoon thrice a day
with milk provides enough vitamin C to beat scurvy.
12.
Amla also
works wonder with pregnant and
lactating mothers.
13. It also reduces the incidence of cancer of the gastrointestinal and
respiratory tract.
14. It provides protection against pollution.
15.
Amla is nature's best antioxidant. Food rich in
antioxidants combat free radicals naturally and without any side
effects.
When amla is in season it should be consumed in chutneys and pickles.
And when not in season it can be taken in the form of murabba.
