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Know the Amazing Amla Benefits for Health

Updated on January 24, 2015

Introduction

Amla is the Indian Gooseberry. There is a lot of vitamin C in amla. 20 times as much as in an orange. Amla grows on a tree that can be 18 meters high. The flowers of this tree are greenish yellow. Amla is an active agent in traditional medicine and it is well studied in science. It appears to be used in treatment of osteoporosis and rheumatism and it even has anti-cancer properties. In addition, it can cure an acute pancreatitis. The trunk of the tree is also used in medicinal manner, e.g. for inflammation, cancer, and diabetes.

Traditional use in India

In India, Amla is preserved with salt, oil and herbs to eat. Cosmetically it is used in shampoos and hair oil to prevent dandruff and gray discoloration of the hair. Much more important is the medicinal use of amla. In Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine, amla is a widely used cure of aging skin, constipation, fever, asthma etc... It is good for the heart and hair growth. It is also good for the eyes and the liver.

Different names. Same fruit

The Latin scientific name of this medicinal plant is Phyllanthus emblica. In India, we call it Amla and in English it is called Indian gooseberry, which can cause confusion because it has nothing to do with the gooseberry.

Many parts of amla are used for many purpose. The fruit is the most important medicine. Besides the root, bark, seed, the flower and leaves used. The fruit contains vitamin C, fatty acids, flavonoids , polyphenols , cytokinins, vitamins B, calcium, potassium , iron , tannins and pectin.

Amla Juice
Amla Juice

Good for heart and blood vessels

Along with the mangifera indica , a mango variety that grows in India, amla can reduce lipid levels in the blood, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, according to Indian study from 2002. According to Japanese research, hyperlipidemia or too much fat in the blood due to aging can be countered with amla. A similar conclusion drew in an Indian survey in 2012. They saw that dyslipedemia and related atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women reduced considerably as they ate amla. In general, amla reduces the risk of blood clots, providing less risk of heart attack.

Fight against Cancer

Amla has been used traditionally for centuries in curing cancer. Indian studies from 2011 called Amla a wonder against cancer and expects that in the foreseeable future, amla will be used as a medicine for cancer throughout the world. In 2001, another Indian study had already found that some compounds in the amla can stop emergence of new cancer cells.

Amla for digestion

Amla is good for digestion. It improves appetite and absorption of nutrients. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties for the stomach. It can be used for stomach ulcers, heartburn, nausea, gastritis, hepatitis, colitis, hemorrhoids, and vomiting. Amla is recommended especially for the irritable bowel syndrome. Furthermore, it may be used in chronic constipation. It is an antioxidant and protects the liver.

Make Amla Juice yourself

Good for cognitive functions

Amla is used against stress by herbal therapists. It increases the mental and physical well-being. It improves cognitive performance such as memory, concentration and stress resistance. Further, it eases the tantrums and irritability.

Amla is traditionally used for coughs, colds, flu and respiratory problems.

Amla Pickle
Amla Pickle

Good for the immune system

Candida, an overgrowth of fungus, can be cured with amla. Different bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and E coli are counteracted by this medicinal fruit. It is an excellent antioxidant and immune regulator. It plays an important role in curing cancer, as said above. Those who want to prevent cancer should have a good immune system.

Some scientific studies

  • There are plenty of studies published on the effects of amla. It seems to work against numerous diseases. Here is a random selection.
  • U.S. study from 2009 shows amla as an important aid in the healing of wounds.
  • Indian research from 2005 shows that damage due to radiation is reduced by the use of amla.
  • Russian study in 2003 study shows that coughing is reduced by Amla.
  • Indian study in 2004 concludes that Amla is good for the liver.
  • Taiwanese study in 2001 confirms that Amla is good for the liver through its antioxidant and anti-inflamatory action.
  • Indian study in 2011 concluded that Amla is good for thickening of the heart muscle and increased blood pressure.
  • Taiwanese study from 2009 shows that amla is helpful in the healing of renal failure or uremia.

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