Yahoo Finance Health Secrets of Ayurveda #6: Amalaki
Phyllanthus emblica commonly known as Indian gooseberry or Amla is one of the most important medicinal plants in Indian traditional systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha). The Amla tree is native to tropical Southeastern Asia and can be found in different regions of India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Malaysia, and the Mascarene Islands. It is believed that the Amla tree was a gift to the Buddha’s students from the Emperor Ashoka.
Amalaki (meaning ‘the sustainer’ in Sanskrit) is the fruit of the Amla tree. It performs the job of taking total care of the mind-body system and is known as the ultimate healer due to its immune restorative properties. Hence it is called the ‘Mother’ in Ayurveda. This is also the reason that during Covid-19, Amla was highly in demand.
Amalaki is considered as a powerful rejuvenating herb in Ayurveda and has great antioxidant properties. It:
Enhances body immunity
Strengthens heart muscles
Promotes healthy hair, skin, eyes and nails
Reduces high blood sugar levels
Relieves acidity
According to Mritunjaya Dixit, Co-founder, OrganiKrishi India, Amla is highly nutritious and is one of the richest sources of absorbic acid or Vitamin C. Because of its high Vitamin C content, it has traditionally been used for seasonal coughs and influenza as well as protection from Vitamin C insufficiencies such as scurvy.
“In Ayurveda, Amalaki is considered as a powerful rasayana (rejuvenator). It is in fact known as a ‘divyaushada’ or a divine medicine as it contains five tastes i.e. sour, sweet, bitter, astringent and pungent (excluding salt). Sour is the dominant taste. The sourness decreases the excess of Vata dosha, the coldness and soothing effect reduces the Pitta dosha and the rough or sharp nature mitigates the Kapha dosha in the body,” he adds.
Must-read related stories:
OrganiKrishi sources its Amlas from a farm at Jind, Haryana following natural farming practice i.e. no chemicals, pesticides or insecticides sprayed. Mritunjaya says, “We handpick the fruit at various intervals during the season i.e. from October to January, wash them thoroughly and then cold-press them for juice extraction to retain the maximum nutrition. Essentially, we bring exactly what Nature has to offer – packed in a fresh glass bottle.”
There is no external sugar, flavours or colours are added during the extraction of the juice. Amla juice serves as a detoxifying drink as it is a powerhouse of Vitamin C thus making it an amazing immune booster. It is also loaded with alkaloids and flavonoids. We should remember that the natural antioxidants or bioactive components present in fruits and vegetables fight with free radicals and protects the body from diseases and strong immune system.”
Benefits of Amalaki:
By stimulating microcirculation, Amla builds Ojas to promote healthy blood sugar levels
Amlaki has rich antioxidant content and promotes detoxification. As one of the three ingredients in Triphala, it nourishes the tissues and eliminates toxins
It stimulates digestion and helps to pacify excess Pitta in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby supporting a healthy stomach lining and proper functioning of digestive acids. It is also a good analgesic.
It strengthens the nervous system, enhances the health of sensory organs and supports the liver and uterus
Apart from promoting healthy hair, it is also great for healthy eyes, nails and skin.
Amla juices and supplements are also available online by Amway, Himalaya, Organic India and many more brands.
Must-read related stories:
Three permanent side-effects of COVID-19 that are pretty creepy
Over 80% of COVID-19 patients have this vitamin deficiency; learn more about it
Explained: Why does ISMA want Indians to eat more sugar, alleges a 'propaganda against sugar'?
Tragic: 29-year-old man finds 'painless' marks on his body; dies of rare cancer
