A NATURAL WONDER Amla

Phyllanthus emblica (amla), one of the most common medicinal herbs has been widely used in ayurvedic medicines. In this article the nature of amla and its medicinal properties have been briefly discussed.

 AMLA: A NATURAL WONDER Amla is one of the precious gifts of nature to mankind. Fruit known in Sanskrit as- Amalaka, Hindi- Amla, Bengali- Amalaki, Nepalese- Amala, Telugu- Usirikai, Tamil- Nellikai. Amla is a rich source of vitamin C, among 1 gm of vitamin C per 100 ml fresh juice, and requisite for the synthesis of collagen, which is liable for keeping the cells of the body together. It has the same amount of vitamin C present in two oranges. It increases the red blood cell count and helps to promote good health. Numerous experimental evidences has shown that amla fruit possess antioxidant, hepatoprotective[5], hypocholesterolemic and antiinflammatory activities. 

MORPHOLOGY OF THE PLANT It is a small medium sized tree grown up to 8 to 18 meters in height, and having asymmetrical shape with spreading branches. The leaves are oval shaped and very short in size up to 7-10 cm long. Greenish yellow color flowers and fruits are appears. The fruits are shown fleshy with sour, astringent taste with spherical in shape and six vertical bands.

 

 AMLA: THE DIVINITY THING IN AYURVEDA

Traditionally amla was believed that amrit/ambrosia packed with all rasas thereby, it becomes an unavoidable part in ayurveda. In that sense, amalaki and hareetaki stand next to amrit since they exhibit five rasas. The fruit amla is deliberated as a rasayana for pitta. Charaka samhita mentioned amalaki is viewed one of the most potent and nutritious and also it says “Amalaki is the best rejuvenative herb, and specifically observed that amla is a great rasayana that helps to protect from disease and reduce the possibilities of premature ageing. Amla has low molecular weight hydrolysable tannins (Emblicanin A and Emblicanin B, punigluconin) thereby it is considered as one of the more strong antioxidant herb in ayurveda. 

AMLA: THE NATURAL REFRESHNER Vitamin C present in amla is one of the main factors that can help to retrieve or refill the energy lost by body. So, the replenishment of new energy causing by amla is considered as a natural refreshner.

 

 MAJOR  CONSTITUENTS IN AMLA As an energy refiller One teaspoon of amla powder over with honey after taking milk in the morning helps to improve freshness and strength to the body. In anaemia therapy Amla is a good absorption agent of iron. Ascorbic acid is highly present in amla, which helps to reduce iron deficiency. 

Amla fights with acidity The irregular food habits and abnormal intake of sweet, sour, spicy and oily food may cause acidity, and also tea, coffee and smoking are causing that trouble. The physiological factors are anger, grief and depression. This problem is overcome by taken of one gram of amla powder and small amount of sugar mixed with milk or water twice a day. 

Action on toxins Some of the toxins may be stored in liver by regular uptake of pain killers, antibiotics, medication and alcohol consumption. 

Amla prevents the body from these toxins by strengthening the liver thereby amla act as good detoxifier helps to purify the blood. Urinary trouble frustration agent The fresh juice of amla acts as a diuretic which normalize acidic urine. It is helpful in burning urinary infection . 

Relieves leucorrhea The major problem of females is the discharge of white mucous material, often an indication of infection. This problem is overcome by taken of 3 gms of powdered amla with 6 gms of honey everyday for one month can cure this problem. Effects on urinary stone