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ISSN 2278- 4136
Online Available at www.phytojournal.com
Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
Vol. 1 No. 1 2012 www.phytojournal.com Page | 24
Recent Trends in Potential Traditional Indian Herbs
Emblica Officinalis and Its Medicinal Importance
K.P.Sampath Kumar
1*
, Debjit Bhowmik
2
, Amitsankar Dutta
3
, Akhilesh Pd.Yadav
3
, Shravan Paswan
3
, Shweta
Srivastava
3
, Lokesh Deb
4
1. Department of Pharmaceutical sciences, Coimbatore medical college, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
2. Karpagam University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
[E-mail: debjit_cr@yahoo.com]
3. R. K. Pharmacy college, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
4. Medicinal Plants and Horticutural Resources Division, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development
(IBSD), Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India, Takyalpat, Imphal, Manipur, India.
E
mblica Officinalis is a natural, efficacious, an antioxidant with the richest natural source of Vitamin C. Emblica
Officinalis berries have the highest amount of naturally occurring vitamin C of any ripe fruit in the world used as a
traditional food. Numerous studies conducted on Emblica Officinalis fruit suggest that it has anti-viral properties
and also functions as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. The gelatinous plum-sized Amla fruit contains
naturally occurring vitamin, heat stable vitamin C. A clinical study on patients with pulmonary tuberculosis showed
that the vitamin C contained in Emblica Officinalis was better assimilated than synthetic vitamin C. Further research
of contemporary and traditional medical literature indicates that Emblica Officinalis either in combination with other
herbs or alone has been useful in the amelioration of colds, warts, skin afflictions, influenza, anemia, diabetes, lung
conditions, elevated cholesterol and as an immune restorative in cancer conditions. It is one of the best natural anti-
ageing remedies Emblica Officinalis is used in treatment of Acne and other skin problems. Emblica Officinalis is
amazingly effective natural anti-ageing product. Emblica Officinalis is very effective in treatment of Acidity and
Peptic ulcers. Emblica Officinalis is rich in Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, essential amino acids and many other
vitamins and minerals and anti-oxidants. Regular Use of Emblica Officinalis improves immunity, fights cancers,
rejuvenates the body. It fights chronic diseases like hypertension, high Cholesterol, Diabetes, AIDS, influenza,
Chronic cough and cold, Chronic infections, Chronic fatigue and Chronic inflammatory conditions. Ayurveda
describes it as one of the best herbs for Diabetes, bleeding disorders, strength and stamina promoter.
Keyword: Emblica Officinalis, cancers, Vitamin C, Diabetes, Natural anti-ageing.
1. Introduction
Amla which is known as emblica officinalis is an
Indian herb which is extensively used in
ayurvedic system of medicine. Amla is a
prestigious herb finds it mention in charaksamhita
as a rasayan. Rasayan is a thing that prevent
aging and promote longevity. Extensively used
herb in making ayurvedic medicines because of
its miraculous actions. According to ayurvedic
doctors regular usage of Amla will make you live
more than 100 years like a youth. Amla is
supposed to rejuvenate all the organ systems of
the body, provide strength and wellness. It keeps
us away from all the diseases by boosting our
immune system. It is believed by ayurvedic
practitioners that if an individual regularly takes
amla he can live up to an age of 100 without
suffering from any type of ailments. In this article
let us find out more about this magical herb and
see where we can imply it in our own life. Fresh
fruit is refrigerant, diuretic and laxative. Fruit is
also carminative and stomachic. Dried fruit is
sour and astringent. Bark is astringent. The herb
is also aphrodisiac, haemostatic, nutritive tonic
K.P.Sampath Kumar*, Debjit Bhowmik, Amitsankar Dutta, Akhilesh Pd.Yadav, Shravan Paswan, Shweta
Srivastava, Lokesh Deb
Vol. 1 No. 1 2012 www.phytojournal.com Page | 25
and rejuvenative. It increases red blood cell
count. Amalaki is one of the highest natural
source of Vitamin C (3,000 mg per fruit). Amla
fruit paste is main ingredient of Chavyanprash, a
popular Ayurvedic tonic. Amla is known as
amritphala in Sanskrit, which literally means the
fruit of heaven or nectar fruit. It is so called
because it is rich in many desirable properties. It
was described in a 7th century Ayurvedic medical
text. According to several scholars, the sage
Chyawan is reputed to have restored his vitality
with this fruit. Researches of modern times have
proved that Regular use of Amla enhances
production of Red Blood Cells, strengthens teeth,
hair and nails. Regulates Blood Sugar and lipids
in cell membranes has anti-inflammatory effect.
It is found to be useful in hemorrhoids, gastritis
and colitis. It is also proved to be effective in eye
problems especially in inflammations, Improves
sight and is useful for cataracts. Prevents
premature graying of hair and makes them strong
and free from dandruff. Improves immunity and
protects heart, brain and other vital organs of
body. Amla which is known as emblica
officinalis is an Indian herb which is extensively
used in ayurvedic system of medicine. It is
believed by ayurvedic practitioners that if an
individual regularly takes amla he can live up to
an age of 100 without suffering from any type of
ailments. In this article let us find out more about
this magical herb and see where we can imply it
in our own life. Amla which is known as emblica
officinalis is an Indian herb which is extensively
used in ayurvedic system of medicine. It is
believed by ayurvedic practitioners that if an
individual regularly takes amla he can live up to
an age of 100 without suffering from any type of
ailments. In this article let us find out more about
this magical herb and see where we can imply it
in our own life. The fruit is the richest source of
Vitamin C and is a diuretic, aperient, Laxative
and hair dye. It cures insomnia and is healthy for
hair. It is used as the cardio protective, useful in
hemorrhage, menorrhagia, leucorrhoea and
discharge of blood from uterus. Amla power and
oil are used traditionally in Ayurvedic
applications for the treatment of scalp. Amla
power improves immunity and gives physical
strength. It improves complexion and removes
wrinkles. Amla is also used to treat constipation
and is used as a cooling agent to reduce the
effects of sun strokes and sun burns. It is the main
ingredient used in the shampoo. Amla oil is used
all the world. Amla is used in sauces, candy,
dried chips, pickle, jellies and powder. It is even
used in the dyeing industry. It extract is popularly
used in the ink. Amla wood is commonly used in
firework.
1.1 Biological Sources
[1-7]
Common Name:
Indian Gooseberry
Hindi Name:
Amla
Sanskrit Name:
Amalaki, Dhatri
Latin Name:
Emblica officinalis Gaertn.
Habit and Habitat:
Plant of Amla
is found everywhere
in India up to the height of 5000
feet. Fruits appear from October to
April. Hybrid variety of Amla has
bigger fruits than the wild variety.
Fresh fruits are light green and ripe
fruits turn light brown in colour.
Part Used:
Fresh
fruit, Dried fruit, Seeds,
Leaves, Root, Bark and Flowers.
Fruits are generally used fresh, dry
fruits are also used.
1.2 Common Name:
Hindi
Amla
English
Gooseberry , Emblic
Myrobalam
Latin
Emblica offcinalis Gaerte
Sanskrit
Aamalki, Dhatri
Pacifies
Tridoshas
Tamil
Nelli
Kannada
Nellaka
Telgu
Usirikaya
Malayalam
Nellimaram
Marathi
Anwla
Bangla
Aamalki
1.3 Amla herb chemistry: This herb has many
substances, including apigenin, gallic acid, ellagic
acid, chebulinic acid, quercetin), chebulagic acid,
corilagin, isostrictiniin, methyl gallate, and
luteolin. Tannins in amla include Phyllaemblicin
B, emblicanin A (37%), emblicanin B (33%),
punigluconin (12%) and pedunculagin.
K.P.Sampath Kumar*, Debjit Bhowmik, Amitsankar Dutta, Akhilesh Pd.Yadav, Shravan Paswan, Shweta
Srivastava, Lokesh Deb
Vol. 1 No. 1 2012 www.phytojournal.com Page | 26
1.4 Chemical Constituents
[4-8]
Amla is highly nutritious and is an important
dietary source of Vitamin C, minerals and amino
acids. The edible fruit tissue contains protein
concentration 3-fold and ascorbic acid
concentration 160-fold compared to that of the
apple. The fruit also contains considerably higher
concentration of most minerals and amino acids
than apples. Glutamic acid, proline, aspartic acid,
alanine, and lysine are 29.6%, 14.6%, 8.1%, 5.4%
and 5.3% respectively of the total amino acids.
The pulpy portion of fruit, dried and freed from
the nuts contains: gallic acid 1.32%, tannin, gum
13.75%; albumin 13.08%; crude cellulose
17.08%; mineral matter 4.12% and moisture
3.83%. Amla fruit ash contains chromium, 2.5
ppm; zinc 4 ppm; and copper, 3 ppm.
1.5 Description:
Amla is the medium size deciduous plant. It
grows to the height of 8 -18 meter. It has a
crooked trunk and spreading branches. Its flower
is yellow greenish in color. The fruit is spherical
pale yellow with six vertical furrows. The mature
fruits are hard and do not fall for the gentle touch.
The average weight of the fruit is 60 -70 g. It has
a gray bark and reddish wood. Its leaves are
feathery, linear oblong in shape and smell like
lemon. Its wood is hard in texture. It wraps and
splits when exposed in the Sun or in the excessive
heat.
1.6 Location:
It is planted through the deciduous of tropical
India and on the hill slopes up to 2000 meter. It is
commercially cultivated in the state of Uttar
Pradesh in India. It is also grown in Tamil Nadu,
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh also.
1.7 Cultivation Methods:
Amla can grow in light as well as the heavy soils.
It is grown under the tropical conditions. The
young plants are protected from the hot winds as
they dye easily. Amla is generally propagated
through seeds. It requires proper sunlight. It is
irrigated during the monsoon season. It starts
bearing fruits in seven years from the day of
planting.
1.8 Soil and Climate
Amla can be grown in light as well as heavy soils
except purely sandy soil. Calcareous soil with
rocky substratum can also be good. However,
well drained fertile loamy soil is the best for
higher yield. The plant have capacity for
adaptation to dry regions and can also grow in
moderately alkaline soils. It is grown extensively
under tropical condition. Annual rainfall of 630-
800 mm have given good yield. The young plants
up to the age of 3 years should be protected from
hot wind during May-June and from frost during
winter months. The mature plants can tolerate
freezing temperature as well as temperature up to
460C.
1.9 Planting
Amla is generally propagated through seeds, but
seed propagated trees bear inferior quality fruits
and have a long gestation period. Shield budding
is done on one year old seedlings with buds
collected from superior strains yielding big size
fruits. Older trees of inferior types can be
rejuvenated and easily changed into superior type
by top working.
The pits of 1m3 are prepared during May-June at
a distance of 4.5 m spacing and should be left for
15-20 days exposed to sunlight. Each pit should
be filled with surface soil mixed with 15 kg farm
yard manure and one kg of super phosphate
before planting the grafted seedling.
1.10 Manures, Fertilizers and Pesticides
The medicinal plants have to be grown without
chemical fertilizers and use of pesticides. Organic
manures like, Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Vermi-
Compost, Green Manure etc. may be used as per
requirement of the species. To prevent diseases,
bio-pesticides could be prepared (either single or
mixture) from Neem (kernel, seeds &
leaves), Chitrakmool, Dhatura, Cow's urine
etc. Biofertilizers such as Azotobacter,
phosphobacterium and Vesicular Arbuscular
Mycorrhiza (VAM) boost the plant growth.
1.11 Irrigation
Amla plants hardly require irrigation during
monsoon. Young plants require watering during
K.P.Sampath Kumar*, Debjit Bhowmik, Amitsankar Dutta, Akhilesh Pd.Yadav, Shravan Paswan, Shweta
Srivastava, Lokesh Deb
Vol. 1 No. 1 2012 www.phytojournal.com Page | 27
summer months at 15 days interval till they have
fully established. Watering of mature fruit
bearing plants is advised during summer months
at bi-weekly intervals to increase fruit set and to
reduce fruit drop. It responds very well to drip
irrigation. After the monsoon rains, during
October-December about 25-30 liters of water per
day per tree through drips should be given.
1.12 Harvesting/ Post Harvesting
Amla seedlings start bearing fruits in 7-8 years
after planting, while the budded clones will start
bearing fruits from the 5th year onwards. The
fruits are light green at first, but when they
mature become dull greenish yellow. Best
harvesting time of Amla fruits is February when
the fruits have maximum ascorbic acid content. In
South India, fruits are found throughout the year.
The mature fruits are hard and they do not fall for
gentle touch and therefore vigorous shaking is
required. For getting attractive prices fruits after
harvest should be made into different grades
depending on the size. Fruits can also be
harvested using long bamboo poles attached with
hooks.
1.13.Yield
A matured tree of about 10 years will yield 50-70
kg of fruit. The average weight of the fruits is 60-
70 g. One kg contains about 1`5-20 number of
fruits. A well maintained tree will be yielding up
to an age of 70 years. The yield increases year by
year up to 50 years.
1.14 Medicinal Importance of Emblica
Officinalis
[1-12]
1.14.1 Healing options:
Amla protects cells against free radical
damage and provides antioxidant protection
Amla is used to treat skin disorders,
respiratory infections, and premature aging
Amla is useful in hemorrhage, diarrhea,
dysentery, and has therapeutic value in
treating diabetes
Amla has anti-bacterial and astringent
properties that help prevent infection and help
in the healing of ulcers
Amla is sometimes used as a laxative to
relieve constipation in piles
1.14.2 Immunity booster: One reason for Amla's
reputation as a general energy-promoting,
disease-preventing tonic may be its effect on the
immune system. Multiple studies have shown
significant increases in white blood cell counts
and other measures of strengthened immunity in
rodents given Amla.
1.14.3 Respiratory Disorders: Indian
gooseberry is beneficial in the treatment of
respiratory disorders. It is especially valuable in
tuberculosis of the lungs asthma and bronchitis.
Diabetes:
This herb, due to its high vitamin C content,
is effective in controlling diabetes. A
tablespoon of its juice mixed with a cup of
bitter gourd juice, taken daily for two months
will stimulates the pancreas and enable is to
secrete insulin, thus reducing the blood sugar
in the diabetes. Diet restrictions should be
strictly observed while taking this medicine.
It will also prevent eye complication in
diabetes.
Heart Disorder: Indian gooseberry is
considered an effective remedy for heart
disease. It tones up the functions of all the
organs of the body and builds up health by
destroying the heterogeneous or harmful and
disease causes elements. It also renews
energy.
Eye disorder: The juice of Indian
Gooseberry with honey is useful in preserving
eyesight. It is beneficial in the treatment of
conjunctivitis and glaucoma. It reduces
intracular tension in a remarkable manner.
Juice mixed with honey can be taken twice
daily for this condition.
Scurvy: As an extremely rich source of
vitamin C, Indian gooseberry is one of the
best remedy for scurvy. Powder of the dry
herb, mixed with an equal quantity of sugar,
can be taken in doses of 1 teaspoon, thrice
daily with milk.
K.P.Sampath Kumar*, Debjit Bhowmik, Amitsankar Dutta, Akhilesh Pd.Yadav, Shravan Paswan, Shweta
Srivastava, Lokesh Deb
Vol. 1 No. 1 2012 www.phytojournal.com Page | 28
Ageing: Indian gooseberry has revitalizing
effects, as it contains an element which is
very valuable in preventing ageing and in
maintaining strength in old age .It improves
body resistance and protect the body against
infection. It strengthens the heart, hair and
different gland in the body.
1.14.4 Other uses:
Hair Tonic: Indian gooseberry is an accepted
hair tonic in traditional recipes for enriching
hair growth and pigmentation. The fruit, cut
into pieces is dried preferably in the shade.
These pieces are boiled in coconut oil till the
solid matter becomes charres. This darkish oil
is excellent in preventing graying .The water
is which dried Amla pieces are soaked
overnight is also nourishing to hair and can be
used for the last rinse while washing the hair.
Indian gooseberry is used in various ways.
The best way to take it with the least loss
vitamin C, is to eat it raw with a little salt. It
is often used in the form of pickles and it is
dried and powdered. The berry may also be
used as a vegetable. It is boiled in a small
amount of water till soft and taken with a
little salt.
1.15 Health Benefits and Curative Properties
Emblica Officinalis
[1-7]
Many medicinal virtues have been attributed to
Indian gooseberry. The fresh fruit is light,
laxative and diuretic. A tablespoonful each of
fresh gooseberry juice and honey mixed together
forms a very valuable medicine for the treatment
of several ailments. It should be taken every
morning. Its regular use will promote vigor in the
body within a few days. When fresh fruit is not
available, dry powder can be mixed with honey
Respiratory Disorders :- This medicinal
tonic is highly beneficial in the treatment of
respiratory disorders. It is especially valuable
in tuberculosis of the lungs, asthma and
bronchitis.
Diabetes :-
Indian gooseberry, with its high vitamin C
content, is considered valuable in diabetes. A
tablespoonful of its juice, mixed with a cup of
fresh bitter gourd juice, taken daily for two
months will stimulate the islets of Lengerhans
i.e. -the isolated group of cells that the secrete
hormone insulin. It thus reduces the blood
sugar in diabetes. Diet restrictions should be
strictly observed while taking this medicine.
It will also prevent eye complications in
diabetes. Equal quantity of amla powder,
jamun powder and bitter gourd powder also
make a very useful food remedy for diabetics.
A teaspoonful of this mixture once or twice a
day would be effective in checking the
progress of the disease.
Heart Disease :-
Indian gooseberry is considered an effective
remedy for heart disease. It tones up the
functions of all the organs of the body and
builds up health by destroying the
heterogeneous elements and renewing the
body energy.
Eye Disorders :-
The juice of Indian gooseberry, mixed with
honey, is useful in preserving eye sight. It will
also be beneficial in the treatment of
conjunctivitis and glaucoma. It reduces intra
ocular tension ill a remarkable manner. A
cupful of this juice should be taken mixed
with honey twice daily in such cases.
Rheumatism :-
The Indian gooseberry is useful in the
treatment of rheumatism. One teaspoonful of
powder of the dry fruit mixed with two
teaspoon full of jaggery should be taken twice
daily for a month in this disease.
Scurvy :-
As an extremely rich source of vitamin C.
Indian gooseberry is one of the best remedies
for scurvy. Powder of dry gooseberry .nixed
with equal quantity of sugar should be taken
in doses of one teaspoonful three times daily
with milk.
Diarrhea and Dysentery :-
The dried fruit is valuable in diarrhea and
dysentery. A drink made from amla mixed
with lemon juice and misri is considered
highly beneficial in controlling acute ancillary
dysentery. One tablespoonful of the paste of
K.P.Sampath Kumar*, Debjit Bhowmik, Amitsankar Dutta, Akhilesh Pd.Yadav, Shravan Paswan, Shweta
Srivastava, Lokesh Deb
Vol. 1 No. 1 2012 www.phytojournal.com Page | 29
leaves mixed with honey or butter-milk also
makes an effective Medicare in the treatment
of diarrhea and dysentery.
Prevents Ageing :-
Indian gooseberry has revitalizing effects. It
contains an element which is very valuable in
preventing ageing and in maintaining strength
in old age. It improves body resistance and
protects against infection. It strengthens the
heart, hair and Different glands in the body. It
is said that the great ancient sage Muni
Chyawan rejuvenated himself in his late 70s
and regained his virility by the use of amla.
Hair Tonic
Indian gooseberry is an accepted hair tonic in
traditional recipes for enriching hair growth
and hair pigmentation. The fruit, cut into
pieces, is dried preferably in shade. These
pieces are boiled in coconut oil till the solid
matter becomes like charred dust. This
darkish oil is an excellent oil to prevent
graying. The water in which diredamla pieces
are soaked overnight is also nourishing to
hair. This water should be used for the last
rinse while washing the hair.
1.16 Home Remedies of Emblica
Officinalis
[11,12]
It is used to treat the following conditions:
Amla/ Stabilizes Blood Sugar
One teaspoon of Amla juice mixed with a cup
of bitter gourd juice is prescribed by
naturopaths as it stimulates the Pancreas and
it will secrete enough insulin for reducing
blood sugar. Amla seeds or dried amla
powder in the form of capsules is equally
invaluable for the control of Diabetes.
Natural Cholesterol Remedy
In laboratory studies, amla has been proven to
effective for high cholesterol and prevention
of atherosclerosis. It strengthens the heart
muscles and causes a significant decrease in
total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL
cholesterol and triglycerides. A 500 mg
capsule of dried Amla powder can be added
to your daily routine after consulting with
your doctor.
Amla/ Treats Hypertension
Amla is rich in vitamin C and helps control
blood pressure. You can have it as amla
choorna (powder) or in the form of triphala
tablets or decoction. Triphala, a combination
of amla and two other herbs is an excellent
medication for high blood pressure.
Natural Cure for Anemia
Amla is rich in Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, an
essential ingredient that helps in the
absorption of Iron. Supplements of Amla can
be very beneficial to patients suffering from
Iron deficiency Anaemia.
Amla/is Anti-Ageing
Amla has revitalizing effect on the body as it
contains several nutrients and helps in
preserving the stamina in aged people. It
strengthens the heart, hair and different
glands in the body. It improves the body’s
immunity to resist infection and diseases.
Herbal Cough Remedy
Add a tsp of Amla juice or powder to a glass
of warm milk and drink this thrice a day. This
will clear an unpleasant throat, adding some
ghee to this decoction will clear a cough. Mix
amla powder with honey and suck this
mixture twice a day to cure a chronic dry
cough. Amla is invaluable in the treatment of
tuberculosis, asthma and bronchitis.
Amla/Nellikai Treats Diarrhea and
Dysentry
Amla has a strong, cooling property on the
body and is an excellent remedy for diarrhea.
Squeeze the juice out of a handful of Amla
leaves into a glass of milk. Add some honey
and ghee to this milk and drink it to stop loose
motions that are accompanied with mucous
and/or blood.
A Natural Eye Tonic
Fresh Amla juice or dried Amla capsules are a
good supplement to improve nearsightedness,
cataract and glaucoma. It reduces intra ocular
tension and corrects the vision.
Amla/Nellikai Promotes Hair Growth
Dried amla fruits are boiled in coconut oil and
then ground to form amla oil. This is a very
effective conditioner and prevents balding
K.P.Sampath Kumar*, Debjit Bhowmik, Amitsankar Dutta, Akhilesh Pd.Yadav, Shravan Paswan, Shweta
Srivastava, Lokesh Deb
Vol. 1 No. 1 2012 www.phytojournal.com Page | 30
and graying of hair. For oily hair, mix half a
cup of Amla juice, half a cup of lime juice
and some water. Apply this to make an anti-
grease hair wash.
A Pitta Pacifier
Gooseberries are boiled in coconut water and
the ground mixture is applied to the scalp.
Amla oil is an excellent way to reduce heat
associated with summer season. It is a good
remedy to pacify pitta conditions.
Amla/ Nellikai Treats White Spots on the
Nails
Gooseberry is an excellent source of Vitamin
C and so serves as an effective remedy in
vitamin deficit condition. Add Amla juice/
powder in your diet to overcome this
condition.
Remedy for Menstrual Disorders
White discharge can be relieved with
powdered and dried Amla Seeds. Make a
mixture of this with honey and saunf or mix it
with squished banana and consume it.
1.17 Traditional Uses of Emblica Officinalis
[1-8]
Emblica officinalis scientifically, is the most
widely used herb in the Ayurvedic system of
medicine. It effectively controls digestive
problems, strengthens heart, builds up and
sustains defense mechanism, improves eye sight,
imparts a natural glow to hair and body and a
store house of Vitamin C, a powerful anti-oxidant
that prevents premature ageing. Amla fruit is
acrid, cooling, refrigerant, diuretic,
laxative, antipyretic, aphrodisiac, tonic. It is the
richest natural source of Vitamin C. In addition to
Vitamin C, it also contains calcium, iron, protein
and tannic acids, sugar, phosphorus,
carbohydrates etc. The juice of fresh Amla fruit is
given as tonic, diuretic and anti-bilious remedy. It
is also helpful in burning sensation, over thirst,
dyspepsia and other complaints of digestive
system. The powder of the dried Amla fruit is an
effective remedy of hyperacidity, ulcers and
blood impurities. It is also used both internally
and externally as a decoction and paste. Some of
the common uses of Amla fruit are as under:
Amla strengthens the body, expel toxins from the
body and improves defense mechanism of the
body. Weakness of body, heart and mind are
dispelled by taking fresh Amla juice in between
meals. Massaging the head with amla oil,
induces sound sleep and is good for hair and
prevents premature graying of hair.Wash eyes
daily, in the morning with Amla water, soaked in
water and drink the water to improve the eyesight
and remove constipation. Insert 2-4 amla juice
drops into each nostril to cure bleeding for nose.
Fresh fruit of Amla (EmblicaOfficinalis) is
refrigerant, diuretic and laxative. Green fruit is
exceedingly acid. Fruit is also carminative and
stomachic. Dried fruit is sour and astringent.
Flowers are cooling and aperient. Bark is
astringent. The herb is also aphrodisiac,
hemostatic, nutritive tonic, rejuvenative (for
Pitta). It increases red blood cell count. It is one
of the highest natural source of Vitamin C (3,000
mg per fruit).Amla is used in the following
forms: Decoction and Infusion of leaves and
seeds; liquor, essential oil; confection; powder;
paste and pickles. An astringent extract equal to
catechu is prepared from the root by decoction
and evaporation.
As a vermifuge: Juice of the fruit with honey
is used. The recommended dose is from 1 to 3
drachms.
To stimulate appetite: Use pickles and
preserves made from the green fruits.
For irritability of the bladder, in retention
of urine and to the forehead in cephalalgia
Use a paste of the fruit alone or with
Nelumbiumspeciosum, Saffron and rose
water. Apply it over the affected region.
As a febrifuge and in diabetes: Use an
infusion of the seeds
For hiccup and for painful respiration: Use
juice or extract of the fruit combined with
honey and pipli.
For hemorrhage, diarrhea and dysentery
Use dried fruit. A decoction prepared from
the fruit combined with T. chebula and T.
belerica is useful in chronic dysentery and
biliousness, in doses of 1 oz. once or twice
daily.
For diarrhea of children: A compound
powder of the emblic seed, Chitrak root,
K.P.Sampath Kumar*, Debjit Bhowmik, Amitsankar Dutta, Akhilesh Pd.Yadav, Shravan Paswan, Shweta
Srivastava, Lokesh Deb
Vol. 1 No. 1 2012 www.phytojournal.com Page | 31
chebulicmyrobalan, pipli and palelone is
given in suitable doses, according to age, in
warm water twice daily, morning and at bed
time. Tender shoots given in butter-milk cure
indigestion and diarrhea; green fresh leaves
combined with curds have a similar effect.
Leaves are used as infusion with fenugreek
seeds in chronic dysentery and as a bitter
tonic. Soak one tola of the seeds in a tinned
vessel during the night. Grind it. Add cow's
milk and take. This is a good remedy for
biliousness.
For anemia, jaundice and dyspepsia: Use
dried fruit with iron. A fermented liquor
prepared from the root is used in jaundice,
dyspepsia, cough, etc. Take 20 to 40 grains of
Dhatri Leha for anemia, jaundice and
dyspepsia .Dhatri Arista is used for jaundice,
dyspepsia, indigestion, and cough.
For burning in the vagina: A mixture of the
fruit juice and sugar is prescribed as a remedy
for burning in the vagina. Juice of the bark
combined with honey and turmeric is a
remedy for gonorrhea.
To stop nausea and vomiting: A powder of
the emblic seed and red sandalwood is given
with honey. to stop.
For bleeding of the nose: Seed fried in ghee
and ground in conjee is applied as Lep to the
forehead to stop bleeding from the nose.
For scabies or itch: Apply the seed burnt,
powdered and mixed in oil for scabies or itch.
As a restorative invigorator: Make a
powder from an equal quantity of emblic seed
and root of Withaniasomnifera. Add ghee and
honey. Mix well. This is a restorative
invigorator, especially in winter days.
Combine half a drachm each of emblic seed
and gokhru. Grind and make them into a
powder. Mix with 15 grains of essence of
Gulancha. Give this in early morning with
ghee and sugar. This is a nutrient tonic.
1.17.1 Other uses: It helps in regulating blood
sugar. It is very Powerful anti-inflammatory herb,
a wonderful antioxidant and a natural Source of
Vitamin C. Amla helps scavenge free radicals.
Amla is powerful food for the brain. Studies
show that Amla helps lower cholesterol. Amla
also helps maintain the functioning of the liver,
increases hemoglobin, red blood cell count. It is
useful for Cough, Bronchitis, and Asthma. Amla
cleanses the mouth, strengthens the teeth. Its
decoction is used in hyperacidity and with honey
as an anthelmintic. The presence of Amla results
in an enhanced cell survival, decreased free
radical production and higher antioxidant levels.
There are various classic Ayurvedic preparations,
such as Chyawanprash in which Amla is used as
a chief ingredient. It help improve intelligence
and memory power. Triphala and Brahmrasayana
are other classic medicine in which Amla is being
used since time immemorial.
2. Conclusion
Amla is one of the richest natural sources of
vitamin C, its fresh juice containing nearly twenty
times as much vitamin C as orange juice. A single
tiny Amla is equivalent in vitamin C content to
two oranges. Clinical tests on patients suffering
from pulmonary tuberculosis have shown that this
high concentrate is more quickly assimilated then
the synthetic vitamin. It is an ingredient of many
Ayurvedic medicines and tonics, as it removes
excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting, giddiness,
spermatorrhoea, internal body heat and menstrual
disorders. Because it is also cooling, it increases
sattwa, and is an excellent liver tonic. Research
has been done with amla evaluating its role as an
antioxidant, in ulcer prevention, for people with
diabetes, for mental and memory effects, and its
anti-inflammatory benefits. Amla extract
supplements be helpful in those undergoing
radiation therapy or would it also protect the
cancer cells that the radiation is trying to destroy.
Amla Tonic has a haematinic and lipalytic
function useful in Scurvy and Jaundice, prevents
Indigestion and controls acidity as well as it is a
natural source of anti-ageing.
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K.P.Sampath Kumar*, Debjit Bhowmik, Amitsankar Dutta, Akhilesh Pd.Yadav, Shravan Paswan, Shweta
Srivastava, Lokesh Deb
Vol. 1 No. 1 2012 www.phytojournal.com Page | 32
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