King of Herbs–Amla

Amla rules the world of herbs. The English name of amla – Indian gooseberry – denotes that it is indigenous to India. The light green fruit grows on a small, long-living tree that is found in wet forests of hill areas, throughout the Indian subcontinent. Though all parts of the tree have medicinal value, the fruit is of prime importance.

Awesome Amla

When ripe amla fruit contains more than 3000 mg of vitamin C—a powerful antioxidant. Other than the abundant vitamin C, amla has calcium phosphorus, iron, carotene and vitamin B complex. Even if dried in shade, amla retains much of its vitamin C. The leaves and bark of the tree are rich in tannin.

Traditional wisdom

• Famous ancient texts of Ayurveda extol the virtues of amla.
• Amla is extremely useful in treating respiratory disorders, like asthma and bronchitis.
• The high vitamin C content in this herb makes it effective in controlling diabetes. Traditional healing system prescribes taking a tablespoon of amla juice mixed with a cup of bitter gourd juice for two months for managing diabetes.
• Traditional system of healing also considers amla as 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 harmful and disease causing elements. It also renews energy.
• Amla juice with honey is useful in preserving eyesight.
• To treat rheumatism a teaspoon of the powder of the dry fruit mixed with two teaspoons of jaggery can be taken twice daily for a month.
  As an extremely rich source of vitamin C, Indian gooseberry is one of the best remedies 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.
• Amla arrests ageing and has revitalising effects too. Legend has it that a sage named Chyvan regained his youthfulness after having herbal potion made of amla. It improves body’s resistance and strengthens the heart, hair and different glands in the body.
• In addition to rejuvenating the body, amla is an accepted hair tonic in traditional recipes for enriching hair growth and pigmentation.

This winter enjoy amla. Pickle the fruit, crush it in chutneys, marmalade it or drink  it in glass, but relish it often to get the abundant supply of vitamin C.

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