According to a belief in ancient Ayurveda, Amla was the ‘First Tree’ created in the universe. Its healing properties are equated to being similar to the nourishing and loving nature of a mother. There are many benefits of amla for skin and hair. It is used to increase the body’s defense against a wide range of ailments. It is one of the highest sources of vitamin C and contains an array of phytochemical components including alkaloids, flavonoids, amino acids, carbohydrates, and tannins, which make it an excellent choice for many ayurvedic health tonics and jams like chyawanprash.

Many of us are not exactly satisfied with the way our hair or skin looks. We go to different salons to rectify our cosmetic issues. However, most of the time dull and lifeless skin is an indication of various deficiencies present in our body. Adding this magical fruit to our routines can have wonderful results, and help us achieve both our beauty and health goals easily.

A brief summary of the nutritional composition of Amla:

They include vitamins such as Vit A, C, E, Niacin, Vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid. Also, minerals such as Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium Zinc, and others. Additionally, they have carbohydrates, dietary fiber, Omega 3 fatty acids, and omega 6 fatty acids.

1. Helps Build Immunity

Vitamin C is best absorbed and much safer when taken in natural forms. Amla is one such natural source where the Vitamin C content is about 8 times greater than an orange. Regular intake of this fruit helps keep the common cold at bay. There is nothing better than fresh amla juice, however, if you find difficulty sourcing the fresh ones, you can also mix organic amla dried powder with some honey and water and have it regularly.

2. Great For Hair

Hairfall can really take a toll on our self-confidence. However, including amla in our daily routine can do miracles to arrest the hair fall. The antioxidants and high Vit C content found in amla help grow thicker and stronger hair. They may also help prevent or even reverse early signs of hair greying. You should not only eat fresh amlas but also apply amla hair oil or hair pack regularly on your scalp regularly to help fight or prevent hair fall from occurring.

3. Fights Constipation

Amla is an extremely good remedy for almost all digestive issues including constipation. It helps stimulate the digestive juices and allows the proper absorption of nutrients. Its high fiber content also aids better bowel movements.

4. Supports Weightloss

Amla helps clear toxins out of your system and aids kickstart your metabolism. A good metabolism helps burn fat effectively thus helping weight loss.

5. Prevents Eyesight Issues

Amla is loaded with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and other important nutrients which help reduce free radicals from our body and strengthen our body from inside out which in turn may help keep cataracts at bay.

6. Improves Complexion

Amla juice acts as a blood purifier, cleanses the skin, and controls pigmentation. It has anti-aging properties due to the antioxidants present in it. Amla has 20 times more vitamin C than an orange. Its high vitamin C helps build collagen thus maintaining skin elasticity.

7. Controls Diabetes

Amla contains chromium, a mineral that regulates carbohydrate metabolism. It is shown to have a positive effect on the pancreas and helps make the body more responsive to insulin. This in turn helps manage the blood sugar levels.

8. Improves Liver Function

Amla extracts are known to have liver-protective properties. It is a powerhouse of antioxidants that help prevent the degeneration of liver cells and stimulates the effective elimination of toxins from the liver.

How To Use Amla

There are many easy ways you can use amla to derive its benefits. These benefits can be felt both internally to strengthen your body as well as externally to beautify your hair and skin. Here are some well-known ways to use amla in your everyday routine:

Raw or Fresh Amla: Amla can be tart to taste hence it is best to use some honey to balance the flavor. In case, you are unable to eat it raw try boiling it for few 8-10 minutes and then have it with pepper, salt, or honey. Raw amla can be juiced and taken on an empty stomach daily. It is one of the best ways to derive all of its benefits.

Amla Candies: Amla candies are very popular with kids who love chewing them. Although they have a lot of sugar in it hence you can omit this form in case you want to go sugar-free.

Amla Murabba: In India, amla pickle is made with sugar known as murabba. Again go easy on this one since it has loads of sugar in it.

Amla Powder: Good quality organic amla powder can also be used in case amla is not in season. It is sugar-free and can be mixed with water and taken post meals.

Amla Tablets: They are easily available in tablet or capsule forms in the market. Make sure to buy from a good quality brand.

DIY Recipes With Amla Powder

Amla Recipes for Skin whitening

Method 1. 

Mix 2 tsp of amla powder, 1 tsp of licorice powder, a pinch of turmeric, 2 tbsps of curd into a paste. Apply evenly all over your skin. Wait for 15 minutes and wash off.

Method 2.

Mix 2 tsp of freshly squeezed amla juice, 1 tsp of honey, a pinch of turmeric, and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply it all over your face and neck. Wait for 15 minutes and wash off.

Amla  Hair Mask and Oil Recipes

1. Amla Hair Mask

Mix 3 tsp of amla powder, 2 tbsp of shikakai powder, and  ½ cup curd to make a paste. Apply all over your scalp and wait for 30-40 minutes and rinse with water. Repeat twice a week. This pack will nourish your scalp, make your hair stronger and arrest hair fall. 

2. Amla Hair Oil:

Amla pieces are boiled along with good quality coconut oil for 10-15 minutes and then cooled and strained.  This makes an amazing homemade amla hair oil. It is especially effective in preventing greying hair and even reversing them.

So, make sure to look out for amla on your next trip to the grocery store.  They are a storehouse of nutrients that help make you strong internally by aiding your digestive system and supporting your immunity. They should be on your must-have list in case you are suffering from any hair-related issues.