Amalaki: Use and effect of the amla berry

Strengthening, balancing, even rejuvenating: the amla fruit is said to have these and other effects. Find out what Amalaki is all about, why Amla oil for hair is a real insider tip and what Amla capsules and powder can do here!

What is the Amalaki fruit?

Amalaki, amla, Indian gooseberry - the fruit of the amla tree has many names. Originally, this tree is found throughout India, South Asia and parts of East Africa. But why is it that amla is no longer so popular only in India? How can we actually imagine the effect of the much-praised little super fruit?

Amalaki in Ayurveda

The Amalaki tree plays a big role in Indian tradition - so big, in fact, that the tree is considered a sacred plant in India and has its own holiday. The amla berry is considered a fountain of youth and is an indispensable part of everyday life for most people in India.

And what does Ayurveda teaching say about Amalaki? Of course: also very positive! Because the amla fruit combines five of the six tastes. It is primarily sour, but also bitter, sweet, pungent and tart (astringent). Through this almost unique combination, amla can bring all three doshas back into a harmonious balance.

Amalaki is often combined with haritaki and bibhitaki in Ayurvedic products. The result is Triphala (translated as "three fruits"), probably one of the best-known herbal mixtures in Ayurveda. Whether in this combination or on its own, amla berries are seen as helpful for various ailments. From coughs, headaches and digestive disorders to chronic diseases, the fruits are relied upon in many situations.

What effect does Amla have?

Amalaki contains some nutrients that are necessary for beautiful hair and skin

Amla fruits are real multi-talents, it seems: they contain a lot of heat-resistant vitamin C, carotene, riboflavin, iron and calcium. And that is only a small selection of the substances that are necessary for our health and for beautiful skin and hair.

The vitamin C content alone significantly strengthens the immune system. As a food supplement, Amalaki powder or capsules ensure that infections don't stand a chance in the first place and that we simply feel stronger.

From an Ayurvedic point of view, Amla is so unique because it can calm down a very agitated Pitta and prevent hyperacidity. Of course, these health-promoting conditions can also be achieved with other plants. But no other natural remedy works as gently as amla.

Amla oil, Amla powder or Amla capsules? The application

One thing is certain: Amla is good for you. But how can it be used in concrete terms? In principle, you have three possibilities:

  • Amla powder, which you can mix with water to make a versatile paste.

You can apply the paste either to care for the facial skin or to relieve pain, for example on the scalp in the case of a headache or on minor burns.

With Amalaki capsules you can promote your health in general by strengthening the immune system and preventing hyperacidity. The nice side effect: You will soon also see in your skin and hair that Amla provides the body with many important nutrients.

  • Amla oil, which you can massage into the scalp.

Used correctly, Amalaki has many advantages. But what does "right" mean in this case? Here are some tips on what to look out for if you want to try out the little energy packets from the Amla tree yourself:

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  • When buying, pay attention to the origin and only use products from purely organic cultivation that do not contain any artificial additives. This way you can be sure to fully enjoy the natural power of the Amla fruit.
  • If you take Amla capsules or powder to improve your health, you should make sure not to take more than 2-5 g per day. As always in Ayurveda (and in life in general!) it is important to find a balance. Too much Amalaki, for example, can lead to digestive problems, while the right dose supports your Agni optimally.
  • If you regularly take medication, we advise you to talk to your doctor before taking Amalaki. This way you can avoid unwanted interactions.

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So much for the health benefits of the amla berry, but apart from that, amla is also an increasingly popular hair care product. We will now explain why and how you can use amla oil for your hair!

Amalaki as a natural hair treatment: Amla oil for the hair

Beautiful, thick, shiny hair is promised by almost every well-known hair cosmetics manufacturer. However, promises can be made - and the disappointment is not infrequent when the desired effect fails to materialise. But what about natural products like Amla oil? What can you expect from it?

The effect of Amla on the hair

In short, Amalaki has the following effect on the hair: it strengthens the hair roots and improves the health of the scalp. And the reason for brittle, weak hair that falls out quickly is primarily a dry scalp with weakened hair follicles.

In other words: On a healthy scalp, the hair can grow stronger and gets more shine. Dandruff and itching are also a thing of the past. Amla oil is also said to prolong the growth cycle so that the scalp hair becomes thicker. The oil inhibits the so-called 5-alpha-reductase, a process that makes the hair thinner or even leads to hair loss.

However, there are also a few tips for hair care with Amla oil that we would like to give you along the way:

  • Massage the oil into the scalp 2-3 times a week and leave it on for at least an hour or overnight before washing it out. If you choose the latter option, it is best to place a towel over your pillow or put on a shower cap. You can use the oil on wet or dry hair.
  • Do not use Amla oil much more often than indicated above. Too much of a good thing has the opposite effect and tends to dry out the scalp.
  • Amla oil is a natural product and does not contain artificial fragrances. Some people have to get used to the herb-like smell.
  • As with any oil treatment for the hair, the same applies when washing it out: Be careful in the shower, because the oil makes the floor slippery.
If you wish, you can also mix Amalaki powder with high-quality oils.

If you don't want to work with pure amla oil, you can buy a high-quality amla powder instead and mix it into the oil you normally use, for example coconut or jojoba oil. Amla shampoos are also available, but you should make sure that they do not contain silicones or paraffins and that amalaki is listed as high up as possible among the ingredients.

Amla and grey hair

Amalaki is said to have an antioxidant effect, which means that it can slow down the ageing process. There are no scientific studies on this, but it is assumed that amla delays the point at which melanin production slows down.

Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its natural colour. So the longer melanin is produced, the longer the hair colour remains. It is also often reported that hair care with Amla makes the natural colour stand out more.

Of course, Amla does not automatically give you the thick, full head of hair that Indian women have. However, amla capsules or powder improve the health of the whole body, which contributes significantly to a clear complexion and a healthy scalp. Feeling good thanks to a real miracle cure from nature: There is a good reason why Amla is so appreciated in Ayurveda!

You have questions about the application? Then write us a comment at the bottom of the page.

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