Amla (Indian gooseberry) for Health of Hair
The Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica, syn. Emblica
officinalis) is a deciduous tree of the Euphorbiaceae family.
It is known for
its edible fruit of the same name. Commonly known as amalaka in Sanskrit, amla
in Hindi, amlakiin Bengali, and amala in Nepal Bhasa, all parts of the plant are
used in various Ayurvedic herbal preparations, including the fruit, seed,
leaves, root, bark and flowers.
Amla or Indian Gooseberry is a rich natural
source of Vitamin C and is used in various conditions like Diabetes, Anti-Aging,
Skin Toner, Eye Disorders, Heart Disease, Rheumatism, and Respiratory
Disorders.
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. Amla fruit ash contains chromium, 2.5 ;
zinc, 4; and copper, 3 ppm. Presence of chromium is of therapeutic value in
diabetes.
Amla (Indian gooseberry) is a proven hair tonic and is used in
all or polyherbal ayurvedic preparations for hair loss. It enriches hair growth
and hair pigmentation.
Amla is also excellent for strengthening the roots of
hair, maintaining color and luster. Ayurvidic medicine has used Amla oil as a
topical solution to give additional nutrition to the scalp and hair in order to
prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth. It is also known to prevent scalp
infection and controls premature graying of hair.
The following recipes
using amla (gooseberry) are used by many specially in India and other Asian
countries:
Amla (Indian gooseberry) to prevent premature graying
of hair
Cut few amla into pieces. Dry them in shade. Boil these
pieces in coconut oil till the solid matter becomes like charred dust. Stir
well. This darkish oil becomes an excellent oil to prevent graying of hair.
Massaging the scalp with this preparation also induces sound
sleep.
Amla (Indian gooseberry) as a
conditioner
Soak dried amla pieces in water. Leave for
overnight. Use this water for the last rinse after you have washed your hair.
Nourishes & condition hair like no other preparation
can!
Amla (Indian gooseberry) to prevent
hair-loss
If you are losing hair excessively on your scalp, a
regular intake of amla not only prevents further hair loss but is also good for
hair growth. Wash you hair with the fresh juice of amla to augment the
effect.