Amla ~ The next superfood?

I grew up in India surrounded by Amla trees and loved eating the astringent sour juicy fruit plucked from the tree. I knew the fruit was used in ayurvedic tonics but did not realise it had so many wonderful properties or I would have treated it with more reverence!
Amla or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) is the fruit of a deciduous tree found mainly in India. It is small and greenish-yellow with vertical stripes and resembles gooseberry (hence the name). When I started researching it, I was amazed to discover that to list all of its reputed benefits would take forever but here is the condensed version.
Amla is believed to have cell rejuvenating properties and is used extensively in India for glossy healthy hair and to prevent dandruff. A paste made from dried and powdered amla is commonly applied to maintain healthy hair. It makes a wonderful hair tonic for people suffering from hair loss as it is supposed to strengthen the roots. It also helps combat thinning and premature greying, presumably by making the hair shaft stronger. Mixing amla with henna and indigo not only provides all the above benefits but also tones down the red shade of henna to dye the hair brunette.
I was surprised to learn that amla can also be used as a deep-cleanser for hair and body. Apparently, using amla regularly to wash dull, limp and oily hair makes it thick, bouncy and lustrous. It is also an excellent exfoliating, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial astringent scrub for your face,without the alcohol or chemicals found in commercial products. Its high levels of vitamin C break up the top layer of dead skin cells, and bits of amla seed gently exfoliate the skin. Mix a spoonful of amla powder and enough warm water to make a yogurt like paste and let it rest for 15 minutes. Scrub your face with the paste, and wash it off after a minute.Skin feels firm and tight.

When taken in dietary form, it strengthens teeth and bones and increases the red blood cell count. It has cooling, diuretic and laxative properties useful in the treatment of constipation and piles. It is also an anti-oxidant helping to boost the functioning of the immune system thereby preventing a wide range of diseases. It has antibacterial properties helping to prevent infections and healing ulcers.
It is used therapeutically as a cardio tonic, aphrodisiac, and antipyretic medicine and in the treatment of gastritis and heartburn. Some research studies have shown that amla is good for diabetics, as, apart from very high levels of Vitamin C, it also provides other essential minerals which help maintain proper functioning of the metabolic activities of the body. It has minerals such as chromium, zinc and copper. Amla also helps to prevent respiratory disorders such as common cold, bronchitis, and other respiratory tract infections. It can aid body building by increasing the total protein level due to positive nitrogen balance, giving an anabolic effect. To top it all, amla is also known to have anti aging properties. Wow!

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Jyoti