Amla Oil

Amla is the common name of Indian gooseberry tree and its fruits. The scientific name of the Indian gooseberry tree is Emblica officinalis. As the name suggests, amla tree is native to Indian subcontinent and has been a renowned herb in Ayurveda. Being an incredibly rich source of vitamin C, amla is one of the most widely used herbs. Amla or Indian gooseberry is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree. The leaves of the tree are linear and oblong in shape, and closely resemble the pinnate leaves. The tree produces greenish yellow colored flowers during the spring. The fruits or 'amlas' are small and spherical in shape, with a light green or greenish yellow color which ripe in autumn.

Amla and Its Uses

Amla or the fruits of Indian gooseberry tree has been regarded as a symbol of good health since the ancient times. Amla has a characteristic sour taste and is known to have a cooling and rejuvenating effect on the body. The health benefits of amla can be attributed to its significantly high level of vitamin C or ascorbic acid, pectin and tannins. Amla is considered as a natural remedy, for any kind of digestive problem and constipation. Amla is believed to purify the blood, improve vision, stimulate hair growth, reduce cough and enhance intellect.

Recent studies have pointed out that, amla can be immensely beneficial for lowering cholesterol, improving liver functions, increasing hemoglobin and regulating blood sugar. It is the wonder herb that is thought to promote longevity. Probably, this is the reason why amla is used as the primary ingredient in the ancient herbal preparation of India, called 'Chyawanprash'.

Uses of amla is not limited to the preparation of traditional medicine only. It is also widely used for cosmetic purposes, especially to get long and lustrous hair. Stimulating hair growth is one of the most well-known benefit of amla, which can be derived from the use of amla oil. This oil is one of the oldest natural hair conditioner, which is extracted from the dried amla berries. The dried parts of the amla berries are soaked in coconut oil for a few days, before boiling them to obtain the greenish oil.

For Hair Growth
According to Ayurveda, hair loss is caused by 'pitta-dosha', which can be cured with the use of amla. Its oil can be used to address the problem of hair loss, along with some other popular herbs like shikakai and reetha. Its active ingredients can enrich the hair from the root, to stimulate hair growth. It can also make the roots of the hair follicles strong, to help prevent excessive hair loss. Being an excellent conditioner, amla oil can smoothen dry hair and add a natural shine or luster to it. Besides this, as amla has a cooling and calming effect on the body and mind, application of its oil can help to de-stress your mind or relax.

For Gray Hair
Premature graying of hair is one of the most common and troubling condition for the younger generation. Amla is known for improving hair pigmentation, and preventing premature graying of hair. As a hair tonic, amla oil is the most popular home remedy for preventing premature graying of hair. As it has a cooling effect on the body and mind, it can ensure sound sleep and reduce stress, which is one of the major factors for premature graying. Apart from amla oil, many people also soak the dried berries or amlas in water for a whole night, and use this water as a last rinse, after washing their hair. Like amla oil, this water can also help to nourish your hair.

So, amla oil can provide nourishment to your hair to promote hair growth, prevent hair fall and premature graying, besides helping you to get sound sleep and reduce stress. For best results, use it to massage your scalp with the fingertips. Then, wrap your head with a warm towel for a few hours, before washing with a mild shampoo. Use it in this way, at least twice or thrice a week to get long, thick and glossy hair. You can also leave the oil on your hair for the whole night to provide deep nourishment.