Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry, Amla)

Properties

Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Hypoglycemic activity, Immunomodulatory activity

Dosage

General: There are limited clinical studies to guide dosages. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating Amalaki into your routine. Amalaki Churna (Powder): 1–3 grams with warm water or honey, 1–2 times daily. 5 grams twice a day with lukewarm water has also been suggested. Some suggest ¼ to ½ teaspoon (1–2 grams) once or twice daily. Amalaki Juice: 10–20 ml diluted in water, once daily. 2 tablespoonfuls of pure Amla juice every morning on an empty stomach are also recommended. Tablets: In one trial, 300 mg tablets (each containing 50% amla extract and 50% dextrin) were used three times per day. Amalaki Rasayana: Adults can take 2-4 teaspoonfuls 2-3 times daily after a meal, while children can take 1-2 teaspoonfuls 2-3 times daily after a meal. Aphrodisiac Remedy: 10-20 grams at night for adults, followed by a cup of milk. For children, the dose can be 3-5 grams once a day. It is generally advised to start with small quantities of amla to allow the body to adjust, gradually increasing the dosage over time.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Amla (all tastes except salty)
• Virya: ["Sita (cooling)"]
• Vipaka: ["Madhura (sweet)"]

Benefits

• Rasayana (rejuvenative)
• Chakshushya (beneficial for eyes)
• Hridya (cardiac tonic)
• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Anulomana (mild laxative)

Traditional uses

• Weakness
• Hyperacidity
• Eye disorders
• Skin diseases
• Respiratory ailments
• Heart diseases
• Low immunity

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: decreasing
• pitta: decreasing

Preparation methods

• Amla Juice: Amla fruit can be juiced and mixed with other ingredients like carrot, lemon, ginger, honey, or jaggery.
• Dried Amla: Amla fruit can be dried or candied to increase its shelf life.
• Amla Powder (Churna): Amla can be taken in powder form and added to lukewarm water, honey, or herbal teas. A traditional preparation method involves soaking the powder in Amla juice for 21 days and nights, then mixing it with clarified butter, honey, long pepper, and sugar. This mixture is stored in a jar greased with clarified butter and kept beneath a heap of ashes during the rainy season.
• Amalaki Rasayana: This is prepared by processing fresh Amalaki fruits with herbal extracts and drying them under controlled conditions. Amla fruits are cleaned, deseeded, dried, and ground into a fine paste. This powder is then mixed with Amla juice, honey, and ghee in specific proportions. Additional herbs like pippali or ashwagandha may be added. The mixture is kept in an ash heap for about 4 months before the monsoon season.
• Boiling: Boil amla with salt and turmeric to reduce sourness.
• Sun-dried: Slice and dry in the sun with lemon juice and salt.
• Smoothies: Blend amla powder into smoothies.
• Chutney: Use as a condiment.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information available to determine if Indian gooseberry is safe to use as medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is best to stick to food amounts. Some sources suggest that small amounts of fresh Amla juice may be acceptable during pregnancy, but professional advice is essential.
• Bleeding Disorders: Amalaki might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in some people. Use with caution if you have a bleeding disorder.
• Surgery: Amalaki might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. It is recommended to stop taking it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
• Diabetes: Amalaki might lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely as it may cause blood sugar to drop too low. Adjustment of diabetes medications might be necessary.
• Medication Interactions: Use caution if taking medications that affect blood clotting (anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs) as Amla might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Examples include aspirin and clopidogrel. May potentiate antidiabetic or anticoagulant drugs. Some Ayurvedic formulations containing Indian gooseberry have been linked to liver damage. Therefore, caution is advised when taking Amalaki with other medications that could harm the liver (hepatotoxic drugs).
• Other considerations: Overconsumption may cause loose stools due to its high tannin content. It is best to start with a lower dose. Those with low blood sugar should monitor their glucose levels when using high doses.

Side effects

• Acidity
• Gastrointestinal Issues
• Dehydration
• Skin Problems
• Hair Problems
• Allergic Reactions
• Blood Sugar Levels
• Dental Health
• Liver Damage
• Increased Urinary Frequency

Interactions

• Antidiabetes drugs
• Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet drugs
• Hepatotoxic drugs
• Nisha Amalaki and Curcuminoids with Metformin
• Dairy products and nonvegetarian foods

Clinical evidence

Clinical trials have demonstrated Amla's ability to reduce oxidative stress, improve antioxidant status, improve endothelial functions, reduce acne, and modulate the immune system. More extensive meta-analyses and reviews are needed to strengthen the body of evidence.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Rasayana (rejuvenative)
• Chakshushya (beneficial for eyes)
• Hridya (cardiac tonic)
• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Anulomana (mild laxative)

Classical clinical indications

• Weakness
• Hyperacidity
• Eye disorders
• Skin diseases
• Respiratory ailments
• Heart diseases
• Low immunity

Frequently asked questions