History

Wild Amla Tree
Figure source: Pravin Panjaje, Flickr. (2009)

What and where:

The “rejuvenator”, the “sustainer”, “Amalaki”, Amla, Indian Gooseberry; the list of names goes on. It appears the list of health benefits bestowed by this fruit is equally lengthy, if not lengthier.  Amla is the fruit of Phyllanthus Emblica Linn (synonym Emblica Officianlis), a deciduous medium-sized tree, found largely in the sub-tropical mountainous regions of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka (Dharmananda, 2003; Ihantola-Vormisto et al., 1997). While the benefits of the fruit are more widely known, in reality, all parts of the tree (the roots, bark, leaves, seeds, and fruit) have their own advantages (Dharmanada, 2003). 

When and why:

Amla is a major ingredient
of ChayavanprashFigure source: Astro Nutrition

The use of this plant originates from the 5000 year old traditional Indian medical system Ayurveda, particularly “Rasayana”, a discipline of Ayurveda that focuses on enhancing good health, preventing disease, boosting the immune system, as well as rejuvenating and revitalizing the body and mind (Krishnaveni, 2010). The strong belief in “prevention is better than cure” has led to Amla being incorporated in several supplementary health tonics (where it is a major ingredient) including “Triphala” and “Chayavanprash” to promote health and longevity (Dharmananda, 2003). In India, Amla is also popularly used in hair oils, with advertisements screaming of its ability to make hair healthy, thick, long and shiny.  Not surprisingly, it is even believed to have several medicinal properties. It was, and still is used extensively not only in India, but also in Iran, Iraq, Thailand, China, Italy, Germany (et cetera) as a laxative, diuretic, astringent and antinauseant. It is also used to treat anemia, jaundice, tumors and much more- the list goes on (Unander, 1990).

Various uses of Amla: Left- Amla (outermost circle) is one of the three herbs that  constitutes Triphala.
Middle: Amla Hair Oil applied topically. Right: Amla used as pickles.
Figure Source: Given in "Sources section"