Amla-Indian Gooseberry

 Phyllanthus Emblica, also known as Indian gooseberry, Malacca tree, or amla, from the Sanskrit Amalaki, is a deciduous tree of the family Phyllanthaceae. Amla originally means sour. Amla is Indian gooseberry that is one of the three fruits that are contained in Triphala & it is the main ingredient in the nutritive jam chyavanprash. Amla tree is smooth & grey-brown there are countless benefits of Amla, sometimes it is used as an edible item mainly in the form of candies, pickles & powder.

Characteristics

Amla is the green rounded fruit of the Amla tree, superb antioxidant-rich in Vitamin C, fiber, phytochemicals & minerals. In Ayurveda, Amla is considered a Rasayana that helps in treating a range of diseases. It is harvested in February when it turns greenish-yellow from light green. In India Amla grows mainly in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh & Tamil Nadu that constitutes around 75% of the total production in the country.

Benefits

As it contains Vitamin A & Vitamin C that helps improve immunity and eyesight respectively. Regular intake of Amla in the form of candies or pickles helps improve digestion. It is used in making oil, dye, shampoo, face cream & tooth powder. During the winter season, Amla is used in various forms like pickles, candies, murabba, etc. Amla is an amazing fruit that helps in diabetes, inflammation, atherosclerosis, acidity, asthma skin diseases.

How to use it?  

Amla is used as juice, chutney, jam, infusions, lotions, concentrates, herbal teas & other natural concoctions. It is beneficial in every form from pulp to dry amla is filled with goodness. Dried amla powder is used as an ingredient in hair packs. People with high blood sugar levels should drink amla juice regularly.