Digital Garden

Emblica officinalis

Amla

Scientific name- Emblica officinalis 

Synonym: Phyllanthus emblica L. 

Common name- Amla 

Family-Phyllanthaceae 

Habit type-Tree 

Distribution: 

Deciduous trees, about 15 m high, bark grey-brown, rough, irregularly flaking; blaze pink-red. Phyllanthus emblica is indigenous to a large area ranging from Nepal, India and Sri Lanka, throughout South-East Asia to southern China. 

Stem: bark is grey-brown, rough, irregularly flaking; thin, peeling in patches, with numerous knobs, main branches angular and densely pubescent. The plant has sharp thorns all along its woody branches. 

Leaves: 

Simple, alternate, bifarious on short deciduous branchlets, closely overlapping, subsessile; stipules minute, lateral, linear. Lamina 0.4-1.5 x 2-4 mm, oblong or linear-oblong, base round, apex obtuse and shortly apiculate, glabrous, membranous; nerves obscure. 

Inflorescence: Axillary or terminal 

Flowers: 

unisexual, 2-3 mm across, greenish-yellow, densely clustered in leaf axils; male flowers: tepals 6, oblanceolate, 1.5 mm, obtuse, stamens 3, anthers oblong, connate by their connectives; apiculate; disc glands 6; female flowers: tepals 6, oblanceolate, obtuse; superior ovary, 2 ovules in each cell; broadly fimbriate, recurved, stigmatiferous. 

Fruit: 

capsule 1.5-2.5 cm across, subglobose, dehiscing into 6 cocci, disc enlarged to give an appearance of fleshy yellowish-green, indehiscent berry. 

Uses: 

• Amla, alone or in combination with other plant components, are being used to cure a number of ailments, including the common cold and fever, as well as antipyretic (drug to reduce body temperature), anti-inflammatory, diuretic, laxative (treating constipation), liver-tonic, refrigerant (amla is a natural coolant), stomach problems, reparative, peptic ulcer, and digestive problems. 

• The plant has demonstrated significant pharmacological characteristics, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-cancer and antimicrobial. 

• It was recognized since ancient times for its palliative effects (reduce symptoms and improve quality of life), immunological booster, intestinal tonic, renal and neuroprotective, antifungal, chemo-protective and radio-modulatory and anti-cancer properties. 

• It Improves Immunity, Amla benefits include antibacterial & astringent properties (removes excess oil from the skin) which help improve the body's immunity system. Indian Gooseberry also increases white blood cells which helps in flushing out the toxins from the body. 

• Amla is used in shampoos and conditioners owing to its rich antioxidant & iron content. Indian Gooseberry contains high levels of Vitamin C which helps reduce hair fall. It also strengthens the roots & maintains hair colour. Antibacterial properties of Amla help fight dandruff. 

• Amla is a great stress reliever which induces sleep and relieves headaches. 

• Amla is rich in carotene content which is well known for its powerful effect on vision-related conditions. Formulation made of Indian Gooseberry and Honey helps to improve eyesight, near-sightedness, and cataracts. 

• Amla is a rich source of iron, deficiency of which causes anemia. 

• Amla acts as an active blood purifier when consumed with honey. 

• Amla is also diuretic in nature. It means that Indian Gooseberry helps increase the volume and frequency of urination which improves the elimination of toxins from the body. Know more on detoxification . 

• Amla is rich in dietary fibre which improves the overall digestion process. 

• Amla benefits also include absorbing calcium which is an essential element for teeth, bones & hair. 

• Amla reduces the number of free radicals in the body through its antioxidant properties. It reduces wrinkles, dark circles and other signs of aging. It also protects the body from radiation. 

• Daily consumption of amla improves neural health facilitating proper blood flow. It helps to prevent diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Indian Gooseberry also improves concentration power and memory skills. 

• Amla helps in flushing out the harmful toxins from the body reducing skin blemishes. The astringent properties of Indian Gooseberry help tighten the pores, giving you clear and healthy skin.