Beauty Benefits of Amla — Shahnaz Husain

Amla, which has been depicted as a ‘Divine Fruit’ in Hindu philosophy, has been used to provide effective treatment to various lifestyle diseases in the ancient Indian medicinal practice of Ayurveda.

Amla, also known as the ‘fruit of immortality’ has been considered nature’s boon to revitalize potency, rejuvenate longevity, increase immunity and strengthen bones and aids weight loss.

Amla, the great and amazing natural fruit which is packed with lots of nutrients, Polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals iron, is available in vegetable markets mainly in winter months.

Whether you eat it, drink it or apply it, the ‘desi’  superfood can be immensely beneficial to  tighten your skin, lighten complexion, treat acne, make your hair shiny and dandruff-free and delay the effects of premature aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots  by boosting the regeneration of healthy new cells.

It is said that the Vitamin C content of amla is so stable that it is even resistant to heat. Modern scientific research has revealed that amla contains 1,700 mg of vitamin C per 100g. Amla is widely grown in India. The berries can be eaten raw or made into pickles and ‘murabba’. Amla juice, added to a glass of water, is said to have tonic effects.

The oil extracted from the berries has been used since the ancient times to control hair loss and restore health to the hair. Oil of amla is an important ingredient in Ayurvedic treatments, as well as hair oils, hair tonics, shampoos, and conditioners. Massage with oils containing amla is said to be extremely beneficial, as it stimulates the follicles. It also clears away dandruff flakes, unclogs the pores of the scalp and restores health to the scalp.

Amla can be used in home remedies.

It is said to check greying. So, you can have the juice of one raw amla daily, after adding it to a glass of water.

You can also add amla to henna powder. However, henna leaves a reddish brown colour on white hair, as you know. It will not colour dark hair. If you would like to try it, you can soak a handful of dry amla in about 2 to 3 cups water overnight. Next morning, strain the water but do not throw the water away. Grind the amla. To the henna powder, add the ground amla, 4 teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, 2 raw eggs, 2 teaspoons oil and enough amla water, so that the henna mixes into a thick paste. Keep the paste for two to three hours and then apply it on the hair, so that the entire head is covered. Keep it on for at least two hours and wash off with plain water.

To make home-made shampoo for silky hair, take one handful of dry herbs of reetha, amla, and shikakai and add it to a litre of water and allow it to soak overnight. The next day, simmer it on a low fire, till the water reduces to half the quantity. Do not allow it to boil on a high flame, but rather simmer on a very low fire. Let the mixture cool and then strain it with a clean cloth. Use the liquid for washing the hair. The decoction can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days.

To make amla hair oil, take a handful of dry amla. Grind coarsely and add it to 100 ml pure coconut oil. Keep it in an airtight glass bottle and keep the bottle in the sun daily for about 15 days. Then strain the oil and store. The oil can be used to apply on the hair.

Regular intake of amla juice purifies blood and fights toxins which help you to get flawlessly radiant skin.

Daily intake of fresh amla juice with honey serves as a great beverage and makes your skin complexion brighter and lighter. It helps to get rid of acne and pimples. Regular intake of amla juice delays the effects of premature aging and helps to maintain youthfulness and vitality for a long time.

Apply amla juice on your face and outer skin with a cotton pad and wash off after 15 minutes with fresh water. It will help to improve your skin complexion. Close your eyes while doing so.

Amla juice is an excellent nutrient, which boosts the production of collagen cells making your skin radiant, soft, toned and youthful.

Apply amla paste on your face and wash it off after 30 minutes when it has been completely dried. It will help to treat acne and breakouts making you more beautiful and attractive. Amla is also an excellent cleanser and helps in removing dead cells/pimples from your skin.

Amla repairs the damaged tissues and combats problems of dry and scaly skin. Regular application of amla juice is highly beneficial to guarantee a healthy and clear skin.

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