Kashaayam Katu Tiktoshnam
Swaadu Chaamalakam Himam
Param Tridosha hrut Vrishyam.
Jwaraghnam cha Rasaayanam
Dhanvanthari Nighantu.
Amalaki is slightly astringent, pungent, stimulant, heating and sweet. It is cooling in action as compared with Hareetaki. Further, it is Tridosha hara and aphrodisac. It checks fever and is a tonic.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Amla is proving a useful tool in the fight against cancer
Chinese researchers have discovered that amla fruit is a rich source of therapeutic chemicals, including quercetin (which is also found in apples), gallic and ellagic acids (found in green tea), and other less well-known ones such as chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, corilagin, and isostrictiniin (Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2003 Oct;28(10):940-3).
All of these chemicals are powerful antioxidants, which help protect you from harmful free radicals that can increase the risk of a wide range of serious diseases including cancer.
This is backed-up by preliminary research findings, which suggest that amla may play an important role in the fight against cancer.
For example, in a study carried out by scientists at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki University, in Japan, amla extracts were found to be able to prevent the growth of cancerous cells in the stomach, skin and womb (Biol Pharm Bull. 2004 Feb;27(2):251-5).
All of these chemicals are powerful antioxidants, which help protect you from harmful free radicals that can increase the risk of a wide range of serious diseases including cancer.
This is backed-up by preliminary research findings, which suggest that amla may play an important role in the fight against cancer.
For example, in a study carried out by scientists at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki University, in Japan, amla extracts were found to be able to prevent the growth of cancerous cells in the stomach, skin and womb (Biol Pharm Bull. 2004 Feb;27(2):251-5).
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Amla in Ayurveda
The Indian Gooseberry has been given a very important place in Ayurveda. In ancient India it was believed that Amrit/ Ambrosia (heavenly nectar) contained all rasas thereby, it could impart immortality. In that sense Amalaki and Hareetaki stand next to Amrit since they exhibit five rasas. In Ayurveda, the amla fruit by itself is considered a rasayana for pitta.
It has been mentioned in the Charaka Samhita that Of all the rasayanas (ayurvedic formulations revered for their positive influence on the physiology) Amalaki is considered one of the most potent and nourishing. The Charaka Samhita says, "Amalaki is the best among rejuvenative herbs." Charaka specifically mentioned that it is a great rasayana that helps protect people from disease and keeps away the manifestations of premature ageing. .
It has been mentioned in the Charaka Samhita that Of all the rasayanas (ayurvedic formulations revered for their positive influence on the physiology) Amalaki is considered one of the most potent and nourishing. The Charaka Samhita says, "Amalaki is the best among rejuvenative herbs." Charaka specifically mentioned that it is a great rasayana that helps protect people from disease and keeps away the manifestations of premature ageing. .
Monday, August 17, 2009
Amla,Bhumyamalaki,Guduchi, Tulsi, Ashwagandha Swine flu H1N1 immunity providers - Ayurveda experts
Medicinal herbs like tulsi, which is commonly found in people's homes, can help boost one's immunity and thus fight Influenza A (H1N1), say Ayurveda doctors.
Preeti Chhabra, an Ayurveda doctor in the capital, said that medicinal herbs like tulsi, ashwagandha, guduchi and amla can help boost one's immunity level, thus helping fight swine flu.
"Keeping the present scenario in mind, some medicinal herbs like ashwagandha, amla, guduchi and tulsi are very good to help boost the body's immunity and thus help fight diseases"
Have citrus fruits, particularly Vitamin C rich Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice. Since fresh Amla is not yet available in the market (not for another 1 to 2 months), it is not a bad idea to buy packaged Amla juice which is commonly available nowadays.
Preeti Chhabra, an Ayurveda doctor in the capital, said that medicinal herbs like tulsi, ashwagandha, guduchi and amla can help boost one's immunity level, thus helping fight swine flu.
"Keeping the present scenario in mind, some medicinal herbs like ashwagandha, amla, guduchi and tulsi are very good to help boost the body's immunity and thus help fight diseases"
Have citrus fruits, particularly Vitamin C rich Amla (Indian gooseberry) juice. Since fresh Amla is not yet available in the market (not for another 1 to 2 months), it is not a bad idea to buy packaged Amla juice which is commonly available nowadays.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Plant anatomy and harvesting
The tree is small to medium sized, reaching 8 to 18 m in height, with a crooked trunk and spreading branches. The branchlets are glabrous or finely pubescent, 10-20 cm long, usually deciduous; the leaves simple, subsessile and closely set along branchlets, light green, resembling pinnate leaves. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The fruit is nearly spherical, light greenish yellow, quite smooth and hard on appearance, with 6 vertical stripes or furrows.
Ripening in autumn, the berries are harvested by hand after climbing to upper branches bearing the fruits. The taste of Indian gooseberry is sour, bitter and astringent, and is quite fibrous. In India, it is common to eat gooseberries steeped in salt water and turmeric to make the sour fruits palatable
Ripening in autumn, the berries are harvested by hand after climbing to upper branches bearing the fruits. The taste of Indian gooseberry is sour, bitter and astringent, and is quite fibrous. In India, it is common to eat gooseberries steeped in salt water and turmeric to make the sour fruits palatable
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Benefits of Amla An Indian gooseberry
1. Enhances production of Red Blood Cells. Strengthens teeth, hair and nails.
2. Regulates Blood Sugar and prevents lipid peroxidation in cell membranes.
3. Very Powerful anti-inflammatory herb. Useful in hemorrhoids, gastritis and colitis.
4. Useful in eye problems especially in inflammations. Improves nearsightedness.
5. Also useful for cataracts.
6. Prevents premature greying of hair and makes them strong and free from dandruff.
7. Increases immunity in the body. Protects against heart and nervous disorders.
2. Regulates Blood Sugar and prevents lipid peroxidation in cell membranes.
3. Very Powerful anti-inflammatory herb. Useful in hemorrhoids, gastritis and colitis.
4. Useful in eye problems especially in inflammations. Improves nearsightedness.
5. Also useful for cataracts.
6. Prevents premature greying of hair and makes them strong and free from dandruff.
7. Increases immunity in the body. Protects against heart and nervous disorders.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Medicinal Properties Of amla
•Journal of Ethnopharmacol 1996 Feb;50(2):61-8 Hypolipidaemic effect of fruit juice of Emblica officinalis in cholesterol-fed rabbits. By Mathur R, Sharma A, Dixit VP, Varma M. - Department of Home Science (Food and Nutrition), University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India.
The lipid lowering and antiatherosclerotic effects of Emblica officinalis (Amla) fresh juice were evaluated in cholesterol-fed rabbits (rendered hyperlipidaemic by atherogenic diet and cholesterol feeding). E. officinalis fresh juice was administered at a dose of 5 ml/kg body weight per rabbit per day for 60 days. Serum cholesterol, TG, phospholipid and LDL levels were lowered by 82%, 66%, 77% and 90%, respectively. Similarly, the tissue lipid levels showed a significant reduction following E. officinalis juice administration. Aortic plaques were regressed. E. officinalis juice treated rabbits excreted more cholesterol and phospholipids, suggesting that the mode of absorption was affected. E. officinalis juice is an effective hypolipidaemic agent and can be used as a pharmaceutical tool in hyperlipidaemic subjects.
•Amla Saar is used in treatment of Acne and other skin problems.
•Amla Saar is very effective in treatment of Acidity and Peptic ulcers.
•Amla Saar is rich in Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, essential amino acids and many other vitamins and minerals and anti-oxidants.
•Regular Use of Amla Saar improves immunity, fights cancers, rejuvenates the body.
•It fights chronic diseases like hypertension, high Cholesterol, Diabetes, AIDS, influenza, Chronic cough and cold, Chronic infections, Chronic fatigue and Chronic inflammatory conditions.
•Ayurveda describes it as one of the best herbs for Diabetes, bleeding disorders, strength and stamina promoter.
The lipid lowering and antiatherosclerotic effects of Emblica officinalis (Amla) fresh juice were evaluated in cholesterol-fed rabbits (rendered hyperlipidaemic by atherogenic diet and cholesterol feeding). E. officinalis fresh juice was administered at a dose of 5 ml/kg body weight per rabbit per day for 60 days. Serum cholesterol, TG, phospholipid and LDL levels were lowered by 82%, 66%, 77% and 90%, respectively. Similarly, the tissue lipid levels showed a significant reduction following E. officinalis juice administration. Aortic plaques were regressed. E. officinalis juice treated rabbits excreted more cholesterol and phospholipids, suggesting that the mode of absorption was affected. E. officinalis juice is an effective hypolipidaemic agent and can be used as a pharmaceutical tool in hyperlipidaemic subjects.
•Amla Saar is used in treatment of Acne and other skin problems.
•Amla Saar is very effective in treatment of Acidity and Peptic ulcers.
•Amla Saar is rich in Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, essential amino acids and many other vitamins and minerals and anti-oxidants.
•Regular Use of Amla Saar improves immunity, fights cancers, rejuvenates the body.
•It fights chronic diseases like hypertension, high Cholesterol, Diabetes, AIDS, influenza, Chronic cough and cold, Chronic infections, Chronic fatigue and Chronic inflammatory conditions.
•Ayurveda describes it as one of the best herbs for Diabetes, bleeding disorders, strength and stamina promoter.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Nutritive value in 100 grams of amla
Energry(Ecals) 58
Moisture(gm) 82
Protein(gm) 0
Fat(gm) 0
Mineral(gm) 0
Fibre(gm) 3
Carbohydrates(gm) 14
Calcium(mg) 50
Phosphorous(mg) 20
Iron(mg) 1
Monday, July 20, 2009
Pest Control on Indian Goosebery
The medicinal plants have to be grown without chemical fertilizers and use of pesticides. Organic manures like, Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Vermi-Compost, Green Manure etc. may be used as per requirement of the species. To prevent diseases, bio-pesticides could be prepared (either single or mixture) from Neem (kernel, seeds & leaves), Chitrakmool, Dhatura, Cow's urine etc.
Cultivation Practices
Botanical Name : Embilica officinalis
Common Name : Amla.
Family : Euphorbiaceae
Habit : Deciduous, 2.5ft ht.
Habitat : Deciduous forests all over India. Upto 5000ft.
Parts used : Fruits.
Uses : Anti-aging, anti oxidant, antacid, memory booster, cardio
tunic, diabeties mellitus, bronchisal asthma.
Lifespan : 75-100yrs
Cultivation
1. Soils : Red ,black with wide range of pH..
2. Propagation : Budding, grafting
3. Sowing : Feb-mar, Jun-Jul
4. Spacing : 18x20ft
5. Climate : Tropical& subtropical.
6. Areas : India.
7. Harvest : 3-5 yrs
8. Yield : 120-150 kg per plant.
9. Processing & Extraction : Pulp
Common Name : Amla.
Family : Euphorbiaceae
Habit : Deciduous, 2.5ft ht.
Habitat : Deciduous forests all over India. Upto 5000ft.
Parts used : Fruits.
Uses : Anti-aging, anti oxidant, antacid, memory booster, cardio
tunic, diabeties mellitus, bronchisal asthma.
Lifespan : 75-100yrs
Cultivation
1. Soils : Red ,black with wide range of pH..
2. Propagation : Budding, grafting
3. Sowing : Feb-mar, Jun-Jul
4. Spacing : 18x20ft
5. Climate : Tropical& subtropical.
6. Areas : India.
7. Harvest : 3-5 yrs
8. Yield : 120-150 kg per plant.
9. Processing & Extraction : Pulp
Ayurvedic Health Benefits of Amla:
•Excellent source of Vitamin C
•Enhances food absorption
•]Balances stomach acids
•Fortifies the liver
•Nourishes the brain and mental functioning
•Supports the heart
•Strengthens the lungs
•Regulates elimination
•Enhances fertility
•Helps the urinary system
•Good for the skin
•Promotes healthier hair
•Acts as a body coolant
•Flushes out toxins
•Increases vitality
•Strengthens the eyes
•Improves muscle tone
Rich Source of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is important for human beings. It is necessary for the synthesis of the inter cellular cement "collagen". Collagen is responsible for keeping the cells of the body together. 100 Gms of amla contains - 700 mg Vitamin C. If amla is dried in the shade then much of the vitamin C is retained. To get the maximum out of amla it should be taken raw with very little salt
The amla fruit contains more than 80% of water. It also has protein, carbohydrate, fibre, minerals and vitamins. It also contains Gallic acid which is a potent polyphenol
The amla fruit contains more than 80% of water. It also has protein, carbohydrate, fibre, minerals and vitamins. It also contains Gallic acid which is a potent polyphenol
Plant anatomy and harvesting
The tree is small to medium sized, reaching 8 to 18 m in height, with a crooked trunk and spreading branches. The branchlets are glabrous or finely pubescent, 10-20 cm long, usually deciduous; the leaves simple, subsessile and closely set along branchlets, light green, resembling pinnate leaves. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The fruit is nearly spherical, light greenish yellow, quite smooth and hard on appearance, with 6 vertical stripes or furrows.
Ripening in autumn, the berries are harvested by hand after climbing to upper branches bearing the fruits. The taste of Indian gooseberry is sour, bitter and astringent, and is quite fibrous. In India, it is common to eat gooseberries steeped in salt water and turmeric to make the sour fruits palatable.
[edit] Medical research
Indian gooseberry has undergone preliminary research, demonstrating in vitro antiviral and antimicrobial properties.[2] There is preliminary evidence in vitro that its extracts induce apoptosis and modify gene expression in osteoclasts involved in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.[3]
Experimental preparations of leaves, bark or fruit have shown potential efficacy against laboratory models of disease, such as for inflammation, cancer, age-related renal disease, and diabetes.[4][5][6]
A human pilot study demonstrated reduction of blood cholesterol levels in both normal and hypercholesterolemic men.[7] Another very recent study with alloxan-induced diabetic rats given an aqueous amla fruit extract has shown significant decrease of the blood glucose as well as triglyceridemic levels and an improvement of the liver function caused by a normalization of the liver-specific enzyme alanine transaminase (ALT) activity.[8]
Although fruits are reputed to contain high amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), 445 mg/100g,[9] the specific contents are disputed and the overall antioxidant strength of amla may derive instead from its high density of tannins and other polyphenols.[10] The fruit also contains flavonoids, kaempferol, ellagic acid and gallic acid.[10][11]
[edit] Traditional uses
In folk medicine, dried and fresh fruits of the plant are used. All parts of the plant are used in various Ayurvedic/Unani Medicine [Jawarish Amla] herbal preparations, including the fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers.[12] According to Ayurveda, amla fruit is sour (amla) and astringent (kashaya) in taste (rasa), with sweet (madhura), bitter (tikta) and pungent (katu) secondary tastes (anurasas).[12] Its qualities (gunas) are light (laghu) and dry (ruksha), the post-digestive effect (vipaka) is sweet (madhura), and its energy (virya) is cooling (shita).[10]
According to Ayurveda, amla is specific to pitta due to its sweet taste and cooling energy.[12] However, amla is thought to balance vata by virtue of its sour taste, and kapha due to its astringent taste and drying action. It may be used as a rasayana (rejuvenative]] to promote longevity, and traditionally to enhance digestion (dipanapachana), treat constipation (anuloma), reduce fever (jvaraghna), purify the blood (raktaprasadana), reduce cough (kasahara), alleviate asthma (svasahara), strengthen the heart (hrdaya), benefit the eyes (chakshushya), stimulate hair growth (romasanjana), enliven the body (jivaniya), and enhance intellect (medhya).[12] According to Unani System of Medicine the Mizaj of Amla is Sard Khushk so that it is very good remedy for Haar Amraz[Hot Diseases][clarification needed]
In Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations, Indian gooseberry is a common constituent, and most notably is the primary ingredient in an ancient herbal rasayana called Chyawanprash.[10] This formula, which contains 43 herbal ingredients as well as clarified butter, sesame oil, sugar cane juice, and honey, was first mentioned in the Charaka Samhita as a premier rasayana or rejuvenative compound.[13][14]
A jar of South Indian Andhra amla picklePopularly used in inks, shampoos and hair oils, the high tannin content of Indian gooseberry fruit serves as a mordant for fixing dyes in fabrics.[12] Amla shampoos and hair oil are traditionally believed to nourish the hair and scalp and prevent premature grey hair.[citation needed]
In Hinduism, amla is regarded as a sacred tree worshipped as Mother Earth.
The tree is small to medium sized, reaching 8 to 18 m in height, with a crooked trunk and spreading branches. The branchlets are glabrous or finely pubescent, 10-20 cm long, usually deciduous; the leaves simple, subsessile and closely set along branchlets, light green, resembling pinnate leaves. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The fruit is nearly spherical, light greenish yellow, quite smooth and hard on appearance, with 6 vertical stripes or furrows.
Ripening in autumn, the berries are harvested by hand after climbing to upper branches bearing the fruits. The taste of Indian gooseberry is sour, bitter and astringent, and is quite fibrous. In India, it is common to eat gooseberries steeped in salt water and turmeric to make the sour fruits palatable.
[edit] Medical research
Indian gooseberry has undergone preliminary research, demonstrating in vitro antiviral and antimicrobial properties.[2] There is preliminary evidence in vitro that its extracts induce apoptosis and modify gene expression in osteoclasts involved in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.[3]
Experimental preparations of leaves, bark or fruit have shown potential efficacy against laboratory models of disease, such as for inflammation, cancer, age-related renal disease, and diabetes.[4][5][6]
A human pilot study demonstrated reduction of blood cholesterol levels in both normal and hypercholesterolemic men.[7] Another very recent study with alloxan-induced diabetic rats given an aqueous amla fruit extract has shown significant decrease of the blood glucose as well as triglyceridemic levels and an improvement of the liver function caused by a normalization of the liver-specific enzyme alanine transaminase (ALT) activity.[8]
Although fruits are reputed to contain high amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), 445 mg/100g,[9] the specific contents are disputed and the overall antioxidant strength of amla may derive instead from its high density of tannins and other polyphenols.[10] The fruit also contains flavonoids, kaempferol, ellagic acid and gallic acid.[10][11]
[edit] Traditional uses
In folk medicine, dried and fresh fruits of the plant are used. All parts of the plant are used in various Ayurvedic/Unani Medicine [Jawarish Amla] herbal preparations, including the fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers.[12] According to Ayurveda, amla fruit is sour (amla) and astringent (kashaya) in taste (rasa), with sweet (madhura), bitter (tikta) and pungent (katu) secondary tastes (anurasas).[12] Its qualities (gunas) are light (laghu) and dry (ruksha), the post-digestive effect (vipaka) is sweet (madhura), and its energy (virya) is cooling (shita).[10]
According to Ayurveda, amla is specific to pitta due to its sweet taste and cooling energy.[12] However, amla is thought to balance vata by virtue of its sour taste, and kapha due to its astringent taste and drying action. It may be used as a rasayana (rejuvenative]] to promote longevity, and traditionally to enhance digestion (dipanapachana), treat constipation (anuloma), reduce fever (jvaraghna), purify the blood (raktaprasadana), reduce cough (kasahara), alleviate asthma (svasahara), strengthen the heart (hrdaya), benefit the eyes (chakshushya), stimulate hair growth (romasanjana), enliven the body (jivaniya), and enhance intellect (medhya).[12] According to Unani System of Medicine the Mizaj of Amla is Sard Khushk so that it is very good remedy for Haar Amraz[Hot Diseases][clarification needed]
In Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations, Indian gooseberry is a common constituent, and most notably is the primary ingredient in an ancient herbal rasayana called Chyawanprash.[10] This formula, which contains 43 herbal ingredients as well as clarified butter, sesame oil, sugar cane juice, and honey, was first mentioned in the Charaka Samhita as a premier rasayana or rejuvenative compound.[13][14]
A jar of South Indian Andhra amla picklePopularly used in inks, shampoos and hair oils, the high tannin content of Indian gooseberry fruit serves as a mordant for fixing dyes in fabrics.[12] Amla shampoos and hair oil are traditionally believed to nourish the hair and scalp and prevent premature grey hair.[citation needed]
In Hinduism, amla is regarded as a sacred tree worshipped as Mother Earth.
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