Amla, also known as the Indian gooseberry is THE ayurvedic superfood recommended for everyday consumption that transcends body type & season. It is anti-ageing, improves immunity and gives you amazing skin & hair.
Amla is one of the rasayana (rejuvenating) herb in Ayurveda. It is known as Dhatri (mother) which symbolises it's nurturing and healing qualities.
It has the highest content of Vitamin C and is considered Satvic (pure). Amla is good for everyone, balances all 3 doshas and it can be consumed all year round. It is one of the most anti-ageing fruit as per Ayurveda, which boosts immunity and overall health.
Amla has a predominant sour taste but a sweet post digestive effect, which makes it particularly good for reducing Pitta.
It is used in star Ayurvedic preparations such as Triphala and Chaywanprash. It can fight off cough, ulcers, constipation, manage diabetes, cholesterol and gives you amazing skin and hair.
How to consume Amla
There are many ways to consume it! Amla juice, raw amla, amla powder (with sesame oil, honey or warm water), amla jam with rock sugar or even in pickles.
Chaywanprash is a herbal jam which uses Amla as the main ingredient. 1-2 tsp of Chaywanprash in the morning gives you energy, strength and immunity. It is particulary recommended for growing children and old age people to provide the adequate amount of nourishment and energy.
Amalaki Panak
This amla drink is the best alcaline drink: it is pitta balancing (reduces heat in your body), helps with sun stokes, skin conditions and helps in detoxifying toxins.
How to make it
Mix 4 grated amla into 1l of water, 2 tbsp of honey or rock sugar. Filter and enjoy!
Simple Amla with honey
Cook fresh amla with water and a few cloves & cinnamon.
Instant pot: 3 mins
Pressure cooker: 2 whistles
Or boil them until soft.
Filter and keep the cooking water as a drink (add honey) as its full of vitamin C.
Deseed the amla and let them cool down
Add honey and store in the clean jar
Store in the fridge for 1 month max
Eat one amla a day
If you can't get fresh amla, use frozen amla and follow the same steps.
How to use Amla externally
Amla is a cooling herb and particularly good for skin and hair conditions. Here are some lovely recipes for you to try.
To exfoliate, take a tbsp of amla powder with 1/2 a tbsp of lemon juice and sugar. Mix well and scrub those impurities with it. Wash off your face with normal water for dead skin free skin!
To remove hyperpigmentation & sun tan, take 2 tbsp of amla powder and one tbsp yoghurt and mix in some honey to create a smooth but thick paste. Apply the mask onto your face and neck, let it dry and wash off in 10 mins for a better complexion.
To remove pimple & breakouts, mix 1 tbsp of amla powder with 1 tsp of turmeric powder and 1 tbsp of yogurt . Apply this mix on your face and leave it on for 10 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water for healthy and flawless skin.
To prepare a hair growth mask, mix 2 tbsp amla powder, 2 tbsp shikakai powder and 4 tbsp water. Apply this paste as a hair mask to your hair and scalp.Once your scalp and hair are fully covered, leave the mask on for about 40 minutes. Wash your hair with cool water.
Made out of Amla as the main active ingredient, the Keshini collection is a beautiful set of hair oil and hair cleanser/mask that help restore hair & scalp health.
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