What is Dry Amla?
One can consume Amla in many different forms. It is a versatile fruit that can be pickled into Amla murabba or strained as Amla juice. However, dry Amla is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods on earth. Amla dry fruit works brilliantly for most parts of the body, commonly used in several Ayurvedic and herbal preparations.
One Amla is equal to how many apples?
One Amla is equal to 10 apples. This comes as no surprise, seeing the Indian gooseberry’s benefits and use in Ayurvedic medicines.
How is Amla Dried, and Why?
Amla powder is dried to be preserved for several years and consumed daily for maximum health benefits.
Dried gooseberry is obtained by drying fresh amla fruits. Clean the Indian gooseberry and sun-dry them on a thick cotton cloth. The drying process removes all the water, and Amla’s nutrients get fully concentrated. It may take 6-8 days to be dried and crisp. The dried part contains all the concentrations of nutrients present in it.
How many Amla to eat in a day?
The recommended intake is about 1-2 Amla daily. You can consume this quantity in different forms.
Also read: Shikakai shampoo and oil for hair
Benefits of Eating Dry Amla Daily
Reduces the risk of heart disease
Dry amla fruit has been considered a cardioactive medication since ancient times in India. Research shows that Amla helps decrease cholesterol levels; it also helps prevent the building up of bad cholesterol and reduces triglyceride levels that otherwise pose a risk to heart health.
How to have it?
For effective results, take 0.5 grams of dry amla powder two times a day for 12 weeks. It can be consumed orally with water or can be mixed in Ayurvedic supplements.
Keeps your skin hydrated and glowing
Healthy skin is one of the most significant Nellikai benefits. According to studies, dry amla extracts are used for different types of skin disorders. It is effective in treating scabies, dry skin, and wrinkled skin. This wonder fruit has exceptional skin photo-protective effects that protect skin from harmful UVB radiations. That is why Amla is used for therapeutic and cosmetic applications.
To avail dry amla benefits for skin, consume dry Amla daily. Add dry amla powder to your face mask for a natural glow.
Anti-cancer properties
According to studies, amla extracts have shown anti-cancer properties and are used to prevent and treat cancer. It helps in blocking cancer cells from spreading. Amla is rich in antioxidants, which helps in fighting free radicals in the body. This reduces cell damage and hence controls the risk of cancer.
How and When to have it?
To get nellikai benefits, consume 1 gram of dry Amla in powder form with lukewarm water every morning. You can also add honey to it.
An effective cure for constipation
Another significant Amla fruit benefit is regularising bowel movement. It helps avoid constipation and enhances the secretion of gastric juices. It also helps in the easy expulsion of stool due to its laxative properties. Dry amla fruit reduces gastrointestinal problems by improving digestion. It works as a gastroprotective agent.
How and when to have it?
To avail Dry amla benefits for constipation, take 1 teaspoon of Amla every night with warm water.
Good for hair
Amla is great for your hair because it strengthens hair follicles and reduces biomarkers of oxidative stress. It increases blood circulation in the scalp, thus stimulating hair growth. It also helps manage the problem of dandruff and prevents premature greying.
How to use dry amla powder?
Amla churna is a form of dry Amla and has multiple applications.
- Amla powder is applied as a hair mask ingredient. You can apply dry amla paste to hair roots to improve growth and colour. For this, mix dry amla powder in henna or oil, and use it on your hair. Leave till it is dry, and wash with normal water.
- To treat dry scalp, make a paste with shikakai, yoghurt, and amla powder. Apply this hair mask on for an hour and wash it off with water.
- Amla powder can be mixed with a face pack and applied to the skin to help get rid of acne, wrinkles, and blemishes.
Also read: Ayurvedic Bhringraj powder for hair
References
Tiejun Zhao, Qiang Sun. (2015) Anticancer Properties of Phyllanthus emblica (Indian Gooseberry) (U.S. National Library of Medicine) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4477227/
Sachin L. Badole, Anand A. Zanwar. (2013) Role of Emblica officinalis in Prevention of Skin Disease. (Bioactive Dietary Factors and Plant Extracts in Dermatology) pp.439-444. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/302044792_Role_of_Emblica_officinalis_in_Prevention_of_Skin_Disease
Fataneh Hashem-Dabaghian, Mojtaba Ziaee. (2018) A systematic review on the cardiovascular pharmacology of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (Journal of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Research) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6203864/
