The Indian gooseberry, known as Amla, has been widely used for medicinal purposes in ancient medical systems such as Ayurveda. It is also commonly used in Indian households in pickles, buttermilk, and various dishes. Some individuals even enjoy eating it raw due to its unique bitter and sour flavour. Regular consumption of Amla can greatly benefit your overall health and can also be used as a natural remedy for certain common health problems. In addition, we will also discuss its potential benefits for skincare and hair care.
Five Common Problems Treated With Amla home remedies:
1. Cold and cough
Amla juice is an effective home remedy for cold and cough. Mix 2 teaspoons of amla juice with equal quantities of honey. Consume the mixture two to three times a day to avail relief from cold and cough.
How to prepare amla juice? To prepare fresh amla juice, chop 1 or 2 amlas into pieces discarding the seed, grind it with little water and filter it to extract the juice.
Pro Tip: Start this remedy as soon as you notice the early signs of cold or cough. It might be a throat ache or a slightly running nose, or occasional bouts of dry cough.
2. Constipation
If you feel constipated, mix a spoonful of amla powder in lukewarm water and drink it before you go to bed to get the much-needed relief.
Since amla is rich in dietary fibre, you can also consider incorporating amla as a part of your diet to prevent constipation in future. You can take it in the form of juice or pickle or just eat the fruit raw.
How to make amla powder? Wash amla and remove the seed. Spread it on a wide plate, dry it under sunlight for 2-3 days. Grind into a fine powder and store it in an airtight container. You can make a batch and store it for about six months.
Also read: Seven Easy Yoga Poses For Constipation Relief
3. Mouth ulcers
Mix 2-3 teaspoons of amla juice to a cup of water and gargle three to four times a day. This home remedy with amla will heal the painful mouth ulcers effectively.
Alternatively, you can mix amla powder in little honey to make a paste and apply it to the mouth ulcer to cure it.
4. Hair growth and dandruff
Using amla on your hair not only enhances hair growth but also prevents dandruff and premature greying.
How to use it? Prepare a hair mask using equal parts of shikakai powder and amla powder mixed in water, apply on hair, leave on for at least 15 minutes and rinse off well with water.
Since shikakai has cleansing properties, you don’t need shampoo; this will be an all-natural hair wash!
If you don’t have access to shikakai powder, what do you do? You can make a hair mask with amla powder and water. Apply on your scalp, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then wash it off with a mild hair cleanser.
5. Acne
Amla is used not only for common health problems, but also for skin problems such as acne. Dab a little bit of amla juice using a cotton ball in the affected area and leave it on for at least 20 minutes. Then, rinse off using lukewarm water. Repeat the process for a few days to treat acne naturally.
Besides, drinking amla juice regularly can help ward off any skin problems and maintain glowing skin even as you age.
Watch: How To Make Amla Chutney?
Note:
- It is always best to consume or use amla in its natural form as a fruit or as powder to reap the medicinal benefits.
- Taking more than recommended quantities of amla can be harmful to health as it is highly potent. Want to know the recommended daily intake and more details about amla? Read here.
- Similarly, if you are under any medication, it is best to consult with your doctor before incorporating amla as a part of your diet to avoid any unwanted drug interaction.
Bottom line
The Indian gooseberry or amla is one of the inexpensive, easily available fruits with several medical benefits. You can include the fruit as a part of your diet regularly for general health. Besides, amla home remedies are worth trying because they are easy to use and give effective results.
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