Amla Oil

Amla is the common name of the Indian gooseberry tree and its fruits. As the name suggests, the tree is native to the Indian subcontinent, and has been a renowned herb in Ayurveda. The scientific name of the Indian gooseberry tree is Emblica officinalis.

Amla or the Indian gooseberry is a small to medium-sized, deciduous tree. The leaves of the tree are linear and oblong in shape and closely resemble the pinnate leaves. The tree produces greenish, or yellow-colored flowers in spring. The fruits or 'amlas' are small and spherical in shape, and are light green or greenish yellow in color. They ripen in autumn.

The benefits of amla can be attributed to its high vitamin C or ascorbic acid content, and the presence of pectin and tannins.

Amla is considered a natural remedy for digestive problems and constipation. Amla is believed to purify the blood, improve vision, stimulate hair growth, reduce cough, and enhance intellect.

Recent studies have pointed out that amla can be immensely beneficial for lowering the level of cholesterol, improving liver functions, increasing hemoglobin, and regulating blood sugar. It is the wonder herb that is believed to promote longevity.

It is also used for cosmetic purposes, especially to get long and lustrous hair. One of the most well-known benefits of amla is that it can stimulate hair growth. The amla oil is an excellent natural hair conditioner, that is extracted from the dried berries. The dried berries are soaked in coconut oil for a few days, then boiled to obtain the greenish oil.

According to Ayurveda, hair loss is caused by 'pitta-dosha', which can be cured by using amla. The oil obtained from the berries can be used to prevent hair loss, along with some other popular herbs like shikakai and reetha. Its active ingredients can enrich the hair from the roots and stimulate hair growth.

It can also make the roots strong, and prevent excessive hair loss. Being an excellent conditioner, amla oil can soften dry hair and add a natural shine or luster to it. As amla has a cooling and calming effect on the body and mind, the application of this oil can help you de-stress and relax.

Premature hair graying is one of the most common problems experienced by many youngsters. Amla is known to improve hair pigmentation, and prevent premature graying of hair. As it has a cooling effect on the body and mind, it can ensure better sleep and reduce stress.

Apart from amla oil, many people soak the dried berries or amlas in water overnight, and use this water as a last rinse while shampooing their hair. Like the oil, the water can also nourish your hair.

So, amla oil can provide nourishment to your hair, promote hair growth, and prevent hair fall and premature graying, besides helping you to get sound sleep and reduce stress. For best results, use it to massage your scalp with the fingertips. Then wrap your head with a warm towel for a few hours, before washing it off with a mild shampoo.

Use it at least twice or thrice a week to get long, thick, and glossy hair. You can also leave the oil on your hair for the whole night to provide deep nourishment.