Amla Fruit (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla Fruit

Botanical name:Phyllanthus emblica syn. Emblica officinalis

Sanskrit Name: Amalaki;

English name: Indian Gooseberry,

Other names: Amla, Awala, Aonla.

So much is talked about amla fruit now a day that nothing seems to left to talk! People all over are listing benefits provided by amla fruit and I think nothing is left untouched that will not be cured by amla. But it is somewhat true as Indian Ayurveda always described this fruit as beneficial for nail to hair.Ayurveda physicians have Sanskrit synonyms for this fruit that mean the ‘sustainer’, ‘the fruit where the goddess of prosperity resides’

Amla is basically found in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and some part of Malaysia. In India, amla was mostly found in Uttar Pradesh (UP). Pratapgarh town in UP is known as Amla City of India as most of amla is grown there. The amla was grown for last several decades by small, uneducated farmers. But for last few years, several educated and especially NRIs (Non Residing Indians) have taken keen interest in cultivating amla seeing the demand of amla and amla products all across world. Hence, now Rajasthan has took over UP in amla cultivation. Several NRIs have farm-house in Rajasthan cultivating amla. Not only Rajasthan, but also several other states such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab are having several thousand acres of amla plantation.

Why amla never become table-top fruit like mango or apple?

When amla fruit is having such powerful medicinal values, why it is not consumed like other fruits such as mango, apple or other berries? The answer to this question is its sour taste! Amla became famous worldwide as main constituent of Chyvanprash, which is the most popular rejuvenator in the world. In India, it is consumed in almost every home in the form of Murabba (Amla preserved in sugar syrup).

Now amla processing is picked up in India and efforts are made to develop products that are good in taste so that people can consume amla everyday and improve health. Amla is a Rich source of Vitamin “C” which is required by human being to develop their immune system.

Several properties that are talked about amla are as follows:

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, Immuno Modulator, anti-bacterial, expectorant, antipyretic, cardio tonic, anti-emetic, anabolic

It is considered to cure or help in skin problems, hair problems, acidity, diabetes, asthma, cholesterol and cholesterol induced atherosclerosis (Obstruction of the arteries), etc.

Amla is getting popular all across globe among people as well as commercial organizations (Pharma MNCs),  as rich source of Natural Vitamin “C”