Amla ~ Emblica officinalis

Amla/Amalaki/Indian Gooseberry

Latin name: Emblica officinalis

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Part used: fruit

Habitat: native to India

Main constituents: vitamin C, bioflavonoids

Energetics: sour

Main herbal actions: nutritive tonic, rejuvenative, esp. for blood, liver, bones, and heart, antioxidant, enhances production of red blood cells and antibodies, regulates blood sugar, anti-inflammatory, astringent, hemostatic, stomachic

Minor herbal actions: aphrodisiac, laxative

Main medicinal uses: diabetes, inflammatory GI conditions, nearsightedness, cataracts, anemia, constipation, mental disorders, osteoporosis, ulcerations, part of the triphala formula in Ayurveda

Minor medicinal uses: melanoma, gout, painful urination, internal bleeding

Preparations: decoction, powder- up to 10 grams (Khalsa)

Contraindications: none known

Toxicity: may cause acute diarrhea (rare- Khalsa)

Sources: http://www.holistic-online.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h123.htm, www.freedompressonline.com/DPHL/v7i1/71-p4.pdf; http://www.downunderhealth.com/newsletters/may2002.html; www.nutraceutic.com/Products/Ayurveda

Module 3 slide 64

Amla Candy