Amalaki

Question 1

What is the botanical name, english name and hindi name for Amalaki (the nurse)

Answer 1

Botanical: Emblica Officinalis

English: Indian gooseberry

Hindi: Amla

Question 2

What part of the plant is used

Answer 2

The fruit

Question 3

What are the Gunas (qualities)?

Answer 3

Light, dry and cold

Question 4

What is the Rasa?

What is the Virya?

What is the Vipaka?

Answer 4

All tastes except for salty (mainly sour)

Cold

Sweet

Question 5

What doshas are pacified?

Answer 5

Vata, Pitta and Kapha (mainly Pitta)

Question 6

What are the main actions of Amalaki?

Answer 6

Rasayana (rejuvanative)

Aphrodisiac (increases sexual desire)

Laxative

Haemostatic (assists in stopping bleeding, coagulates blood)

Anti-aging

Rich source of Vitamin C (100g of juice contain 920mg of Vitamin C)

Question 7

What tissues are nourished?

Answer 7

All tissues are nourished and Ojas is increased

Question 8

What are the local/topical uses of Amla?

Answer 8

Paste form

• Applied on the forehead relieves Pitta headaches
• Applied on the skin improves skin complexion
• Applied on the genitals to treat dysuria (painful and difficult urination)
• Applied to the head to reduce early greying

Question 9

What are some of the medicinal benefits of Amla?

Answer 9

Deepana (increases digestive fire)

Pachana (digests ama)

Anulomana (mild laxative assisting in eliminating mala ama)

Reduces acid reflux and hyperacidity

Used for liver diseases

Treats ulcers in the stomach, small intestine and duodenum

Beneficial for diabetes (use fresh juice of Amalaki)

Beneficial for nerves and sense organs

Beneficial for eye problems and visual degeneration

Beneficial for treating conjunctivitis (eye infection/inflammation)

Treats menorrhegia (heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding)

Treats leucorrhea (whitish or yellowish vaginal discharge due to infection)

Beneficial for coughs, sore throats, asthma and tuberculosis (infectious bacterial disease of the lungs)