Benefits

• Regular use will promote vigour in the body
• Removes heaviness of head and dullness of brain
• Controls irritable temperament
• Treatment of respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchitis
• Reduces the blood sugar in diabetes
• Effective remedy for heart disease
• Useful in preserving eyesight. It is highly helpful in the treatment of conjunctivitis and glaucoma
• Effective medicine in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery
• Contains nutrients which help prevent ageing and in maintaining strength in old age
• It improves body resistance and protects against infection
• Excellent hair tonic for enriching hair growth
• Stops premature greying of hair
• Removes chronic constipation

Amla juice

Wash the fruit well. Crush lightly on a stone. Remove seed. Grind well in a mixer. Dilute with water and strain. Drink immediately. This drink is particularly helpful in the treatment of anaemia. It should be taken every morning on an empty stomach for best results.

External applications

It is commonly used in many Ayurvedic medicines due to its cool and astringent properties for bodily defects. The fruit, cut into pieces, is dried preferably in the shade. These pieces are then boiled in coconut oil till it dissolves. This darkish oil is an excellent remedy for graying of hair.

Combinations with other foods

• Equal quantity of amla powder, jamun powder and bitter-gourd powder make a very useful remedy for diabetics
• Juice of amla mixed with honey is useful in preserving eyesight
• A drink made from amla mixed with lemon juice and misri is considered highly beneficial in controlling acute dysentery

The best way to take Amla with the least loss of Vitamin C is to eat it raw with a little salt. Amla can be preserved for a long period when it is dried and turned into powder.

Pic: Spicesofindia.co.uk