English name for Indian gooseberry is Emblica myrobalan. Indian Gooseberry is a wonderful fruit and one of the precious gifts of nature to man.
It is probably the richest known natural sources of vitamin C which is readily assimilated by the human
system. It contributes greatly towards health and longivity.
Food Value
Indian gooseberry is valued chiefly for its high vitamin C content. The vitamin C value of amla increases further when the juice is extracted from the fruit.
Natural Benefits and Curative Properties
Many medicinal virtues have been attributed to Indian gooseberry. The fresh fruit is light, laxative and diuretic. A
tablespoonful each of fresh gooseberry juice and honey mixed together forms a very valuable medicine for the treatment of
several ailments. It should be taken every morning. Its regular use will promote vigour in the
body within a few days. When fresh fruit is not available, dry powder can be mixed with honey.
Respiratory Disorders
This medicinal tonic is highly beneficial in the treatment of respiratory disorders. It is especially valuable in tuberculosis of the lungs, asthma and
bronchitis.
Diabetes
Indian gooseberry, with its high vitamin C content, is considered valuable in diabetes. A tablespoonful of its juice, mixed with a cup of fresh
bitter gourd juice, taken daily for two months will stimulate the islets of Lengerhans i.e. - the isolated group of cells that the
secrete hormone insulin. It thus reduces the blood sugar in diabetes. Diet restrictions should be strictly observed while taking this medicine. It will also
prevent eye complications in diabetes.
Equal quantity of amla powder, jamun powder (English name: Rose Apple or Java Plum) and bitter-gourd powder
also make a very useful food remedy for diabetics. A teaspoonful of this mixture once or twice a day would be
effective in checking the progress of the disease.
Heart Disease
Indian Gooseberry is considered an effective remedy for heart disease. It tones up the functions of all the organs
of the body and builds up health by destroying the heterogenous elements and renewing the body energy.
Eye Disorders
The juice of Indian gooseberry, mixed with honey, is useful in preserving eye sight. It will also be
beneficial in the treatment of conjunctivitis and glucoma. It reduces intraocular tension in a remarkable manner. A cupful of this juice should be
taken mixed with honey twice daily in such cases.
Rheumatism
The Indian gooseberry is useful in the treatment of rheumatism. One teaspoonful of powder of the dry fruit mixed with two
teaspoonfuls of jaggery should be taken twice a daily for a month in this disease.
Scurvy
As an extremely rich source of vitamin C, Indian gooseberry is one of the best remedies for scurvy. Powder of dry gooseberry mixed with
equal quantity of sugar should be taken in doses of one teaspoonful three times daily with milk.
Diarrhoea and Dysentery
The dried fruit is valuable in diarrhoea and dysentery. A drink make from amla mixed with lemon juice and sugar candy (misri) is considered highly
beneficial in controlling acute bacillary dysentery. One tablespoonful of the paste of leaves mixed with honey or
butter-milk also makes an effective medicine in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery.
Prevents Ageing
Indian gooseberry has revitalising effects. It contains an element which is very valuable in preventing ageing and in
maintaining strength in old age. It improves body resistance and protects against infection. It strengthens the heart, hair and
different glands in the body.
Hair Tonic
Indian gooseberry is an accepted hair tonic in traditional recipes for enriching hair growth and hair pigmentation. The
fruit, cut into pieces, is dried preferably in shade. The pieces are boiled in coconut oil till the solid matter becomes like charred dust.
This darkish oil is an excellent oil to prevent greying. The water in which dried amla pieces are soaked overnight is also nourishing to hair. This
water should be used for the last rinse while washing the hair.
