Amla
Sanskrit: Amalaki
Phyllanthus emblica
A sour, cooling fruit traditionally valued as a daily rejuvenative and a household source of freshness for skin and hair.
Also known as
Amalaki · Indian gooseberry · Nellikai · Aonla
- hindi:
- Amla
- tamil:
- Nellikai
- telugu:
- Usiri
- bengali:
- Amloki
- marathi:
- Awala
Parts used
- Fresh fruit
- Dried fruit
- Fruit powder
Traditional overview
- Used traditionally as a daily rasayana (rejuvenative)
- Taken as fresh juice, dried pieces or powder
- Used in hair oils and rinses in home traditions
Common traditional forms
- fresh fruit
- juice
- dried powder
- preserve
- infused oil
Wellness tags
- digestion
- immunity
- skin
- hair
- rejuvenation
Body focus
- stomach
- liver
- skin
- hair
Concerns
- low appetite
- seasonal dryness
- dull skin
What to know before use
An ordinary food fruit at culinary level — eaten fresh, as juice, murabba or a small spoon of powder. Its sourness can aggravate reflux or sensitive teeth in some people, and it is best taken with or after food. Concentrated extracts and high-dose supplements are a different category and warrant clinician advice, especially alongside blood-thinning or diabetes medicines.
Important cautions
Widely used as a food. Very sour, so some people find it uncomfortable on an empty stomach.
Who should avoid it
- People with a known allergy to the fruit
- Those advised to limit sour foods
Medicine interactions
- Discuss with your doctor if you take blood-thinning or blood-sugar medicines
PregnancyFood amounts are traditionally common; talk to your doctor before concentrated supplements in pregnancy.
ChildrenFood amounts are traditionally given to children; check with a paediatrician before supplements.
Quality and buying guidance
Fresh amla should be firm, heavy and unbruised. Dried fruit and powder should be pale khaki-green with a clean sour smell — dull brown, sweet-smelling or clumped powder suggests age or moisture damage. Buy from a supplier that states harvest or expiry, and store powder airtight away from light, as its freshness fades quickly.
What does the evidence say?
This is primarily an established food with a long record of ordinary dietary use; nutritional information is better documented than medicinal claims.
Related ingredients
Traditional wellness information only — not medical advice. Start small, and check with a qualified practitioner if you are pregnant, nursing, treating a child, or managing a medical condition.