Amla
in Sanksrit means “without impurities” or “pure”. The Indian gooseberry (amla) has about 20
times more Vitamin C than an orange. Two tablespoons of fresh Amla
juice, taken with one tablespoon of honey, helps boost the immune system and
improve resistance to ailments, especially those relating to the heart, respiratory
system & reproductive system.
In
Ayurveda, amla is known as a “Rasayana”, which means it has a rejuvenating
effect on the human body. There are several formulas used in Ayurveda for
making health tonics and herbal remedies, in which amla is often one of the
main ingredients. Hence amla is the main
ingredient in making “chyawanprash”, a well known Ayurvedic tonic for
strengthening the immune system.
Fresh
pieces of amla or dry amla powder can be used in cooking, as a substitute for
tomatoes. Even when cooked, the Vitamin C content in amla is not adversely
affected. It is beneficial whether
consumed in summer or in winter, though it is more easily available
in winter.
Fresh
amla paste/chutney taken with honey is an excellent liver tonic, which helps
speed up recovery from jaundice. Also,
amla juice (2 tablespoons) taken with ¼ teaspoon green cardamom seed powder,
helps ease difficulty in urination.
