Amla, the fruit of India that strengthens and gives shine to your hair

Amla is a medicinal tree of the ayurvedic tradition whose use is lost in time. Its properties make it ideal for natural hair care.

In this article we invite you to discover the most interesting details of this plant and the properties of its fruitsfrom which amla for hair is obtained.

what is amla

When we talk about amla for cosmetic use, we are referring to the powder or oil that is obtained from the fruit of the Phyllanthus emblica L.. It is a medium-sized tree that is also known by another scientific name: Emblica officinalis Gaertn.

The region of origin of this species is Southeast Asia and it grows in countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia or North Australia.

For this reason, depending on the town of origin, it is known by different popular names: amalaka, amlaki, bad, nellikkai… In English it is the Indian gooseberry either emblicwhile in Spanish it is known as amla or Indian gooseberry.

Of the Emblica officinalis The fruits are used for their properties and nutrients. They have the appearance of small greenish-yellow balloons similar to berries and are harvested in autumn.

Outstanding nutrients and properties

Ayurveda medicine has used the fruits of the amla tree for centuries, taking advantage of its healing properties.

According to this system of traditional medicine, amla is a plant “Rasayana” (rejuvenating), because it brings energy and vitality. Due to its characteristics and properties, amla is associated with the treatment and prevention of many health problems.

Knowing the nutrients concentrated in these small round fruits will allow us to understand why the Indian gooseberry is so precious. The raw pulp of amla contains abundant vitamins and mineral salts, among which are:

Vitamin CF Phosphorus Calcium Potassium Manganese

Besides, the Emblica officinalis It is rich in phenolic compounds (especially tannins) which, together with vitamin C, give it a great antioxidant effect.

Due to the high concentration of vitamin C and tannins the taste is quite acidic and astringent. For this reason, in India and other nearby regions, the fruits are macerated in water and salt for a while in order to eliminate part of the tannins and to make it more palatable.

He consumption of macerated raw fruit It is common in countries where this fruit grows wild and is used to improve digestion among other applications.

However, in the West, mostly amla powder or oil are used for hair care.

But what does this plant give us for the health and beauty of the hair?

benefits of amla for hair

Thanks to its antioxidant active compounds, amla protects and strengthens the mane.

Amla in hair, in fact, has many benefits for hair and scalp:

Anti fall. The phytoelements of this fruit promote circulation and nourish the hair at the root, stimulating growth and preventing seasonal hair loss.Fight dandruff. Thanks to the abundance of vitamin C, the Indian gooseberry has an anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and antibacterial action that prevents the formation of dandruff and reduces build-up.Delays premature graying of hair. The antioxidants in amla work by slowing the damaging effects of oxidative stress, which can accelerate the appearance of gray hair and increase dryness.Promotes growth. The regular use of masks, oils and other natural products based on amla rich in mineral salts and fatty acids favor hair growth, which will also look healthier, more voluminous and shiny.Against lice. Shampoos with extracts of amla and other plants are effective as a natural treatment against nits.

Amla can also be used to care for the skin for its moisturizing, rejuvenating and bactericidal effect. But the benefits of this plant go beyond cosmetic properties.

How to use amla for hair

For the health and beauty of your hair you can take advantage of amla powder or amla oil. In both cases, you will have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for a correct application.

Amla oil: Amla oil can usually be apply directly on the scalp performing light circular massages with the tips of the fingers and leaving a few 30 minutes before washing hair. This application can be repeated twice a week.Amla powder: With amla powder you can prepare amla face masks for hair that are obtained by mixing the powder with warm filtered water until a creamy consistency is obtained. It is applied from roots to ends on clean and damp hair. Leave for half an hour and rinse. Also, it can be repeated twice a week.

The soul mask strengthens the hair, reducing the fall and helps prevent the appearance of premature gray hair. Due to its antioxidant properties that care for and protect hair, amla is very often used in the herbal mixture for henna. Especially in the hennas of dark tones.

Other health benefits

The Emblica officinalis From which amla powder or oil is obtained Amla is a plant that has been used traditionally for centuries in the treatment or prevention of various diseases.

In fact, the high concentration of antioxidant active ingredients found in its fruit and its traditional application have been the starting point of a large number of recent scientific investigations.

Although more studies are needed to validate its efficacy as a treatment, there is evidence on the potential benefits of amla extracts in case of:

Heartburn. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Some types of cancer. Control of blood sugar levels.

In addition, it has shown protective action on the heart, liver and regulator of the immune system.

For internal use the fruit macerated in salt water or juice is used. There are also food supplements with amla extracts that will be taken following the instructions of a health professional.

contraindications

There are no specific contraindications for the cosmetic use of amla. However, it is recommended perform a sensitivity test if it is the first time it is used.

Besides, if you have dyed hairkeep in mind that the plant pigments in amla could alter your color if you apply it frequently.

Sources consulted:

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/amla-powder-for-hair#how-to-use

https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1902/2

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-amla#1