The Health and Beauty Benefits of Amla Essential Oil
Like many essential oils, amla essential oil has many health and beauty benefits. Amla (Indian gooseberry) is a tree that grows in India and the Middle East. The Indian gooseberry has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. Even today, the fruit of the tree is used to make herbal remedies. Amla is known as Indian gooseberry, phyllanthus, emblica, emblic, emblic myrobalan and dhatrik.
The amla tree can reach 8–18 m in height. The amla flowers are green–yellow and the fruit is green–yellow and spherical with six vertical furrows (stripes). The amla fruit ripen in autumn and are harvested by hand from the upper branches bearing the fruits. The flavor of the fruit is somewhat sour and bitter. The texture of the flesh can be very fibrous. In India, the fruit is steeped in salt water and turmeric to tenderize the sour fruits and improve their flavor.
Most people know amla by the name of gooseberry. Amla essential oil is typically manufactured by immersing the dried amla fruit in a carrier oil. For the carrier oil, coconut, mineral or sesame are generally used. After soaking for several days, the fruit solids are removed, and the oil is filtered and purified. The resulting amla essential oil has a strong, musky scent. You can make your own in small quantities at home with this simple recipe.
In Southern India the fruit is usually pickled with salt, oil and spices. Amla is eaten fresh or cooked in a variety of dishes. In Northern India the berries are soaked in a sugar syrup until they’ve reached a sweet flavor and are eaten after meals as a dessert.
| Name | Scientific Name | Origin | Benefits | Caution | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amla (Indian Gooseberry) | Phyllanthus Emblica, Emblic, Emblic Myrobalan | India and the Middle East | Good for scalp and hair health | A patch test should be performed before applying | Airtight dark vial kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight |
The History of Amla
All the various parts of the plant are used to treat a variety of ailments; however the most beneficial part is definitely the fruit. The amla fruit can be used by itself or in combination with other herbs to treat many health conditions.
The ancient Ayurveda used the fresh stems of amla as herb chewing sticks to prevent disease, since the plant has therapeutic and anti–cariogenic properties. Amla was believed to promote oral health, collagen production and strengthen gum tissue.
The Health Benefits of Amla Essential Oil
Amla essential oil is widely used as a therapeutic oil in Ayurveda, the traditional medical practice of India. Amla is the Hindi term for both the plant and the fruit known as Indian gooseberry. Amla essential oil is usually made by infusing coconut oil with fresh Indian gooseberries and then filtering the mixture.
While amla essential oil’s benefits are well–documented in Ayurvedic texts, it has not been the subject of any scientifically valid clinical trials. Read this PDF file for more detailed information about the Health and Beauty Benefits of Amla Essential Oil. Amla essential oil has many health and beauty benefits discussed below.
Therapeutic Uses of Amla Essential Oil
- Prevents Hair Breakage: the main reason for hair breakage is lack of vitamin C, amla is a great source of vitamin C. To prevent breakage, coat hair while it’s damp, from the roots to the ends, and wrap it up in a towel. After an hour, the heat from your scalp will help the oil deep condition your hair. Wash as usual. You can also eat the fruit fresh. To make a good hair mask, combine 2 teaspoons of amla juice and 2 teaspoons of lime juice, mix well and apply it to the scalp. Leave until it dries, then rinse off with warm water.
- Treats Dandruff: amla possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties. For best results, use amla essential oil, as well as a paste made from amla fruit powder and water, and apply them to the scalp. To this paste you can also add a few crushed tulsi leaves. This combination works well at preventing dandruff and an itchy scalp. The dryness and itch can be greatly alleviated by absorbing the oil deeply into the scalp.
- Improves Hair Quality: frequent use of amla essential oil will give you thick, long, strong, and silky hair. It adds volume and moisture to the hair. You can add amla fruit powder to your usual hair mask, or add pure amla essential oil to your shampoos and conditioners.
- Repairs Hair Damage: amla is mostly used as a conditioner for dry and damaged hair. It coats the hair follicle making hair soft, smooth and shiny. Apply amla essential oil to hair after washing and leave it on overnight.
- Prevents Hair Loss: massaging the scalp with amla essential oil will open up the hair follicles. Leave on the scalp for 2 hours, then wash hair with warm water. It will fortify the roots and minimize or prevent hair loss.
- Promotes Hair Growth: massaging amla essential oil into your scalp will promote circulation to the skin and hair follicles. Heightened blood flow means better nourishment to the hair follicles, making hair grow thicker, healthier and faster. Massage a teaspoon amount into your scalp every night before bed.
- Covers Greys: amla essential oil works well at preventing grey hair. This essential oil absorbs deeply, giving you a healthy scalp. A healthy scalp encourages the development of melanin pigment, minimizing the growth of grey hair.
- For Dark Hair: amla essential oil has been used to increase hair luster. This oil contains tannins which are considered to darken hair. It is usually combined with mehndi or henna powder to boost natural hair color.
- For Facial Hair: men trying to promote their beard growth should consider using amla essential oil. Simply massage the oil into your face and leave on for about 15–20 minutes, then wash with lukewarm water. Alternatively, you can grind some mustard leaves into a paste, add a few drops of amla essential oil and apply to the face. Leave on for about 15–20 minutes, then rinse off with water. Repeat this process four times a week. Any remaining mixture will keep refrigerated for 2–3 days.
- Massage: therapeutic massage is an important part of Ayurvedic practice, amla essential oil can be used in massage. Its high vitamin C content works as a moisturizer to prevent dry skin. Ayurvedic experts recommend amla essential oil for massaging the scalp, temples, forehead, and cheekbones.
- Improved Sleep: massage with amla essential oil will help relax the muscles in your neck, which may promote sounder sleep.
How to Make Amla Essential Oil
What You’ll Need
- 100% pure almond or coconut oil
- ½ cup amla fruit powder
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Glass jar with lid
- Strainer lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter
Directions
- Place a medium saucepan on the stove and fill with the almond (or coconut) oil. Turn the heat to “low” setting and slowly bring the temperature to just below boiling.
- Add the Amla powder. Mix well with the spoon. Simmer mixture until the color of the oil starts to turn brown.
- Turn off the stove and remove pan from the heat to allow the oil to cool. Place the lined strainer over the opening of the glass jar. Pour the cooled oil into the jar through the strainer, to filter out the powder particles.
- Allow the oil in the jar to cool completely and close with the lid.
Caution: remove the oil and amla powder mixture from heat as soon as the oil darkens into a clear brown. If the oil continues to heat, it will become too dark, an indication that the beneficial properties (antioxidants, vitamins, enzymes) have oxidized and rendered useless.
How to Use Amla Essential Oil On Your Hair
You only need about a tablespoon of oil for shoulder-length hair. For longer hair, use up to two tablespoons. Amla essential oil can be used on hair in any of the following ways:
- As a leave-in conditioner: apply to wet hair before letting it air dry
- A straightening oil: apply to wet hair, then style with a blow dryer and a paddle brush
- To condition damaged or brittle hair and to increase shine: apply to wet hair, wrap in a towel and leave on overnight; rinse hair well with cool water the following morning
- As a treatment for frizz and split ends: work a couple of drops into the ends of your hair
- As a scalp massage oil to prevent graying hair.
Caution: If you have blond hair, then amla essential oil should be used with caution, since it causes natural hair and skin hyperpigmentation.
Essential Oils to Avoid in Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant should use essential oils with caution. Some oils are best steering clear of altogether. These are: Acorus Calamus, Ajwain, Allspice, Amyris, Anise (Aniseed), Angelica, Apricot Kernel, Asafoetida, Cinnamon, Clove, Cumin, Fennel, Hyssop, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Star Anise, Sweet Birch, and Wintergreen.
Never use essential oils in a humidifier, CPAP machine, or any other breathing device.
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Sources:
Health Benefits of Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/indian-gooseberry/
Health Benefits of Amla Oil
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/health-benefits-of-amla-oil/