In India, amla has long been used as a health tonic. This small tan fruit is also known as “amalaki” or Indian gooseberry.
Amla is often recommended for digestive problems and to support the body through the aging process. In Ayurvedic medicine, it’s considered good for strengthening the heart and mind.
Amla Powder for Your Health
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Modern researchers are now looking closely at this berry. It’s now become a popular dietary supplement in the West. Since it may be hard to find fresh Indian gooseberries, consuming dried amla berry powder is a more practical option.
Real Natural Vitamin C
Amla is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C known to man. At one time, before I knew better, I’d pop ascorbic acid supplements in order to meet the minimum daily requirement of Vitamin C. However, I probably wasn’t getting all the benefits of the real vitamin.
Ascorbic acid is made in a laboratory. It’s only an isolated component of this crucial nutrient. Whole vitamin C is what our bodies need. This is found in high concentrations in fruits such as amla, as well as camu camu berry, another super food that’s now extremely popular.
There’s a huge controversy surrounding whole plant supplements versus those created in a lab. I try to avoid the latter. That’s because I’m worried that a lot is lost, when man tries to improve upon something that’s perfectly created by God.
Personally, I try not consume laboratory-made isolates. On this site, with very few exceptions, I only talk about whole herb supplements.
Health Benefits of Amla Berry Powder
In addition to real Vitamin C, amla berry also contains a good supply of other nutrients. These include zinc, copper and various amino acids. Modern herbalists believe amla is an adaptogen. This is a plant that protects against physical and emotional stress.
Amalaki has been used in traditional Indian medicine for ages. It has a reputation of being a good health tonic, as well as a natural remedy for detoxification. Since amla berry is believed to help the heart, lungs and immune system, it’s considered an excellent remedy for upper respiratory infections.
Amla For Pancreas
Please understand that I’m not a doctor. So I can’t give medical advice or make claims that any natural remedy will solve your health problems. All I can do is share my own experiences of using plant-based medicine and supplements. I like to pass along already published information on various remedies, so my readers can also do their own research, if they choose.
In traditional Indian medicine, the amla berry is often used to aid digestion. Modern medicine is beginning to appreciate its potential.
The University of Maryland Medical Center lists Indian gooseberry, scientifically known as Emblica officinalis, as a natural remedy to consider for pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas.
Where To Buy Gooseberry Powder
You probably won’t find amla (Indian gooseberry) powder at the drugstore or at a regular grocery store. So here’s a popular brand of organic amalaki you can order online. I take a lot of supplements because I have chronic nerve inflammation and I generally try to find USDA-certified organic products. (This berry powder is certified organic.)
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Early research shows that amla berry contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds. Plant-based medicine is how I keep my own inflammation in check. One study that ran in the British Journal of Nutrition found that amla fruit extract significantly reduced inflammation markers in animals. The authors also noted that amla has a long historical use for treating inflammatory conditions.
I find that natural remedies, such as berry powders, work best, at least for me, if I switch them around. This prevents me from taking the same thing too many days in a row. I’ve seen much better results doing this. Putting a supplement aside doesn’t mean I’ll never use it again. It just means I need a break. After a short break, my remedies seem to work just as well as they did the first time. I don’t know if there’s a scientific reason for this. My holistic practitioner seems to think it’s because they’ve done their job, at least for the moment.
Amla Berry vs Triphala
Amla berry powder is generally consumed in one of two ways. Either by itself, or combined with two other fruits in an Ayurvedic remedy known as Triphala. In addition to amla, Triphala contains bibhitaki and haritaki fruits. Traditionally, triphala is used to balance and detoxify the body, as well as improve digestion. One potential advantage of triphala fruit powder is that it’s widely believed among herbalists that a natural synergy occurs when several medicinal plants are combined in one remedy.
The triphala powder shown below is also USDA-certified organic. It’s available in different sizes, including a smaller “spice jar” size.
Banyan Botanicals Triphala Powder
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Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use herbal remedies unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
