Amalaki exhibits anti-aging benefits and boosts immunity, that serves as an excellent supplement during the winter and fall seasons. On the grounds of Ayurveda, the seasons of fall and early winter characterizes the Vata Dosha.
The Vata Dosha predominates the cold, light, rough, mobile, clear, subtle, dry and the astringent qualities, which are harsh for the body’s system. Elevated levels of Vata can spread across the other doshas such as Pitta and Kapha. This condition leads to resilience and thereby lowers immunity leading to the pathway of diseases and ageing.
The primary approach emphasized in Ayurveda, is the prevention opted for rendering balance on the seasonal transition. Amalaki, being the most popular ally of Ayurvedic health and vitality is highly beneficial.
The background story of Amalaki
Amalaki is commonly termed as Indian gooseberry, that is used for the Ayurvedic medicinal purpose. Usually the fruit of the Amla tree is used for this kind of purpose. The Amalaki takes total care of the mind-body system, so it is considered as the “mother”. The Amalaki imbibes the immune restorative properties and is known as the ultimate healer.
The Charaka Samhita serves as one of the root texts of the Ayurvedic Science. The Charaka has mentioned that, “ Among all the rasayanas, the Amalaki has been considered as one of the most potent and nourishing; serving the best rejuvenating herbs.” In Ayurveda, the rasayanas are the rejuvenating therapies supporting the anti-aging process and longevity.
Amalaki is composed of Emblica Officinalis in the traditional use. Vayastapana serves as the primary quality and as the main therapeutic benefit. This generally “ stops the ageing” and is the theme for various rejuvenating compositions such as Chyavanaprash – a tonic with classical Ayurvedic recipe used for the young and old over the centuries.
The use of Amalaki on a daily basis promotes healthy living, as scripted on the Ancient documents. This can be heralded as an aphrodisiac.
The healing properties and benefits of Amalaki
The health benefits of Amalaki are numerous, hence it is considered as the best antiaging ingredient in all of the Ayurveda.
- It is excellent for the skin and the hair.
- Amalaki has the rich Vitamin C content exhibiting the highest source of heat-stable Vitamin C.
- It has the source of polyphenols that supports the digestion, metabolism, elimination and regulates the normal liver function.
Composition of the Amalaki
According to Ayurveda, the Amalaki contains five of the six tastes that lacks the salty taste. The five tastes included are sweet, sour, bitter, astringent and slightly pungent. This kind of tastes serves to be more beneficial for all Doshas. This ensures everyone can be benefited from Amalaki, besides the individual mind-body constitution.
The sweetness and sour taste creates a balancing and strengthening effect on Vata. The astringency and sweetness balance the Pitta. The pungent and astringent taste dries out the dampness of Kapha.
The Ayurvedic Properties comprises:
- Taste called Rasa which is sweet, sour, bitter, pungent and astringent.
- The action termed as Veerya exhibiting cooling properties.
- The post-digestive effect called as Vipaka, has a sweet taste.
