Photo: Nive Selvaraju / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Amalaki आमलकी
Phyllanthus emblica · Phyllanthaceae
Also known as: Amla, Emblica officinalis, Indian Gooseberry, Pure dried fruit powder, Amla Extract
Part used: Fruit
Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica), the Indian gooseberry, is one of the three fruits in Triphala and among the richest natural sources of vitamin C. Ayurveda uses it as a Rasayana — a rejuvenative — for digestion, immunity, hair and skin, and it is the only sour fruit that cools rather than heats.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Phyllanthus emblica
- Part used: Fruit
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Churna: 3–6 g daily, often with honey or water; fresh juice and Amla preserves are also used.
Amalaki in other languages
Introduction
Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica), the Indian gooseberry or Amla, is a supreme Ayurvedic Rasayana and one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin C. Cooling and rejuvenating, it is the third fruit of Triphala and a herb celebrated for longevity, immunity and healthy skin, hair and eyes.
Classification
Of the Phyllanthaceae family, Amalaki is described in the Bhavaprakash Nighantu among the Amradi Phala Varga. Uniquely, though it carries a cold potency (Sheeta virya), it retains an Amla (sour) predominant taste; its Vayasthapana (age-stabilising) action makes it a foremost anti-ageing Rasayana.
Uses & benefits
Traditionally used to cool and balance Pitta, strengthen immunity, support healthy digestion, and nourish the hair, skin, eyes and blood. As a daily Rasayana it is valued for longevity and vitality, and it is the key herb of Chyawanprash.
Amalaki for immunity
Its vitamin C content survives drying far better than most fruits because of the tannins that accompany it. Classical texts rate it the foremost Rasayana, taken through winter to reduce the frequency of ordinary coughs and colds.
Amalaki for acidity and heartburn
Sour in taste but cooling in action — the one exception among sour fruits. That combination makes it the classical choice in hyperacidity and burning of the stomach, where other sour foods make things worse.
Amalaki for hair fall and greying
Taken internally and applied as an oil, it is the traditional remedy for premature greying and thinning hair. It is the base of most classical hair oils, usually alongside Bhringraj.
Amalaki for the liver
Used in Kamala (jaundice) and sluggish liver function. Its bitter-astringent character supports bile flow, which is why it appears in most classical liver formulations.
Amalaki in Triphala
One of the three fruits, contributing the cooling and Pitta-pacifying element. Triphala without Amalaki would be drying and heating — it is the balancing member.
Amalaki for blood sugar
Classically named among the Pramehahara drugs used in metabolic and urinary disorders. It is supportive, not a substitute for prescribed diabetes treatment.
Amalaki for the eyes
A long-standing Chakshushya (eye-benefiting) drug, taken with honey or ghee for tired eyes and to support vision with age.
Amalaki for constipation
Mildly laxative on its own and more so within Triphala. Gentle enough for regular use, unlike the drastic purgatives, because it tones the bowel rather than irritating it.
Amalaki for skin
Used in Raktapitta and hot, irritable skin conditions. The cooling, blood-settling action is why it appears in preparations for acne and inflammatory rashes.
Amalaki as a daily Rasayana
Charaka names it in the Rasayana chapter as a drug for longevity and tissue quality. In practice this means a small daily dose over months, not a large dose briefly.
Dosage — how much to take
Churna: 3–6 g daily, often with honey or water; fresh juice and Amla preserves are also used. Safe for long-term daily use as a Rasayana. Follow your Vaidya's advice for therapeutic doses.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Amalaki?
The citations held for Amalaki in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Rasayana Pada); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Amradi Phala Varga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Amalaki?
Cited among the foremost rejuvenatives. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Rasayana Pada.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Amalaki?
Described as a Vayasthapana Rasayana. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Amradi Phala Varga.
What is Amalaki traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Traditionally used to cool and balance Pitta, strengthen immunity, support healthy digestion, and nourish the hair, skin, eyes and blood. As a daily Rasayana it is valued for longevity and vitality, and it is the key herb of Chyawanprash.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Amalaki?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Amalaki classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Amalaki carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Amalaki is used medicinally?
The part used is Fruit.
How much Amalaki is taken, and how?
Churna: 3–6 g daily, often with honey or water; fresh juice and Amla preserves are also used. Safe for long-term daily use as a Rasayana. Follow your Vaidya's advice for therapeutic doses. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Amalaki be avoided?
Very well tolerated and safe for long-term use. Its cooling, sour nature is best moderated in those with significant cold or Kapha-type digestive weakness. Consult a physician for therapeutic doses.
Where does Amalaki grow?
Amalaki is the fruit of a small to medium deciduous tree native to India and Southeast Asia, cultivated and found wild across the Indian plains and mixed deciduous forests.
Which classical formulations include Amalaki?
Triphala.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Amradi Phala Varga
Described as a Vayasthapana Rasayana. - Charaka Samhita — Rasayana Pada
Cited among the foremost rejuvenatives.
Modern research
-
The impact of Emblica officinalis (Amla) on lipid profile, glucose, and C-reactive protein: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
(see source). Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2023)
A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs finding Amla supplementation favourably affected lipid profile, glucose and C-reactive protein in adults.
View study doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2023.102729 -
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Emblica officinalis extract in patients with dyslipidemia
(see source). BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2019)
A 12-week multicentre RCT in dyslipidemic patients reporting significant reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C with Emblica officinalis extract versus placebo.
View study doi:10.1186/s12906-019-2430-y
Safety & precautions
Very well tolerated and safe for long-term use. Its cooling, sour nature is best moderated in those with significant cold or Kapha-type digestive weakness. Consult a physician for therapeutic doses.
Where it grows
Amalaki is the fruit of a small to medium deciduous tree native to India and Southeast Asia, cultivated and found wild across the Indian plains and mixed deciduous forests.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of Amalaki?
Amalaki is used for immunity, hyperacidity, hair fall, liver function, eye health and constipation. It is one of Ayurveda's three principal Rasayana drugs, meaning it is taken over long periods to improve tissue quality rather than to treat a single acute complaint.
How much Amalaki should I take daily?
Fruit powder 3–6 g per day, usually with honey, warm water or ghee. Fresh juice 10–20 ml. It is best taken consistently over weeks or months — the Rasayana effect is cumulative, not immediate.
Can Amalaki be taken on an empty stomach?
Yes, and that is the traditional timing for the Rasayana effect. If you find it too sour first thing, take it with honey or after food instead. Anyone with an active peptic ulcer should ask a physician first.
Does Amalaki cause acidity?
No — it is the opposite. Although sour in taste, Amalaki is cooling in its action (Sheeta virya), which is why classical texts prescribe it specifically for hyperacidity and burning where other sour foods aggravate.
Is Amalaki the same as Amla?
Yes. Amalaki is the Sanskrit name and Amla the common Hindi one, both for Phyllanthus emblica, the Indian gooseberry. You will also see it called Indian gooseberry or Emblica officinalis, an older botanical name.
Are there any side effects of Amalaki?
It is very well tolerated. Being cooling and mildly laxative, large amounts may loosen the stool or aggravate a cold, congested condition. Its blood-sugar effect means diabetics on medication should monitor levels and tell their physician.
Can I take Amalaki with my medication?
Tell your physician if you take diabetes or blood-thinning medication, since Amalaki may add to their effect. Otherwise it is generally safe alongside conventional treatment, but never stop a prescribed medicine to take a herb instead.
Part of: Triphala
