Tulsi Or Tulasi Or Holy Basil

Tulsi is called the queen of all herbs, it is used widely in Ayurvedic and naturopathic medicines which helps in the healing of the human body in a natural manner. Not only do Tulsi leaves benefit people, but its flowers too. Tulsi can help you get rid of many health problems ranging from fever to kidney stones. Ayurvedic texts have also categorised the wonder herb as a stimulant, antipyretic and aromatic in nature.

In Hindu religion, holy basil is both a religious symbol as well as a good medical remedy. Religiously speaking, holy basil is worshipped in the mornings and evenings by Hindus throughout India and medically speaking it is used to treat common ailments in the ancient Ayurvedic healthcare system.

What is Tulsi?

Tulsi also referred to as Ocimum sanctum or Holy Basil, is a medicinal herb that belongs to the mint family and is found in 150 different varieties worldwide. It emits a sort of spicy scent when applied to a wound and this is the reason as to why it is called the wonder herb. It usually has a bitter taste and its roots, leaves and seeds consist of several medicinal properties.

Did you ever know that tulsi tea aids in quick weight loss and reduces anxiety disorder? It is also used as a herb to treat thyroid and diabetes. Just as powerful as the tulsi flowers, its leaves are also equally powerful. Tulsi leaves can be added to hot water and it will help you when you  are steaming to get rid of a bad cold or sinus.

Types of Tulsi:

There are three different types of tulsi or holy basil namely.

1. Rama Tulsi:

Rama Tulsi is also called as green leaf tulsi and this is a different type of tulsi breed that has light purple flowers and has a clove-like scent to it. It consists of eugenol which is usually found in cloves and has a mellow flavour.

2. Krishna Tulsi:

This type of Tulsi is also called as purple leaf tulsi and has a clove-like aroma. It tastes like pepper in your mouth. This type of tulsi helps cure infections such as throat infections, respiratory problems, earaches and skin diseases. The oil from Krishna Tulsi is used as ear drops. It is also used to cure malaria, indigestion, insomnia and cholera.

3. Vana Tulsi:

Vana Tulsi is a native to India, Sri Lanka, and Northeastern parts of Africa. This type of tulsi is usually grown for medicinal purposes and it is imbibed into Indian religious beliefs. This type must be protected freezing and will grow in conditions that have full sun and dry areas. It has light green leaves that are accompanied by a lemony aroma and flavour. Vana Tulsi leaves increases immunity and this is usually used for preparing tea. When consumed in the form of tea, it provides health benefits such as increased physical and mental endurance and adds more oxygen and nutrients in your bloodstream.

Benefits of Using Tulsi:

Western medicine gives you instant relief but comes with a lot of side-effects. Holy basil or Tulsi offers slow relief but you can be sure that there are no side effects and that is the reason as to why it is called the wonder herb. A single Tulsi plant can help you get rid of many health issues such as.

1. Tulsi for Skin:

Tulsi is proven to be the safest skin cream that can be used and the benefits are massive. Tulsi reflects on your skin when you consume it as well as applied. This wonder herb is used to treat acne, skin infections, lighten dark spots and improve skin texture. Here is a list of benefits that tulsi does to your skin.

Tulsi helps in skin brightening

Tulsi helps in curing acne face marks

Tulsi mixed with eggs and mixed can help in tightening skin pores

Tulsi helps in curing skin infections and any sort of skin allergies.

2. Tulsi for Hair:

Holy Basil can be applied to your hair for multiple reasons and all that it does is it makes your hair look better in all ways. Here are some of the ways in which tulsi can benefit your hair.

Tulsi can prevent hair fall

Tulsi can stop greying of hair and keep it thick and black

Tulsi can stop dandruff; and

Tulsi can prevent dry scalp

3. Tulsi for Weight Loss:

Tulsi is a natural ingredient that aids weight loss. If you’re wondering how to burn fat in a quick way without any side effects, then you need to opt for drinking tulsi tea. Two cups a day will make a difference. Also, you need to keep in mind that drinking tulsi tea will act more efficiently only if you workout. Of course without exercising tulsi tea can slim you down, but exercising will make the process faster.  Here are some ways in which tulsi can help you lose weight.

Tulsi tea controls your metabolism and helps your body absorb essential nutrients.

Tulsi tea helps boost your digestive system which is important for losing weight quickly.

Tulsi tea has zero calories that boost your stamina.

4. Tulsi for Eyes:

Your eyes are prone to a lot of dust and pollution every day. Thus most people develop eye-related problems and Tulsi acts as an immediate cure for eye-related problems such as:

Tulsi soothes the eye

Tulsi leaves left in boiled water overnight can be used to wash your eyes.

Tulsi eyewash can also reduce strain on your eyes

Most importantly, it reduces the strain on your eyes and makes it feel relaxed. Tulsi eyewash can also help you prevent many other eye-related problems such as conjunctivitis and boils.

5. Tulsi Prevents Premature Ageing:

Vitamin C & A and phytonutrients are essential oils that are found in Tulsi, which are used as excellent antioxidants that protect the body from premature ageing. If herbal tea is said to make you feel and look young, imagine what Tulsi can do. Consuming 2 cups of Tulsi tea can help you look younger and prevent premature ageing.

6. Tulsi To Quit Smoking:

Tulsi leaves fight cancer prevent and prevents it from attacking you. The best aid to stop smoking is by munching tulsi leaves and this help get the nicotine content off your body. It helps in purification of blood. Here are some ways in which tulsi can help you stop smoking.

Every time you get the urge to smoke, chew Tulsi leaves

Make it a point to drink tulsi tea.

Tulsi can definitely help you stop smoking, provided you learn ways to deviate and curtail yourself from going against the urge. Its all in your mind and the power of becoming a deviant from the habit is the 1st step to change the habit.

Medical Use of Tulsi:

Tulsi is called the wonder herb or sometimes the holy herb because of its medicinal properties. There are many diseases that can affect people again after it has left the person. But with the consumption of Tulsi, you can be sure that these diseases cannot affect you. Here are some of the ways in which tulsi can sort out many medical problems.

Tulsi can cure fever

Tulsi leaves are used to treat skin problems like acne, blackheads and premature ageing.

Tulsi is used to treat insect bites

Tulsi is also used to treat heart disease and fever

Tulsi is also used to treat respiratory problems

Tulsi is used to cure fever, common cold and sore throat, headaches and kidney stones

Tulsi helps in treating Asthma

In simple terms, Tulsi is the best natural painkiller and solution to many of your health problems. It can be called the ancient healer of all diseases. It helps generate healthy mother milk during lactation.

Where to Get Tulsi Supplement?

Tulsi, the queen of herbs can be bought from an Amway distributor , and  100% organic. 

Our air is filled with a lot of toxins and this can cause cold, cough and fever. The answer to this is Tulsi. We at Nutrilite have created a 100% herbal tulsi in the form of a tablet that can bid goodbye to your common cold, cough and fever.

Benefits of Tulsi Tablet:

Tulsi tablet consists of Tulsi extract taken from the Tulsi leaf that helps in treating the common cold, allergic rhinitis, cough and many other respiratory tract diseases. Tulsi also helps in treating cold-related problems such as sneezing and running nose. 

Here are some benefits of Tulsi Tablet that be helpful for you.

Tulsi tablet can treat common cold

Tulsi tablet helps soothe your throat and cleans your respiratory tract

Protects you from respiratory tract infections

Helps in managing stress

How to Consume Tulsi Tablet?

Tulsi tablet can be taken two times a day, but it must be prescribed by a physician. Say no to side-effects by taking Tulsi tablet. Why worry when you can get a 100% organic herb in the form of a pill. This saves you the time of going to the market and buying the herb and boiling it in water and consuming it. All of this has been compressed in the form of a pill that can battle your cold, cough and other respiratory-related infections.

Well, if you are suffering from a bad cold or a cough, then Tulsi tablet can work well on you. You can confidently pop the pill as there are 0% side effects from it. Currently, most people all over the world are understanding the working ways of this wonder herb and its effects on people. This is challenging western medicine as it has zero side effects to its use. So, live healthily and bid goodbye to that horrible cold or a cough that you’re struggling with.

Surasa

Hindi Name        :    Tulsi

Sanskrit Name    :    Tulasi, Bhootaghni, Surasa.

Common Name    :   Holy Basil, Sacred Basil

Latin Name        :    Ocimum Sactum Linn

Medicinal Properties:

It is found planted in Indian houses and prayed as been a sacred plant as Hindu philosophy. Medicinally the leaves are used in various classical and home made recipes. Indian mythology connects a great importance to Tulsi by recognizing it as a holy plant. Its use is recommended as a first aid in the treatment of various respiratory, digestive and skin diseases. Apart from these ailments Ayurveda also indicates its use for the diseases to cardiac health, cough and cold, relive toxins, indigestion, fevers, worm-infestations and tumers. Experimental studies identify it to be effective as immuno-modulatory, cytoprotective and anticancer agent.

Effect on Dosha            :    Pacifies Kapha and Vata.

Main Classical Uses    :    Patra Swaras.

Mulethi

Hindi Name        :     Mulethi

Sanskrit Name    :    Yastimadhu

English Name    :     Liquorice

Latin Name        :     Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn Pennel

A hardy leguminous undershrub attaining the height of about 3 meter with compressed pods. It is found growing wild in many Asian countries and is also cultivated at small scales in India, Iran, Afghanistan etc. The root tastes sweet and is used in Ayurveda.

 

Mulethi Benefits & Uses

 

Respiratory & Digestive Disorders

Yashtimadhu has been conventionally used by Ayurveda in the treatment of respiratory and digestive disorders. It is considered to be a "Rasayana". Mulethi uses specifically include treatment of chronic acidity, ulcers and chronic bronchial conditions. Investigations observed that licorice activates ulcer healing. Know more on how to improve digestion.

Reduces Stress & Depression

Mulethi benefits include relieving people suffering from the problem of depression. Including licorice root in your daily diet, helps in controlling stress hormones, reducing depression, anxiety and stress.

Controls Cholesterol

Licorice root is considered to be an extremely effective remedy for lowering the level of bad cholesterol in the body and increasing the level of healthy cholesterol in the body. Thus helping in keeping you healthy and free from harmful diseases. Controlling cholesterol is one of the effective mulethi benefits.

Boosts Immunity

Mulethi benefits include boosting your immunity system, which helps in giving your body the strength to fight many diseases and illnesses. This helps your body from being affected by harmful diseases.

Keeps your Liver Healthy

Licorice root is considered to be an effective option for keeping your liver, healthy and free from diseases. This helps in protecting your body from being damaged by free radicals and also helps in treating jaundice thus keeping your liver healthy.

Treats Skin Disorders

Licorice root is extremely beneficial for your skin, as it helps in protecting your skin from various skin disorders such as rashes, eczema, psoriasis and dry skin. Thus, helping in keeping your skin healthy.

Weight Management

Licorice root is considered to be an extremely effective remedy or weight loss, including licorice root in your diet, along with rigors exercise routine will help in burning excess fat from your body.

Treats Sore Throat & Cough

Licorice root is an excellent remedy for curing problems such as sore throat and cough. They also help in treating respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and asthma, put some licorice root in a cup of boiling water after 10 minutes. Straining the water and drink it to get relief from these problems.

Vasaka

Vasaka also known as ‘Malabar Nut’ in English, ‘Adhathodai’ in Tamil, ‘Vasa’ in Telugu and ‘Arusha’ in Hindi, is a potent ayurvedic plant that enhances the respiratory system. The plant has manifold curative properties and is an ultimate remedial measure for a lot of health anomalies like breathing trouble, cough, and cold, nasal congestion, sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, other upper respiratory tract infections, bleeding disorders, etc.

Vasaka exemplifies 2 distinct tastes mainly Tikta (i.e. bitter) and Kashaya (i.e. astringent) Rasa. It has Laghu (i.e. light) and Rukhsha Guna (i.e. dry quality) and Shita Virya (i.e. cold potency). It characterizes Katu Vipaka (i.e. pungent taste after digestion) and mainly portrays rejuvenating property. The host of bioactive components in Vasaka helps to pacify the Pitta (i.e. fire and air) and Kapha (i.e. earth and water) doshas and effectively removes the AMA doshas from the body.

Famed as a natural expectorant, Vasa has a rich concentration of bioactive components like Vasicine, Luteolin, Carotene, Vasakin, other quinazoline alkaloids, and essential oils. The leaves are abundant in phytochemical constituents like tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolics. Imbued with powerful properties like antitussive, a bronchodilator, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, etc, the plant is useful for a host of therapeutic indications like upper respiratory infections, tuberculosis, heart problems, constipation, nosebleed, dengue, etc.

Remedies Cough And Cold

Recurrent coughs and congested throat can cause a lot of discomfort and prevent a peaceful good night’s sleep while making you feel tired and exhausted. Being rich in anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and expectorant properties, Vasaka holds high significance in treating the common cold, cough and flu symptoms. It also reduces chest and nasal congestion gets rid of excess sputum and stops nasal discharge. It is also highly effective in treating asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and other respiratory illnesses.

Prepare a decoction of Vasaka leaves by boiling it in water. Add a spoon of honey and drink this concoction daily to prevent respiratory infections.

Promotes Gut Health

Vasaka is a powerful digestive stimulant. The carminative and appetite-stimulant properties of the herb help in breaking down food particles in the stomach and intestine, promote the secretion of the digestive juices and thereby increase the absorption of essential nutrients through the intestines. It also helps to eliminate abdominal gas and in turn reduces abdominal distension, bloating and gaseous cramps. It offers an amazing cure for a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders like esophagitis, dyspepsia, heartburn, diarrhoea, flatulence, peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease (i.e. GERD).

Purifies Blood

Being a potent cardiac tonic, the herb is extremely essential in purifying the blood. It effectively improves blood count, manages blood pressure and hence prevents a host of heart rhythm disorders. The presence of anti-coagulant and anti-fibrinolytic properties also prevents blockage and formation of clots in the arteries causing heart block.

Prevents Infections

The abundance of antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties, make Vasaka the ultimate solution to ward off the various infections. The bio-active components in the Malabar nut tree bolster immunity and prevent bacterial infestation. It not only helps reduce the risk of various bacterial and fungal infections like fever, tuberculosis, dengue, etc but also prevents allergic conditions on the skin.

Heals Ulcers

Vasaka leaves are famed for their anti-ulcer properties. It plays a pivotal role in reducing ulcers and sores in various parts of the body. It also helps in treating bleeding disorders and offers a potent remedy for peptic and duodenal ulcers.

Twak

Hindi Name : Dalchini

Sanskrit Name : Twak

English Name : Bark Cinnamon

Latin Name : Cinnamomum zeylanicum Breyn Pennel

A small evergreen tree with aromatic bark of about 6-8 m in height found growing wild in southern coastal regions of India. The bark is used as culinary spice and also in medicines.

 

Cinnamon Medicinal Uses

Cinnamon bark is one of the common ingredients in spice mixtures used in India. Dalchini is known to increase salivation and to improve digestive functions as recommended by Indian Ayurveda. It also acts as a local antiseptic by virtue of its antibacterial action.

Shunti

Shunti basically the dry form of ginger is a common spice in the Indian kitchen. Comparatively having less heating effect on the body than the fresh ginger, Shunti / Dry ginger can be used to replace fresh ginger in all the recipes. It is an important ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations like Gokhsuradi Guggulu, Kanchanar Guggulu, Karpur Hinguvati, Vasadivati, Pratirodha Kalpa, Dadimastak Churna, Trikatu churna and Tulsi-Ginger Herbal Tea.

Shunti is vata and kapha alleviating.

It bears an enormous number of pharmacological activities among those, Neuro-protective activity and activity against colon cancer have facilitated the extent of further research for finding out less toxic and more potent drugs for the better treatment of related diseases. Ginger is extensively used around the world in foods as a spice. Ginger has been used for cold-induced disease, nausea, asthma, cough, colic, heart palpitation, swellings, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, dyspnoea, vomiting, gastritis, thirst, post partum disorders and rheumatism. It is a carminative & antipyretic and is used to treat bronchitis, gastrointestinal disorders and piles.

It is used externally as a paste in inflammations, rheumatoid arthritis, painful oedematous conditions and headaches. In fever with chills, dry ginger powder is rubbed on the body.

Madhunashini

Madhunashini (Gymneme sylvestre R.Br.) is an important medicinal climber acclaimed for its anti-diabetic properties. Its preparations have profound actions on the modulating taste, particularly suppressing sweet taste sensations. For this reason gymnema sylvestre is known in Hindi as gurmar or “sugar destroyer”. It is widely found growing in the tropics of Africa, Asia and Malaysia. In India, this plant is found growing in abundance in the forests of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Bihar. Due to its raising demand in South East Asian countries, the plant is becoming endangered particularly in Tamil Nadu.

Uses:

Gymnema has pronounced effects on blood sugar, at least among diabetics. Within the past two decades researchers have determined that gymnema extracts mat even play a role in the treatment of Type 1 diabetics, who typically need daily injections of insulin to control the disease. Gymnema taken orally lowers blood glucose levels and improves blood fat and cholesterol profiles. This climber is extensively used in almost all the Indian system of medicine as a remedy for rheumatism, cough, ulcer and pain in eyes. It is also useful in inflammations, dyspepsia, constipation, jaundice etc., Roots have been reported as remedy for snakebite. The anti-diabetic property of the plant is attributed to the presence of mixture of triterpines and saponins in the leaves. These have been designated as gymnemic acids A,B,C and D, which have the gymnemagenin and gymnestrogenins.

Haritaki Or Karakkaya Or Kadukkai Or Harad

Haritaki, known by the vernacular names Harad in Hindi, Kadukkai in Tamil, Karakkaya in Telugu and Indian hog plum in English is one of the three rejuvenating herbs that constitute the miraculous Triphala formulation.

Also referred as “chebulic myrobalan”, it is the dried fruit of the Haritaki tree which goes by the botanical name Terminalia chebula and is native to India but also widely distributed in China, Nepal and Srilanka. Haritaki is generally used in the dried powdered form and has a distinct brownish-black colour and oblong in shape.

Coined as the “king of herbs” by many ayurvedic healers, this miraculous fruit holds great significance in the holistic healing of ayurveda and is extensively used for curing various ailments due to its laxative, astringent, purgative, anti-bilious and anti-oxidant nature.

Depending upon the habitat and shape there are seven types of haritaki available in India mainly, Jayanti Haritaki, Abhaya Haritaki, Amrita Haritaki, Putna Haritaki, Rohini Haritaki, Vijaya Haritaki, Chetaki Haritaki.

Haritaki characterizes all five tastes mainly Katu (i.e. pungent), Tikta (i.e. bitter), Kashaya (i.e. astringent), Madhur (i.e. sweet) and Amla (i.e. sour). It has Laghu and Rukhsha Guna (i.e. light and dry property), Tikshna Virya (hot potency) and Madhura Vipaka (i.e. sweet after digestion).

Ways To Take Haritaki In Different Seasons:

Haritaki is usually available in powdered form and has to be taken by infusing it in warm water or in the form of a decoction or tea. Try to take this powder in the specified way given below to reap its benefits.

In autumn, it can be ingested with desi kand or mishri.

In summers, it can be taken along with jaggery.

In early winters, try to consume it with ginger, and in late winters take it alongside long pepper (gaja pippali).

In autumn season, consume it with natural or flavoured honey to reap its benefits. 

But if the entire regimen is hard to follow throughout the year, you can consume haritaki with just honey or long pepper.

Health Benefits of Haritaki

Promotes Digestion

Being a potent digestive, haritaki is enormously beneficial in improving the digestive functions of the body by increasing the absorption of essential nutrients from the food. The powdered fruit also has a mild laxative effect on the body and hence treats constipation by decreasing flatulence, cleansing the intestines and removing waste products from the body. It is also extremely effective in reducing stomach acidity and minimalizing the chances of various stomach ulcers.

Enhances Weight Loss

Addition of this herb to your daily diet not only improves digestion but also plays a key role in reducing obesity. It effectively detoxifies the body by removing AMA toxins (Ama is the toxic product of improperly digested food. It blocks the subtle channels of the body, disturbs digestion and attracts localized imbalances of the Doshas that may give rise to disease) and reduces sudden hunger pangs and a craving for unhealthy dietary choices. A glass of warm water infused with haritaki powder and honey not only sheds away the fat deposits but also energizes the body and promotes longevity.

Manages Diabetes

Several scientific researches strongly advocate the use of haritaki for managing diabetes and keeping the blood sugar levels under control. The production of insulin from the pancreatic β-cells become active on consumption of the haritaki powder. It also helps to reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose which in turn regulates the secretion of insulin and leads to low blood glucose level.

Improves Oral Hygiene

Haritaki is traditionally used as a mouthwash for treating and curing various problems related to oral hygiene like gum disease, mouth ulcers, oral sores. The potent anti-bacterial nature of this herb makes it highly significant in alleviating bacterial invasion from the oral cavities thereby preventing cavities and tooth decay.

Good For Skin And Hair

The excellent antibacterial and antioxidative nature of this powerful herb promotes overall skin and hair health and is strongly advised for various skin infections like acne, pimples, rashes, boils etc. It is also useful in treating scalp infections like dandruff, itching and hair fall. Application of haritaki paste on the affected area can speed up wound healing and cure acne and pimples and also prevent further breakouts.

Effect On Doshas

The miraculous herb balances all the three doshas mainly Vata (i.e. air), Pitta (i.e. digestion) and Kapha (i.e. earth and water).

Adverse Effects

Although, haritaki is extremely beneficial for the health and has a host of therapeutic benefits, overconsumption or consuming without consultation with an ayurvedic doctor or healer might cause dehydration, diarrhoea, fatigue or leave a prolonged bitter after taste. Hence, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before consuming haritaki supplements or using the powder regularly.

Conclusion:

The incredible fruit in its dried powdered form holds high significance in treating a myriad of health benefits including indigestion, gastritis, lung disease, obesity, dental problems, jaundice, impotency--*, cough, cold, asthma, vision defects, urinary tract infections and hair and skin problems. Haritaki is available in various forms and can be ingested in all the seasons by infusing it with different additives. Try to take it in specified dosage *-after a proper consultation with the doctor.

Vibhitaki Or Bibhitaki Or Baheda

Baheda is also known as “Bibhitaki” in Sanskrit which means “The one that keeps away from diseases”. It is one of the main constituents of “Triphala” which is used for the management of common cold, pharyngitis and constipation. Baheda tree is a large deciduous tree found in the greater part of India. All parts of the tree are used for medicinal purposes, especially the dried fruit. The fruits of Baheda are astringent (bitter) and acrid (sour) in taste.

Baheda is beneficial in relieving cough and cold symptoms due to its antimicrobial and anti-allergic properties. Taking Baheda powder along with honey helps relieve cough as it improves immune health. Baheda churna is an effective home remedy to improve digestion. It can be prepared by adding Baheda churna to a glass of warm water and consumed regularly. It also helps prevent constipation by loosening stool and promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property.

According to Ayurveda, Baheda powder helps in weight loss as it improves metabolism and reduces Ama by increasing the digestive fire.

Baheda fruit is beneficial for skin problems such as acne and acne scars due to its antibacterial property. Applying Baheda fruit powder with rose water on the face prevents the growth of bacteria. Massaging Baheda powder along with rose water and Baheda oil (mixed with coconut oil) on the hair and scalp helps promote hair growth and controls dandruff due to its astringent and Ruksha (dry) properties.

An important precaution with Baheda is that it should be avoided during hyperacidity or gastritis. This is because of its hot potency that might increase these conditions.

What are the synonyms of Baheda?

Terminalia bellirica, Vibhita, Akaa, Aksaka, Bhomora, Bhomra, Bhaira, Bayada, Beleric Myrobalan, Bahedan, Bahera, Tare kai, Shanti Kayi, Babelo, Balali, Tannikka, Bahera, Thanrikkai, Thanikkay, Bibhitaki

What is the source of Baheda?

Plant Based

Amlaki

Amalaki is renowned for its immunity and antiaging benefits and is an excellent supplement during the fall and winter seasons. According to Ayurveda, fall and early winter are characterized by Vata Dosha. In Vata Dosha there is a predominance of cold, dry, rough, light, mobile, subtle, clear, dry and astringent qualities, all of which can be harsh on the system. Furthermore, aggravation of Vata can spread easily to the other two Doshas and lead to lower immunity and resilience, which is the pathway to disease and aging. Prevention is the primary approach emphasized in Ayurveda to stay in balance during this seasonal transition, and Amalaki is the most popular ancient ally from Ayurveda for health and vitality.

Amalaki, commonly known as the Indian gooseberry, is the term used for the Ayurvedic medicinal use of the fruit of the Amla tree. It is considered the “mother” as it performs the job of taking total care of the mind-body system and is known as the ultimate healer due to its immune restorative properties. In the Charaka Samhita – one of the root texts for Ayurvedic science – Charaka states, “Of all the rasayanas, Amalaki is revered as one of the most potent and nourishing; Amalaki is the best among rejuvenative herbs.” Rasayanas in Ayurveda are rejuvenating therapies which support antiaging and longevity.

Amalaki contains Emblica officinalis in traditional use. Its primary quality and main therapeutic benefit is Vayastapana, which means “stopping the ageing,” and it is the theme of many rejuvenating compositions like Chyavanaprash, a classical Ayurvedic recipe which has been used as a tonic for the young and old for centuries. Ancient documents encourage the use of Amalaki as an everyday food to promote healthy living, and it has been heralded as an aphrodisiac.

The benefits of Amalaki are numerous, which part of why it is considered to be the best antiaging ingredient in all of Ayurveda.

Rich Vitamin C content - the highest source of heat stable Vitamin C

Source of polyphenols and supports digestion, metabolism, elimination and normal liver function

Excellent for the hair and skin

Amalaki contains five of the six tastes according to Ayurveda, lacking only in salty. It is sour, sweet, bitter, astringent and a slightly pungent. This range of tastes make it beneficial for all Doshas, which means – everyone can benefit from Amalaki, regardless of individual mind-body constitution. Its sweetness and sourness creates a strengthening and balancing effect on Vata, its sweetness and astringency balances Pitta, and its astringent and pungent aspects help to dry out the dampness of Kapha.

Ayurvedic Properties:

Rasa (taste): Sour, sweet, pungent, bitter, astringent

Veerya (action): Cooling

Vipaka (post-digestive effect): Sweet