Amla, the perfect ingredient to get rid of hair and skin problems

Amla can do wonders for your hair and even your skin. Here are the different ways you can use it.

Ever wonder why almost all Ayurvedic preparations contain amla? Or why it is suggested that everyone should have one piece of amla on a daily basis? Well, studies have shown that amla or the Indian gooseberry is packed with nutrients and can actually help you live a longer healthier life. Here are 9 health benefits of amla.

Amla or the Indian gooseberry is regarded as the best source of vitamin C but did you know that amla is a natural way to help with proper functioning of your liver?

A fix for dandruff

Amla is well-known as a hair conditioner, but it also has valuable anti-dandruff properties.

• Mix a little amla powder with water and apply this to the scalp.
• Leave it on for about half-an-hour and wash off with water.

You could also dry amla and store.

• When necessary, grind with a little water and mix with two teaspoons of lime juice.
• Apply to scalp and wash off with shikakai.

Amla can also be used in combination with tulsi or basil for action against dandruff.

• Make a paste of amla powder in water.
• Grind 10 tulsileaves with a little water and mix this paste into the amla paste and apply on the scalp.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes and wash with water. Also try apple cider vinegar to get rid of dandruff and other hair problems.

Gives a natural shine

Amla can be added to your home-made paste to cover grey hair. By itself, amla does not have the ability to dye hair; however, it can help tone down the red or brown colour of a henna-indigo hair colour. Along with this, amla also helps give a natural shine to the hair after you have washed off the dye. When mixing in amla powder, it is important to add it last into the paste, just before you apply the paste to your hair. Also, try out some henna hair packs for healthy hair.

Nourishes hair from root to tip

A fruit that is best known for its high vitamin C levels, the Indian gooseberry, is great for hair, adding lustres, softness and doing away with dryness of the scalp. It is also a rich source of essential fatty acids that serve to keep the hair follicles strong and nourish the hair from the roots.

• Mix a little amla powder with water and keep it overnight
• The next day, apply this paste to your hair, leave on for a few hours and wash with a mild shampoo.
• Another ways is to boil amla with a little shikakai and soapnut (reetha) in an iron vessel and keep overnight
• Next day, use the strained liquid to shampoo. Make your own amla oil by soaking a few dried fruits in coconut or sesame oil for a few days; then filter and use. Read here to know more on how to manage your hair on a bad hair day.

Reduces hair fall

A natural ingredient, that can reduce hair fall, is amla. You can eat it or apply it on your scalp. The fruit yields oil that has been used for ages for treating hair and scalp. It is said to penetrate the scalp and strengthen roots. Here are some other ways you can control hair fall with amla.

• Crush amla fruit to extract juice or buy amla powder available at any herbal store.
• Add 2 teaspoons of the juice or powder into an equal quantity lemon juice.
• Mix well, apply to the scalp and leave it to dry; then rinse using warm water. Know which of these 7 everyday habits are causing hair fall. You could also use eggs to curb hair loss.

Prevents skin ageing

The extract of amlais rich inVitamin A. This vitamin is essential in collagen production, a compound that keeps the skin looking young and elastic. Amla, when consumed on an empty stomach, has properties that slow down the degradation of collagen and helps the body produce more. You can buy amla juice from the supermarket which can be stored in the refrigerator and drink it every morning. Here are some more home remedies to keep your skin youthful.

You may also want to know how amla can make you last longer in bed.

Image source: Getty Images

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