Clinical Uses of Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

In my clinical experience, I have used Amla in several GIT related, metabolic, and immune system related conditions. Some include:

– Diabetes
– Rickets
– Hyperacidity
– Constipation
– Hepatitis
– Gout
– Gastritis
– Poor Immunity
– HIV/AIDS
– Anemia
– Weakness
– Hemorrhoids
– Hyper-hydrosis (external application)
– Premature greying of hair
– Wrinkles
– Hair Loss
– Brittle Nails

Clinical Uses (Research-Based)

Acidity & GERD

Amla is very effective in reducing acidity by reducing inflammation and correcting gastric secretions, specifically HCL due to it containing Citric acid, Ascorbic acid, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Chebulic acid, Chebulinic acid, Digallic acid, and Phyllemblic acid. This makes it a superior option to Apple cider vinegar and Betaine HCL when treating acidity, GERD, and indigestion.

In my clinical experience, Amla reduces acidity instantaneously and long-term use (minimum 45 days) results in complete relief of hyperacidity. Due to its rich acid content, Amla improves the acid balance within the stomach which helps with the absorption of minerals, fat-soluble vitamins, and proteins. Therefore it can assist in treating nutritional deficiencies. This is also beneficial for skin and hair care, as collagen is dependent on Vitamin C as well as trace minerals and protein – both of which are absorbed better with the acid balancing effects of Amla.

Blood Sugar & Cholesterol

Amla also assists in effectively reducing blood sugar (this is also research proven – see references), LDL cholesterol and even C-Reactive protein. Amla reduces multiple cardiovascular risk factors including arterial stiffness and may be of much benefit to patients at risk for heart disease.

My Clinical Experience

Auto-Immune & Inflammatory Disorders

Even though it contains a very large amount of Vitamin C which is known to boost immune function, amla is also a potent anti-inflammatory – making it an immuno-modulator. I have noticed positive results in my clients of auto-immune conditions – mainly Hashimotos, Scleroderma, Multiple Sclerosis, and Alopecia Areata. This is most likely due to the anti-inflammatory effects of its chemical constituents, namely Lupeol, Kaempherol, Zeatin, Rutin and other Flavonoids.

Hyper-Hydrosis

The external application of Amla powder is good for hyper-hydrosis (excessive sweating) and reduction of body odor. However, hyper-hydrosis does require internal treatment as well – usually consisting of carminatives and/or nootropics (depends on each individual case).

Mental Effects

In my personal use, I have noticed improved mental clarity and energy levels within a week of consuming Amla. Several of my clients/patients have reported the same effects as well as significant improvement in concentration.

Experimental Research

Cancer

Experimental studies show that Amla may be effective in treating certain types of cancer by inducing metabolic functions such as Autophagy (clearing of cellular waste) and Apoptosis (induction of cellular death) in cancer cells – this may be due to the presence of Kaempherol and Rutin as well as Vitamin C.

Pharmacological Actions:

– Hemostatic
– Refrigerant
– Stomachic
– Aphrodisiac
– Laxative
– Immune-Booster
– Nutritive
– Anti-Diabetic

Ayurvedic Pharmacological Info:

– Potency: Cold
– Taste: Sour, sweet, astringent, pungent, bitter
– Post Digestive Taste: Sweet
– Dosha: PV- K=
– Karma: Rasayana, Balya, Vrushya, Virechaniya, etc.

Phytochemicals

-Ascorbic Acid, Quercetin, Lutein, B-Carotene, Gallic Acid, Lupeol, Kaepherol, Ellagic Acid, Digallic acid, Citric Acid, Calcium, Rutin, Amlaic acid, Chebulic acid, Phyllemblic acid, Chebulinic acid, Triterpene, etc.

Dose:

Depends on the condition, metabolism, and constitution of the patient.

Side-effects:

– Diarrhea (when taken in high doses)
– Lowers Blood Sugar
– Lowers Blood Pressure (when taken in high doses)

The Amla supplement I recommend is this one.

I strongly recommend using Amla under the proper medical guidance as it can have adverse effects if used improperly.

(Always use medicinal herbs under the supervision of a doctor)
For more information contact me at doctornishal@gmail.com
To schedule a consultation with me, Click Here.

By: Dr. Nishal Ramnunan B.A.M.S.
Copyright © 2017

References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22529483
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23935377
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24497739
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26593435
5. http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/68/9_Supplement/5471
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21317655
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27562754
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27129171
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4477227/
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23682787
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25305222

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