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What is Amla Extract?

Pamela Pleasant
Pamela Pleasant

Amla extract is oil that is extracted from the Indian gooseberry or amla plant. Unlike other plant extracts, the oil is taken from the bark, leaves, flowers, seeds, and fruit of the plant. The extract is thought to have beneficial healing properties, and it is found in capsules, dried powder preparations, and in a liquid form. This plant produces berry-like fruit, and it is also dried and sold as a holistic remedy. The extract can also be found in shampoos and conditioners because it has a softening and shining effect on the hair.

Collagen helps the skin to maintain elasticity and vitamin C aids in its production. Amla extract contains a large amount of vitamin C, which is beneficial for the skin because it reduces sagging, wrinkles, and drooping skin. Vitamin C is also known as a powerful anti-oxidant, which can fight off the free radicals that prematurely age the body. It can help to heal wounds and it also helps to prevent or fight off certain types of cancers because it boosts the immune system. Amla is believed to help the immune system function more efficiently.

Amla extract used in a tea.
Amla extract used in a tea.

Viruses are different from bacteria because they cannot be cured with antibiotics. They have to be treated with antiviral drugs, and amla extract is thought to have some antiviral properties. Viruses including HIV, herpes, and hepatitis cannot be cured, but the symptoms of these conditions may be lessened by using antiviral therapy. Some believe amla extract can help to slow down the damage to the internal organs caused by these viruses. It is also believed to increase the helpful cells within the blood stream.

Amla is a berry-like fruit that grows on the Indian gooseberry tree, also known as the amalaki tree.
Amla is a berry-like fruit that grows on the Indian gooseberry tree, also known as the amalaki tree.

This extract can help with the digestion of foods. It works to help the body absorb a higher amount of vitamins from foods. This also aids in healthier eliminations, which helps to keep the intestines as well as the colon functioning properly, which also lowers the risks for cancers that can attack these organs.

There are many beneficial qualities ascribed to amla extract. Along with its purported anti-inflammatory properties, the extract is believed to ease the painful and uncomfortable symptoms of radiation therapy. Some also believe diabetes and high blood sugar symptoms can also be controlled by using this extract. Even with all of these beneficial claims, there has been little to no documented research done on it and its healing or cancer-blocking properties.

Discussion Comments

andee

@myharley -- I have never used amla extract but I am with you -- what have you got to lose?

I am wondering if this gooseberry is the same type of gooseberry plants I have growing by my house. Every year my aunt comes out to pick the berries to make gooseberry jelly. Does anyone know if this would be the same thing as amla berry?

myharley

It sounds like I need to give this amla extract a try. Ever since I hit my 40's I have noticed a difference in my skin.

Every time I look in the mirror I feel like I am seeing a new wrinkle. My skin also looks like it is drooping and I feel like I am starting to look like an old lady.

It sounds like it would at least be worth a try. If it doesn't work, I wouldn't be out much money and it shouldn't hurt my skin at all. Has anyone used this for skin problems with good results?

John57

My mom also looks for natural remedies. She tried amla extract to keep her blood sugar under control. I don't know how consistent she was with it. Eventually she had to go on medication for her blood sugar and she stopped using the amla extract. This may work for some people, but I would think you would need to consistently take it every day to get good results.

julies

I have been looking for natural products to help with inflammation, and someone at the health food store recommended I try some amla extract. They also told me since this was my first time using it to start out with a very small amount.

I started out with just 1/8 of a teaspoon and gradually worked my way up to 1/2 teaspoon. The easiest way for me to take this is with a smoothie. When it is mixed in with fruits and vegetables like this, you don't even taste it.

carribeanfox

I believe this is a good hair oil.

carribeanfox

I would like to know if this helps cancer patients.

turquoise

@simrin-- Extracts will always be the most potent when compared to powders and oils. I think you will get more benefit from the extract as well. But you should use less of the extract than you have been with the powder. You won't need as much and that might work out better for you since it lasts longer.

ysmina

I also heard about amla extract helping with symptoms of radiation. I wanted find out more because I have an aunt that is going through chemotherapy right now for breast cancer.

I found an article that talked about a recent study that was done with amla extract. They gave some mice the extract before subjecting them to radiation and saw that those who had the extract had a higher number of healthy cells than those who didn't.

But the important part is that the extract was given regularly before any radiation treatment began. It might not have the same result if someone took the extract after starting radiation therapy.

So for my aunt, I don't know if this extract would help since her treatment has already started. But I think it's definitely worth trying.

SteamLouis

I have been using amla powder for my hair and I like it so far. I have less split ends and my hair seems to be growing.

I am just wondering, what is the difference between amla powder and amla extract? Is the extract just more concentrated and stronger?

I have been adding amla powder to olive oil and keeping it on my hair as a mask. I am thinking about switching to amla extract to make an even better mask if it is better than the powder. I think it might benefit my hair even more.

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    • Amla extract used in a tea.
      By: kostya1082
      Amla extract used in a tea.
    • Amla is a berry-like fruit that grows on the Indian gooseberry tree, also known as the amalaki tree.
      By: Yogesh More
      Amla is a berry-like fruit that grows on the Indian gooseberry tree, also known as the amalaki tree.
    • Amla extract can make hair shiny and soft.
      By: Ziablik
      Amla extract can make hair shiny and soft.
    • Gooseberries, the main ingredient in amla extract.
      Gooseberries, the main ingredient in amla extract.