Amalaki (Amla / Phyllanthus emblica) — Ayurvedic Ingredient Guide
Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica, synonym Emblica officinalis), commonly called Amla or Indian Gooseberry, is a fruit-bearing tree of the family Phyllanthaceae native to the Indian subcontinent. In Ayurveda its dried fruit is one of the most widely used single substances — the foremost Rasayana herb named in the Charaka Samhita, the central fruit of Chyawanprash, and one of the three fruits of Triphala. This reference page covers its botanical identity, regional names, classical pharmacological profile, the formulations that feature it, and the published research that has examined it.
Botanical identity
- Accepted botanical name: Phyllanthus emblica L.
- Synonym: Emblica officinalis Gaertn.
- Family: Phyllanthaceae
- Part used: Fruit (dried pulp)
- Common English name: Indian Gooseberry
Regional names and spelling variants
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit | Amalaki (also Dhatri, Amrita, Vayastha, Shriphala) |
| Hindi | Amla (आमला) |
| Gujarati | Amla (આમણા) |
| Bengali | Amloki |
| Tamil | Nellikai |
| Telugu | Usirikaya |
| Malayalam | Nellikka |
| Kannada | Nellikayi |
| Marathi | Awala |
| Botanical | Phyllanthus emblica (syn. Emblica officinalis) |
Common spelling variants seen in search and on packaging include Amala, Amlaa, Aonla, Amloki, and Amalaki Churna.
Classical Ayurvedic profile (Rasapanchaka)
| Property | Classical description |
|---|---|
| Rasa (taste) | Five tastes, lacking only Lavana (salty); Amla (sour) predominant, with Madhura (sweet) as anurasa |
| Guna (quality) | Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Sheeta (cooling) |
| Vipaka (post-digestive) | Madhura (sweet) |
| Dosha effect | Tridoshashamaka (balances all three), notably Pitta-pacifying |
This unusual profile — sour in taste yet cooling in potency and sweet after digestion — is part of why classical authors regarded Amalaki as so broadly useful.
Classical text references
Amalaki is documented across the principal classical sources. The Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana, Rasayana chapter) names it the foremost single Rasayana fruit and includes it in the Vayasthapana mahakashaya group (Sutra Sthana). The Sushruta Samhita references it among rejuvenating and Pitta-balancing substances. The Bhavaprakasha Nighantu places it in the Haritakyadi Varga with a detailed description of its qualities, and the Sharangdhara Samhita records it within several compound formulations. These citations describe traditional roles as set out in the texts, not modern therapeutic claims.
Traditional roles described in Ayurveda
- Rasayana: Valued for rejuvenation and the sustaining of vitality.
- Keshya: Traditionally associated with hair quality, lustre, and scalp health.
- Varnya: Grouped among substances linked to skin clarity and complexion.
- Vayasthapana: Described as age-sustaining in classical literature.
- Chakshushya: Traditionally associated with eye wellness.
Formulations that feature Amalaki
Amalaki is a building block of many classical preparations. It is one of the three fruits of Triphala Churna (with Haritaki and Bibhitaki) and appears in Triphala Guggulu. It is the principal fruit of Chyawanprash, and the basis of Amalaki Rasayana and Dhatri Rasayana. As a single herb it is available as Amla Powder (Amalaki Churna). The companion Triphala fruit Baheda (Bibhitaki) Powder is often used alongside it.
Modern research
Published phytopharmacological literature has examined Amalaki on several fronts. Its vitamin C and antioxidant profile in the fruit and its Ayurvedic preparation was measured by Scartezzini and colleagues (2006, Journal of Ethnopharmacology). A laboratory study at Chulalongkorn University observed support for human hair-follicle dermal-papilla cell proliferation with emblica extract under in-vitro conditions (Luanpitpong et al., 2011). A wider review surveyed its traditionally recognised antioxidant characteristics (Dasaroju & Gottumukkala, 2014, Phytotherapy Research). These observations come from study conditions and do not constitute medical claims; individual results may vary.
How it is used
Amalaki is taken as a churna (powder), in classical Rasayana preparations, in juice, and as a component of polyherbal formulas. As a single powder it serves both topical hair and skin routines and internal daily use under physician guidance. Typical classical internal guidance is three to five grams daily with a suitable anupan such as honey, ghee, or warm water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amla the same as Amalaki?
Yes. Amalaki is the Sanskrit name; Amla is the common Hindi and Gujarati name. Both refer to the fruit of Phyllanthus emblica.
Which part of the plant is used?
The fruit. Ayurvedic Amalaki preparations use the dried fruit pulp.
Why is Amla called a Rasayana?
Rasayana refers to the Ayurvedic tradition of rejuvenation. Classical texts, led by the Charaka Samhita, place Amalaki at the head of single Rasayana substances for its nourishing qualities.
Can Amla be used both internally and externally?
Traditionally yes — as a hair and face pack externally, and internally under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic physician.
This page is an educational ingredient reference reflecting traditional Ayurvedic use as described in classical texts. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Use under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic physician. Results may vary from person to person.
रीध्धीश हर्बल्स — गुजरातनी विश्वासपात्र आयुर्वेदिक स्टोर.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.