Amla Oil Benefits

Last Updated on February 24, 2019 by Marc Seward

What is Amla Oil?

If you have never heard of Amla oil then you are not alone but this oil has long been valued on the Indian subcontinent and in Ayurvedic medicine for its various health benefits. It is especially well known for its ability to treat various hair conditions such as strengthening the hair and preventing its loss but is also used to treat dandruff and several skin conditions.

Amla oil is made from the fruit of the Indian gooseberry tree, known scientifically as Emblicao officinalis, which is soaked in oils such as coconut or sesame oil for several days before being purified.

The oil is used in cooking, hair treatment and for various other ailments and is known to be a rich source of vitamin C and natural antioxidants which can help stave off illness and keep the hair and skin looking and feeling healthy and strong.

Amla Oil for your Hair

There is very good reason why Amla oil has been so popular for so long in India. It contains various healthy fatty acids which help to condition the hair and strengthen the follicles. And that is not all it can do.

Amla Oil can also help treat your scalp if you are suffering from dryness or itchiness. Apart from those essential fatty acids, amla oil is a rich source of vitamin C, flavonoids, polyphenols and minerals. When it comes to your hair, this oil can do it all.

These are the most popular uses of amla oil for the hair:

1. To Prevent Hair Loss

One of the main reasons that you start to lose your hair is the lack of vitamin C and guess what-amla oil contains plenty of the stuff. It is one of your best natural options for replenishing the vitamin c necessary to improve the health of your hair.

There are plenty of ways to use amla oil on your hair in order to strengthen the follicles and prevent your hair from falling out but one of the most popular methods is to combine it with lemon juice.

1. All you have to do is take 2 teaspoons of your amla oil and add the same quantity of fresh lemon juice.
2. Mix it up thoroughly and then apply it directly onto your scalp.
3. Then cover your hair with a towel or a shower cap.
4. After allowing the mixture to dry for an hour or more, rinse it off with clean, warm water.

2. To Condition your Hair

For general conditioning purposes, amla oil makes a great natural alternative to some of the more expensive hair care products. It not only nourishes your hair and gives it a much sought after sheen but can also help to color the hair and prevent it from greying.

1. After washing your hair with your regular shampoo, take a few teaspoons of amla oil and massage it into your hair.
2. You can then cover your hair with a shower cap and let it sit for a while or even overnight before rinsing it off the following morning.

Either way, this wonderful oil will have your hair looking brighter and healthier than it was.

3. To Treat Dandruff

Apart from strengthening your hair and making it look more beautiful, amla oil is an excellent remedy for dryness of the scalp and is a wonderful natural treatment for common scalp problems like dandruff.

• Feel free to massage a few teaspoons into your scalp each evening to help soothe any itchiness and relieve you of that unsightly dandruff naturally.

Whatever your reason for using this oil, it is best to use it at night and to make sure you rinse it out thoroughly because of its distinctive musky aroma that not everybody will find agreeable.

Amla Oil for the Skin

While amla oil is probably best-known for its hair care benefits, it should not be forgotten that it has other uses especially its ability to deal with a variety of skin conditions. It can be used to improve the strength and elasticity of the skin, reduce the size of your pores, moisturize dry skin and even to simply cleanse the skin.

Amla oil is a very rich source of natural antioxidants which can help in your battle with free radical damage. The free radicals that we encounter every day in the environment are known to cause destruction to the cells and can cause your skin to age prematurely.

As well as these anti-aging properties, amla oil may also prevent damage from exposure to the sun’s UV rays. According to experts on the subject, amla oil also has a cooling astringent effect when applied to the skin and the ability to rejuvenate and regenerate the skin’s cells.

There are several ways to use amla to improve the health of your skin:

1. You can massage a few drops directly onto your skin as part of your daily routine.
2. Add a few drops of Amla oil to your face cream or hand lotion.
3. Mix a little Amla oil into a spoonful of honey and eat it as a healthy breakfast treat.

Other uses of Amla Oil

There are several other potential uses of amla oil apart from its popular hair and skin benefits. According to traditional use, amla oil may be beneficial in treating the following conditions.

1. According to experts, amla oil is extremely beneficial to the health of your eyes. It can help reduce the risk of developing cataracts and improve your eyesight in general. It is also said to protect your retinas from damage caused by oxidative stress and also reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
2. Because amla oil is such a rich source of healthy vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, calcium and iron, it is good for your overall health. It is also an excellent source of antioxidant flavonoids and healthy fatty acids that can support the health of your heart and may even help reduce cholesterol levels.
3. Eating amla oil may also help boost your body’s immune system and help you to stave off common sicknesses like the cold and influenza. According to Ayurverdic practitioners, it can also help you to keep infections at bay.

How to Make your own Amla oil

Amla oil is readily available these days but you may like to try making your own. It is certainly more cost effective and undoubtedly more rewarding to make your own product.

Making your own amla oil could not be easier and we will describe one of the most popular methods here.

Home-made Amla oil recipe

This is a popular way to produce your own amla oil which involves heating your fruit in order to extract the healthy components.

You need the following ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons of whole dried Amla or Amla powder.
• 5 tablespoons of a vegetable oil such as coconut oil, sesame oil or olive oil.

1. Combine your dried amla with the coconut oil in a pan.
2. Heat the mixture on a very low heat and stir from time to time.
3. When the mixture begins to bubble, turn of the heat.
4. Cover your pan and allow the mixture to cool.
5. Strain and place in a container ready for use
6. Store the mixture in a cool and dry spot for up to one year.