Amla
Āmalakī / आमलकी
Definition
The Indian gooseberry, known in Sanskrit as amalaki: one of Ayurveda's most prized rejuvenative (rasayana) herbs and one of the three fruits of triphala.
Key points
- Amla, the Indian gooseberry, is called amalaki in Sanskrit
- It is honored as one of Ayurveda's foremost rejuvenative (rasayana) herbs and forms one third of triphala
- Rich in vitamin C, it is eaten as fruit and preserves and used traditionally for hair and scalp care
What is amla?
Amla is a small, green, intensely sour fruit known in English as the Indian gooseberry and in Sanskrit as amalaki. Among the many herbs of Ayurveda, few are spoken of as reverently: the classical texts repeatedly place it in the first rank, prized as a fruit of rejuvenation. It is considered unusual for carrying five of the six tastes at once, with sourness leading.
A flagship of rasayana
Ayurveda's rejuvenation branch, rasayana, aims to preserve vitality against time, and amla is one of its flagship herbs alongside ashwagandha. Its traditional profile is distinctive: said to cool and settle hot Pitta while still nourishing deeply and gently supporting agni, the digestive fire. Chyawanprash, the famous Indian herbal jam taken as a daily tonic, is built around amla.
One third of triphala
Amla is also one of the three fruits of triphala, Ayurveda's most famous formula, where tradition assigns it the Pitta seat: haritaki for Vata, amla for Pitta, bibhitaki for Kapha.
Amla today
Amla is well known as a fruit rich in vitamin C, and it circulates worldwide as powder, supplements and juice. It leads a second life in hair care: amla oil and amla powder have been South Asian staples for generations. The taste is fiercely sour, so follow product labels for how to take it, and check with a professional if existing conditions or medication are in the picture.
This entry introduces a traditional system of thought and general information. It does not guarantee any specific effect and is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any condition. For health concerns, please consult a qualified medical professional.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is amla?
A small green fruit known in English as the Indian gooseberry and in Sanskrit as amalaki. Ayurveda honors it as one of its foremost rejuvenative herbs, and it is one of the three fruits that make up triphala.
Are amla and amalaki the same thing?
Yes, the same plant (Emblica officinalis). Amla is the Hindi-derived everyday name; amalaki is the Sanskrit one. Products usually sell under the name amla.
How is amla used?
As food: fresh, pickled, and famously as the main ingredient of the herbal jam chyawanprash. And for hair: amla oil and powder are longstanding staples of South Asian hair care. It is strongly sour, so follow product labels, and consult a professional if you have conditions or take medication.