Amla also called the Indian Gooseberry is a storehouse of nutrients. This humble fruit is grown in tropical climates and is widely used for cooking, cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Amla is consumed in the form of whole fruit, dried powder, juice or oil. Amla powder is made by drying Amla fruit pieces and blending them. This powder has been traditionally used in the Ayurveda for many centuries in curing a number of ailments, particularly related to digestion, constipation, skin, hair and immunity. In this article, we shall discuss how to make Amla powder at home and it’s incredible benefits to health.
What Is Amla Churna?
Amla Churna or Amla powder is made from dried Amla fruits and has a bitter after taste. It also called Usiri Churnam (Telugu), Nellikai Podi (Tamil), Amalaki Choornam (Sanskrit) offers many benefits to a healthy and beautiful body. Amla powder is generally consumed with honey, ginger or lemon to cover the bitterness and also enhance its medicinal value. This powder is easily available in the market, either in pure form or mixed with other ingredients to treat ailments. Amla powder is also one of the most common ingredients in beauty products, particularly those related to hair.
Is Amla Churna Good For Health?
Amla Churna has amazing benefits for promoting good health. The powder is a rich source of Vitamin C, which is essential for boosting the immune system and fighting many infection-causing bacteria. Amla powder is also a powerful antioxidant that reduces cell damage due to oxidative stress. It also helps in offering a soothing relief to a stressed mind and can calm down your nerves. Amla powder aids in good digestion and helps to relieve constipation and acid refluxes.
Nutrient Content Of Amla Powder:
Amla is extremely wealthy in Vitamin C which is a very successful antioxidant. Amla also rich sources of tannin and flavonoids. A serving of 100 grams of pure Amla powder contains:
- Total calories: 96
- 2 grams of fat
- 8 grams carbohydrates
- 07 grams of protein
- 26 mg phosphorus
- 48 mg iron
- 12 mg of calcium
- 700 mg of vitamin C
It also contains small amounts of Riboflavin, Lysine, Tryptophan, Thiamine and Niacin.
See More: Amla Churna Benefits
How To Make Amla Powder (Amla Churna) At Home:
Check out this procedure to know how to prepare gooseberry powder:
- Prep time: 1 Minute
- Cook time:1 Minute
- Total time: 2 Minute
Ingredients:
- 100 gms Dry Amlas
Procedure:
- Amlas must be cut and dried in sunlight for a couple of days.
- You will notice that the juice is evaporated and the pieces are dried up.
- Transfer these pieces into a blender and blend them completely.
- Sift them through a sieve till you achieve smooth powder.
- You homemade Amla powder is ready.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
How To Use Amla Churna:
Now that you know how to prepare Amla Churna, let’s check out the various ways to use it:
Amla Powder Tea:
- Use the one with or without Sugar, your choice. Use 1 tsp of Amla powder with 1 cup of water.
- Do NOT add Milk. Add a tsp of tea leaves and bring it to a boil.
- After a boil, switch off the stove and you are all set.
- Enjoy the Amla Tea.
Amla Powder Paste:
- Use the one with no Sugar mixed. Make a paste by adding warm water and then applying on your scalp.
- Let it dry and then wash it off with Shampoo.
Drink Amla with Water:
- You can blend a tsp of Amla powder in a glass of warm water plus drink each night.
- This surely helps in increasing your hair and building them stronger.
See More: Uses Of Amla
How Much Amla Churna Should I Take Daily?
Consuming Amla powder every day is recommended by many doctors and health experts. The daily serving suggestion of Amla powder is 4 gms of powder or 1 tbsp. Amla churna can be taken in the form of Amla water or tea. You can also consume the powder as a whole followed by a glass of water.
An interesting fact about Amla is that its Sanskrit name Amalaki also means “mother”. Just as a mother which duly protects her children from potential dangers and ensures their well-being, Amla also protects us from all sorts of health problems and promote healthy living. Regular consumption of Amla powder can best to us with good health, balanced emotions, beautiful skin and voluminous hair. Amla powder is referred to as a divine element in Ayurveda medicine, which has long recognized its importance to mankind. It is one of the few ingredients which can balance all three doshas -Vata, Pita and Kapha, which is very rare to achieve. No wonder why Amla is called the Divya Aushadhi!
