Mother Nature has gifted mankind with lots of plants that can be used as natural remedies for very many conditions. Amla is an example of a very important plant in natural hair care.

Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) also known as the Indian Gooseberry, is popularly known for its wonderful benefits on hair.  It is an edible fruit of the Myrobalan-tree, packed with antioxidants, flavonoids and other minerals important for hair growth.

In this article, we have looked at several studies and done a detailed analysis on the benefits of Amla in promoting healthy hair growth.  Read on to find out exactly how Amla will benefit your hair and how to use it in your hair care regimen.

Below is a summary of the main benefits of Amla on hair:

1. Promotes hair growths
2. May prevent hair loss
3. A natural conditioner and moisturizer
4. Great for cleansing the scalp and treating dandruff
5. Reduces graying of hair
6. Strengthens and thicken hair
7. Improves shine

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Nutritional Value of Amla

Amla is a rich fruit that is packed with lots of vitamins and other minerals that are beneficial for hair health.  It is also a natural immunity booster and power pack when it comes to overall health.

Below is a summary of the nutritional composition of Amla.

• Carbohydrates and dietary fiber
• Fat, Lipids, and Fatty acids: Includes Omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids.
• Vitamins: Includes Vitamin A, C, E, Niacin, Vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid.
• Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium Zinc, and others

The vitamin C and E  present in Amla  makes it a powerful antioxidant. (1)

These vitamins also help in fighting off free radicals which lead to damage of hair. This element makes it a great fruit in promoting hair.

Essential fatty acids present in Amla help in strengthening hair follicles.

Amla has a high iron level and the presence of potent antioxidant content improves blood circulation around the scalp thereby stimulating hair growth and also providing relief from dry, itchy scalp.

Benefits of Amla on Hair    

1. Promotes hair growth

A study done on hair growth stimulating activity of herbal plants indicates that a herbal solution of Amla powder may be more effective than Minoxidil at stimulating hair growth. (2)

One of the main reasons why this fruit’s components are popular in hair care products is its abilities in spurring hair growth.

The vitamins and other minerals in Amla help in increasing the scalp circulation and stimulate healthy growth. 

Vitamin C in Amla promotes collagen production. Collagen helps to replace the dead cells of hair follicles thus promotes hair growth.

Additionally, the nutrients in this fruit make it a powerful antioxidant which means that it is able to get rid of free radicals which often lead to hair fall.

The vitamin E in Amla boosts the circulation of blood into the scalp thus promoting hair growth. It also helps in healing and in cell regeneration in the scalp.

For best results all you need to do is warm the oil and massage your scalp and hair with it.

2. Natural hair conditioner and moisturizer

If you struggle with dry brittle hair, try this super fruit. Amla has a high water retention capacity. It contains up to 81.2% of moisture which makes a wonderful ingredient for any type of hair. (3)

Amla can nourish and strengthen your hair. It also acts as a natural hair conditioner and can improve on the volume and strength of your hair. 

It prevents dryness and helps in restoring moisture. It also removes the dead cells from the scalp. The essential fatty acids in Amla are useful in strengthening hair follicles.

If you have been struggling with unmanageable frizzy hair Amla  might just be the solution for you. The use of Amla oil will also give your hair a lustrous look.

3. Prevents hair loss

A study done in mice reveals that Amla applied topically can be used a natural alternative to prevent hair loss.  

This study looked at 17 traditional plant’s abilities to inhibit 5α-reductase enzyme and promote hair growth. The results of this study showed that Amla was the second most potent inhibitor of 5α-reductase. (4)

Reduced 5α-reductase means less Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which has been linked to hair loss. Reduced DHT therefore means a substantial reduction of male and female pattern hair loss. (5)

4. Treats dandruff and cleanses the scalp

Dandruff is a common condition that is as a result of dryness. It causes the scalp to be flaky, can be itchy. The flakes that result from dandruff can cause discomfort and embarrassment.

Vitamin C in Amla helps in controlling dandruff.  This fruit has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-bacterial properties that can prevent dandruff and help in relieving scalp inflammation.

Amla juice acts a great cleansing agent. It nourishes the scalp and is responsible for the sheen on the hair.

The antioxidants present in Amla can also shield hair from environmental damage.

Related Article: Natural remedies for dandruff

5. Reduces graying of hair 

In the recent past there has been an increase in anti-graying treatments.

Before trying such treatments, consider using Amla as a natural remedy for graying hair. The use of Amla is recommended for people with the graying condition. (6)

Graying of hair occurs when cells at the hair base (melanocytes) stop to produce the pigment which gives hair its color. In most cases, premature graying of hair is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B12 in the hair. 

The ability of the cells to make the color producing pigment normally weakens with age hence the graying.

To make a potent mixture to use on your hair, mix Amla powder with a small amount of Coconut oil. Let is turn black and proceed to apply it on your hair and scalp on a regular basis.

6. Strengthens hair

Amla juice serves as a beneficial tonic that enriches your hair. It strengthens your hair follicles thereby facilitating hair growth. It also helps in enhancing hair color and pigmentation.

Including fresh Indian Gooseberry (Amla) in your diet or applying its paste on the roots of your hair will promote hair growth and enhance hair color.

Amla oil can be applied to your hair to leave with a fuller, lustrous look. Vitamin C together with other minerals and nutrients help in fighting against factors that would otherwise be detrimental to hair health.

7. Improves natural shine

Amla powder can improve on your hair sheen. It can be incorporated into homemade hair masks to make that hair bouncier and shinier.

How to use Amla to promote hair growth

Amla can be used as a juice, oil or powder to promote hair growth. It’s available for purchase in these forms but can also be easily extracted at home to create your best option.

Use Amla as a powder

• Take fresh Amla and slice into bits
• Dry in the sunlight
• Grind into a fine powder.
• Make a paste from the powder and apply on your hair or mix it with other ingredients

Use Amla as an oil

You can make Amla oil by soaking dried Amla fruits in another oil such as Coconut for several days. By soaking the fruit in another oil, the natural oils in the Amla fruit releases into the mixture. The oil mixture is then filtered before being applied into the hair.

You can also purchase Amla oil from your local store or online and incorporate it into your hair care routine.

There are several different ways you can use the oil in your hair. You can use it to pre-poo hair, as a hot oil treatment or to make DIY hair treatments.

Make fresh Amla juice

• Take Amla fruits.
• Cut them into pieces.
• Add a glass of water and juice them.

As you can see from the benefits of Amla discussed in this article, it makes a great addition to your hair care regimen. You can purchase Amla Powder and Amla Oil on these links.

Have you tried Amla before, would you recommend it?  We would like to know your experience with Amla in the comments below.

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