SUTRA TO SCIENCE
Amalaki (Sanskrit) or Amla Berry In the Sutra to Science section, we cover an herb, a plant, a fruit of Ayurved extolled in the sutras for its healing properties; in addition, we bring you the latest research of modern science that confirms the very same ayurvedic qualities. In this issue we feature the : Amalaki (Phyllantus Emblica, Indian Gooseberry)
FROM SUTRA…
In the Puranas, it is called Divyoshadhi, or “divine fruit” because it has holistic balancing qualities for all three dosha types. Identification: The Amla Berry tree grows high, between 8 to 10 meters, it has a thin whitish bark, strong red wood. Its leaves have the appearance of small thin leaves like those of the tamarind plant, it also grows small yellow flowers on long stalks that bloom in the Fall. The fruit is round and greenish yellow in color, with six striations and seeds. Variety: there are mainly two varieties of Amalaki available on the market: a) Jangali - wild b) Kalmi – hybridized for bigger fruits with larger yield
Comparative difference between Wild and Hybridized Amla Wild (Jangali) Amla
Hybridized (Kalmi) Amla
1) grows in the forest 2) the size of the wild fruits reaches maximum 1 karsh (about 10 gm), as is mentioned in the Carak Samhita
1) Cultivated in farms 2) with high tech agronomical technology in India the plant has been manipulated to yield an increase of 10 times its original size, weighing up to 100 gm, in order to meet high consumer demands 3) Smaller seed in comparison to high pulp volume ratio
3) has a larger seed in comparison to pulp volume ratio 4) more fibrous content (unused portion of the fruit)
4) less fibrous content
5) Yield of the fruit pulp which constitutes its market value is less 6) grows free from pesticides and chemical fertilization, naturally protected in its environment
5) yield of the fruit pulp meets high market demands
7) concentrated in its content value
7) larger fruit volume dilutes the content value concentration
6) cannot grow without the use of fertilizers and pesticidal control
What do the Ayurvedic texts say about the Amla Berry?
This sutra says: haritaki samam kintu visheshatah rakta pitta prameghanam param vrishayam rasayanam. Bhav Mishra explains how all the healing qualities of the “haritaki” plant (read more in our upcoming Fall 2007 issue) are also present in amla. Haritaki is the ultimate rasayana because it supports immunity and has age-defying properties. However, amla is kintu visheshatah, it particularly carries those properties because it is rakta pitta prameghanam, it nourishes the blood, rakta, and pacifies the pitta dosha, it helps in correcting urinary tract imbalances. It is param vrishayam, it is the best fruit for increasing the shukra dhatu, the reproductive fluid. It is rasayanam, it helps immunity and slows down aging. • Tridosha pacifying (Tridosha hara) • Tonic for the nervous system (nadi valya) • Brain tonic (medhya) • Nourishes the visual system (chakchushya) • Digestive and metabolic fire enhancer (deepana) • Support the liver (yakrit uttejaka) • Supports the downward flow of Apana Vata (anulomana) • Supports voluminous bowel elimination (mridu rehana) • Supports the heart (hridya)
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified medical professional,who should always be consulted before beginning any new health,diet,or exercise program. If you are pregnant,nursing,or taking any kind of prescri ption medications,or if you are under the special care of a physician,be sure to have your doctor’s advice and supervision. You should always inform you physician of all medical conditions you have,as well as the medications and vitamin supple ments you are taking. He or she should be the authority on optimum dosage require ments for all nutrients and vitamins. © 2007 AdiShakti LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this news letter may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever witho ut the written permission of the publisher.