Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), the Indian gooseberry, is sour, astringent and remarkably rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Most Indian grandmothers have a jar of amla something in the kitchen. Many have a bottle of amla oil in the bathroom too.
What Amla does in a hair oil
- Conditions the scalp. Its astringent nature helps a scalp feel clean and balanced rather than greasy.
- Supports natural colour. Amla is traditionally credited with helping hair keep its natural colour for longer.
- Adds body and shine. Used regularly, hair tends to feel thicker to the touch and look glossier.
Eating it helps too
Ayurveda reads hair as a sign of overall health. A fresh amla, a spoon of amla murabba or amla juice in the morning is an old habit worth keeping, especially if your diet is low in fruit.
Using amla in your routine
Look for oils where amla is infused into the base, not just added as a fragrance. In Keshavardhan Plus Oil, dried amla is slow-infused with Bhringraj and Brahmi in cold-pressed sesame and coconut oil, then left to settle before bottling.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. For sudden or patchy hair loss, or any scalp condition, please see a dermatologist.
Written from four generations of herbal practice, starting with Hakeem Phami Ram Ji’s register.
