Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
What are the health benefits of amla and how should it be consumed?
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
Nutrition
Question #12618
192 days ago
205

What are the health benefits of amla and how should it be consumed? - #12618

Isaac

I’ve been hearing a lot about the health benefits of amla, and I’m curious to know how it can improve my overall health. I know that amla is packed with Vitamin C, but I want to learn more about its health benefits. How does it help with immunity, digestion, and skin health? I’ve read that amla is beneficial for hair growth and preventing premature graying. How should I consume amla to get the best results—should I eat it raw, drink amla juice, or take it as a powder? Also, is it true that amla can help with digestion issues like acidity and constipation? What’s the best time to consume amla for digestion and other health benefits? If anyone has included amla in their daily routine, please share your experience! What benefits have you noticed, and how long did it take to see results?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Amla (Indian gooseberry) is a powerhouse of nutrients and offers a wide range of health benefits. Here’s how it can improve your overall health:

Health Benefits of Amla: Boosts Immunity: Rich in Vitamin C, amla strengthens the immune system, helping the body fight infections and diseases. Its antioxidant properties help in protecting the body from harmful free radicals, supporting overall health. Improves Digestion: Amla aids in digestion by enhancing digestive fire (Agni) and promoting the secretion of gastric juices. It is known to relieve issues like acidity, bloating, and constipation. Amla acts as a mild laxative, making it helpful for maintaining regular bowel movements. Supports Skin Health: The Vitamin C in amla is vital for collagen production, promoting healthy, glowing skin. It helps fight wrinkles and fine lines, reducing the effects of aging. Amla is often used in Ayurvedic face packs to improve complexion. Hair Health: Amla helps stimulate hair growth and strengthens hair follicles. It prevents premature graying and reduces dandruff due to its high antioxidant content. It can be applied topically as oil or consumed internally for better results. How to Consume Amla for Maximum Benefits: Raw Amla: Eating raw amla is one of the best ways to get its full benefits. You can simply chew the fruit, or blend it into smoothies. Amla Juice: Drinking amla juice is an easy way to incorporate it into your routine. One tablespoon of fresh amla juice mixed with water in the morning can boost immunity and digestion. Amla Powder: You can take amla powder, which is a convenient way to consume it. Mix it with water, honey, or add it to smoothies. It’s often consumed in the morning on an empty stomach for better absorption. Best Time to Consume Amla: For Immunity: Consume amla in the morning or early afternoon, as its vitamin C boosts energy levels. For Digestion: Taking amla after meals, either as powder or juice, can help in better digestion and prevent acidity. For Skin & Hair: Consuming amla regularly as part of your routine will show improvements in skin glow and hair health in about 4-6 weeks. Personal Experiences: Many people report noticeable improvements in energy, skin glow, and hair quality after regularly including amla in their diet. It typically takes a few weeks to experience visible results.

If you’ve added amla to your routine, feel free to share your experiences on how it has benefited you and any tips you have for incorporating it!

11913 answered questions
78% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Amla, indeed, is a powerhouse of nutrients and has quite a long list of health benefits - much more than just being rich in Vitamin C! It’s known in Ayurveda as a rasayana, meaning it has rejuvenating properties that can boost overall health and immunity. For immunity, it promotes the production of white blood cells and thus acts like a protective shield against common infections. And yes, it’s not just good for keeping sneezes at bay but also for aiding digestion. Amla helps with acidity because it has a cooling effect on your body. Plus, its high fiber content makes it perfect for tackling constipation, kind of like a gentle broom for your intestines.

Skin health and hair growth are another thing amla is cherished for. Its antioxidants help in reducing signs of aging and keeping your skin radiant. And when it comes to hair, amla is believed to strengthen follicles and prevent premature graying because of its high mineral content.

Now, onto how to consume it! Raw amla is great but can be very sour and astringent, which might not be to everyone’s taste. A sweet spot - no pun intended – could be amla juice. Just 10-20 ml with a glass of water on an empty stomach every morning can work wonders. As for powder form, 1-2 teaspoons mixed in warm water or added to smoothies is nice. A simple way to balance digestion or, say, soothe after a big meal is to take it after eating.

Timing could vary based on your needs. For digestion and daily health, morning is good. But if hair and skin is the focus, consuming regularly as part of daily meals or snacks generally brings results quicker, say in a few weeks. Many people find that they notice improved digestion or skin within a few weeks, while hair effects might take a tad longer.

Trying different forms and finding your fit helps. Each form has its own charm and they’re generally nice to mix and match for maximum benefit. Just remember, consistency is key – like most things, keeping it regular in your diet is the real game-changer.

1742 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Atul Painuli
I am Vaidya Atul Painuli, currently working as an Ayurvedic Consultant at Patanjali Chikitsalaya, Delhi... been here a while now. My focus from the start—over 10+ yrs in this field—has been to stay true to what Ayurveda *actually* is, not just surface-level remedies or buzzwords. I’ve treated a wide mix of patients, from people battling chronic illnesses to those just looking to fix their lifestyle before it leads to disease (which is v underrated tbh). During these years, I kinda shaped my practice around the idea that one solution never fits all. Whether it’s diabetes, gut disorders, stress-related problems or hormone issues—everything goes back to the root, the *nidana*. I usually go with classic Ayurvedic meds, but I mix it up with Panchakarma, diet tweaks and daily routine correction, depending on the case. Most of the time, ppl don’t even realize how much their habits are feeding into the problem. It’s not just about herbs or massages... though those are important too. At Patanjali Chikitsalaya, I see patients from literally all walks of life—office-goers, elderly, even young kids sometimes. Everyone’s got something diff going on, which keeps me grounded. What I try to do is not just treat the symptoms but help ppl *see* what’s happening in their bodies and minds. Like Ayurveda says—if your digestion, sleep and emotions are off... then eventually health’s gonna wobble. I don’t promise quick results but I do stay with my patients through the process, adjusting things based on how they respond. That part makes a big difference I think. For me, Ayurveda isn’t a “last resort” kinda thing—it’s a system that can prevent 80% of the lifestyle diseases ppl suffer from today, if done right. My goal? Just to keep doing this in a way that feels real, grounded, and actually helps ppl—not overwhelm them with too much jargon or fear. Just practical, clean, honest healing.
5
46 reviews
Dr. Kirankumari Rathod
I am someone who kinda grew into Panchakarma without planning it much at first... just knew I wanted to understand the deeper layers of Ayurveda, not just the surface stuff. I did both my graduation and post-grad from Govt. Ayurveda Medical College & Hospital in Bangalore — honestly that place shaped a lot of how I think about healing, especially long-term healing. After my PG, I started working right away as an Assistant Professor & consultant in the Panchakarma dept at a private Ayurveda college. Teaching kinda made me realise how much we ourselves learn by explaining things to others... and watching patients go through their detox journeys—real raw healing—was where I got hooked. Now, with around 6 years of clinical exp in Panchakarma practice, I'm working as an Associate Professor, still in the same dept., still learning, still teaching. I focus a lot on individualised protocols—Ayurveda isn't one-size-fits-all and honestly, that’s what makes it tricky but also beautiful. Right now I’m also doing my PhD, it’s on female infertility—a topic I feel not just academically drawn to but personally invested in, cause I see how complex and layered it gets for many women. Managing that along with academics and patient care isn’t super easy, I won’t lie, but it kinda fuels each other. The classroom work helps my clinical thinking, and my clinical work makes me question things in research more sharply. There's a lot I still wanna explore—especially in how we explain Panchakarma better to newer patients. Many people still think it's just oil massage or some spa thing but the depth is wayyy beyond that. I guess I keep hoping to make that clarity come through—whether it’s in class or during a consult or even during a quick OPD chat.
5
8 reviews
Dr. Isha Bhardwaj
I am someone who kinda learned early that medicine isn’t just about protocols or pills—like, it’s more about people, right? I did my BAMS with proper grounding in both classical Ayurveda and also the basics of modern med, which honestly helped me see both sides better. During internship, I got to work 6 months at Civil Hospital Sonipat—very clinical, very fast paced—and the other 6 at our own Ayurvedic hospital in the college. That mix showed me how blending traditional and integrative care isn't just theory, it actually works with real patients. After that I joined Kbir Wellness, an Ayurvedic aushdhalaya setup, where I dived into Naadi Pariksha—like really deep. It’s weird how much you can tell from pulse if you just listen right?? Doing regular consultations there sharpened my sense of prakriti, vikriti and how doshas show up subtle first. I used classical Ayurvedic texts to shape treatment plans, but always kept the patient’s routine, mental space and capacity in mind. Also I was part of some health camps around Karnal and Panipat—especially in govt schools and remote areas. That part really stays with me. You get to help ppl who dont usually have access to consistent care, and you start valuing simple awareness more than anything. I kinda think prevention should be a bigger focus in Ayurveda, like we keep talking about root cause but don’t always reach people before it gets worse. My whole method is pretty much built around that—root-cause treatment, yes, but also guiding patients on how to live with their body instead of fighting symptoms all the time. I rely a lot on traditional diagnostics like Naadi, but I mix that with practical therapies they can actually follow. No point in giving hard-to-do regimens if someone’s already overwhelmed. I keep it flexible. Most of my plans include dietary changes, natural formulations, lifestyle corrections and sometimes breathwork, daily rhythms and all that. I’m not here to just “treat illness”—what I really aim for is helping someone feel like they’ve got a handle on their own health again. That shift from just surviving to kinda thriving... that’s what I look for in every case.
5
289 reviews
Dr. Anupriya
I am an Ayurvedic doctor trained at one of the most reputed institutes (yeah, the kind that makes u sweat but also feel proud lol) where I completed my BAMS with 70%—not just numbers but real grind behind it. My focus during & after graduation has always been on treating the patient not just the disease, and honestly that philosophy keeps guiding me even now. I usually see anywhere around 50 to 60 patients a day, sometimes more if there's a health camp or local rush. It’s hectic, but I kinda thrive in that rhythm. What matters to me is not the number but going deep into each case—reading every complaint, understanding symptoms, prakriti, current state, season changes etc. and putting together a treatment that feels “right” for that person, not just for the condition. Like, I don’t do one-size-fits-all plans. I sit down, make case reports (yup, proper handwritten notes sometimes), observe small shifts, modify herbs, suggest diet tweaks, even plan rest patterns when needed. I find that holistic angle super powerful. And patients feel it too—some who come in dull n restless, over weeks show clarity, skin settles, energy kinda gets back... that makes the day worth it tbh. There’s no shortcut to trust, and i get that. Maybe that’s why patients keep referring their siblings or maa-papa too. Not bragging, but when people say things like “you actually listened” or “I felt heard”, it stays in the back of my mind even when I’m dog tired lol. My goal? Just to keep learning, treating honestly and evolving as per what each new case teaches me. Ayurveda isn’t static—it grows with u if u let it. I guess I’m just walking that path, one custom plan at a time.
5
6 reviews
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
ChatGPT said: I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.
5
281 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, an Ayurvedic physician from Maharashtra, committed to promoting authentic and effective Ayurvedic healing. I completed my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College, Kharghar, where I built a strong foundation in classical Ayurvedic science. After graduation, I was fortunate to be selected for the prestigious Certificate Course of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi. Through this program, I had the unique opportunity to learn traditional and authentic Kerala Ayurveda under the mentorship of my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan, a highly respected name in the field. Currently, I am pursuing my MD in Panchakarma from the renowned Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This advanced training is enhancing my understanding of specialized Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapies, allowing me to integrate classical Panchakarma techniques into modern clinical practice effectively. My clinical approach combines deep-rooted traditional knowledge with scientific understanding to offer personalized care for a variety of chronic and lifestyle disorders. I am passionate about utilizing Ayurveda not just for disease management but also for preventive healthcare and wellness promotion. I am dedicated to helping my patients achieve sustainable health by addressing the root cause of ailments through holistic treatments, Panchakarma therapies, lifestyle counseling, and dietetics.
5
46 reviews
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
I am Dr Anurag Sharma, done with BAMS and also PGDHCM from IMS BHU, which honestly shaped a lot of how I approach things now in clinic. Working as a physician and also as an anorectal surgeon, I’ve got around 2 to 3 years of solid experience—tho like, every day still teaches me something new. I mainly focus on anorectal care (like piles, fissure, fistula stuff), plus I work with chronic pain cases too. Pain management is something I feel really invested in—seeing someone walk in barely managing and then leave with actual relief, that hits different. I’m not really the fancy talk type, but I try to keep my patients super informed, not just hand out meds n move on. Each case needs a bit of thinking—some need Ksharasutra or minor para surgical stuff, while others are just lifestyle tweaks and herbal meds. I like mixing the Ayurved principles with modern insights when I can, coz both sides got value really. It’s like—knowing when to go gentle and when to be precise. Right now I’m working hard on getting even better with surgical skills, but also want to help people get to me before surgery's the only option. Had few complicated cases where patience n consistency paid off—no shortcuts but yeah, worth it. The whole point for me is to actually listen first, like proper listen. People talk about symptoms but also say what they feel—and that helps in understanding more than any lab report sometimes. I just want to stay grounded in my work, and keep growing while doing what I can to make someone's pain bit less every day.
0 reviews
Dr. Narendrakumar V Mishra
I have been practicing as a Consulting Ayurvedic Physician since 1990, with over three decades of clinical experience in treating a wide range of chronic and lifestyle-related health conditions. My core areas of focus include hair disorders, skin diseases, and lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, arthritis, and stress-related imbalances. Over the years, I have developed a patient-centric approach that emphasizes deep-rooted healing through authentic Ayurvedic principles. My treatment philosophy is based on understanding the unique constitution (prakriti) and imbalance (vikriti) of each patient, allowing me to craft individualized care plans using classical formulations, diet corrections, detox therapies (shodhana), and lifestyle modifications. Whether it’s persistent hair fall, recurring skin allergies, or long-term metabolic disorders, I aim to address the root cause rather than just suppress symptoms. In the management of lifestyle disorders like diabetes and arthritis, I integrate Ayurvedic medicines with structured dinacharya (daily routines) and ahar (dietary guidance), focusing on sustainable results and long-term wellness. I also work extensively with stress-related concerns, offering holistic strategies that incorporate mind-body practices, including meditation, herbal support, and counseling rooted in Ayurveda. With a strong foundation in traditional Ayurvedic texts and decades of hands-on experience, I remain committed to providing safe, natural, and effective healthcare solutions. My goal is to guide patients toward a balanced life, free from chronic ailments, through personalized treatment protocols that restore harmony to both body and mind.
5
363 reviews
Dr. Ayush Varma
Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.
4.95
20 reviews
Dr. Maitri Bhavesh Kumar Acharya
ChatGPT said: I am Dr. Maitri, currently in my 2nd year of MD in Dravyaguna, and yeah, I run my own Ayurvedic clinic in Ranoli where I’ve been seeing patients for 2 years now. Honestly, what pulled me into this path deeper is how powerful herbs really are—when used right. Not just randomly mixing churnas but actually understanding their rasa, virya, vipaka etc. That’s kinda my zone, where textbook knowledge meets day-to-day case handling. My practice revolves around helping people with PCOD, acne, dandruff, back pain, stiffness in knees or joints that never seem to go away. And I don’t jump to giving a long list of medicines straight away—first I spend time figuring out their prakriti, their habits, food cycle, what triggers what… basically all the small stuff that gets missed. Then comes the plan—herbs (single or compound), some diet reshuffling, and always some lifestyle nudges. Sometimes they’re tiny, like sleep timing. Sometimes big like proper seasonal detox. Being into Dravyaguna helps me get into the depth of herbs more confidently. I don’t just look at the symptom—I think okay what guna will counter this? Should the drug be snigdha, ushna, tikta? Is there a reverse vipaka that’ll hurt the agni? I ask these questions before writing any combo. That’s made a huge diff in outcomes. Like I had this case of chronic urticaria that would flare up every week, and just tweaking the herbs based on sheetala vs ushna nature... helped calm the system in 3 weeks flat. Not magic, just logic. I also work with women who are struggling with hormonal swings, mood, delayed periods or even unexplained breakouts. When hormones go haywire, the skin shows, digestion slows, and mind gets foggy too. I keep my approach full-circle—cleansing, balancing, rejuvenating. No quick fixes, I tell them early on. What I’m hoping to do more of now is make Ayurveda feel practical. Not overwhelming. Just simple tools—ahara, vihara, aushadha—used consistently, with some trust in the body’s own healing. I’m still learning, still refining, but honestly, seeing people feel in control of their health again—that’s what keeps me rooted to this.
5
186 reviews
Dr. Arpita Bhaskar
I am an Ayurvedia practioner who’s kinda always drawn to healing things the natural way... herbs, lifestyle shifts, that deeper root-cause thing—ya that’s where I feel connected. I’ve done my graduation in BAMS from Government Ayurveda College, Jabalpur, MP. Those years were tough and full of grind but it gave me this solid, like really solid, foundation in classical Ayurvedic sciences. And yeah, not just bookish... real world side of it too. Now my focus honestly is to keep learning while helping real people—who come in with digestion problems or hormonal mess or mental stress or even chronic fatigue they can’t explain. Every case is diff, even if symptoms look same outside. That part makes me stop and look closer—what is vitiated? What system is overworking or under? My mind instantly shifts into that mode, trying to trace the imbalance and realign it without suppressin anything. Right now I’m still early in the field, but every patient, every prakriti I see adds a layer to how I understand dis-ease. I don’t rush, mostly just try to listen first... ppl are usually surprised when you sit n listen without cutting them off mid sentence. I don’t claim to fix everything but I do keep that long-term goal in mind—healing that lasts beyond just medicine course. My interest stays rooted in ahar, vihar, and herbal chikitsa. Working with traditional herbs in customized way, not some one-size-fits-all type. I feel Ayurveda demands patience, and yeah, I’m okay with that. Cuz body speaks when we slow down. And that’s what I try to bring in my work—space to slow down, observe, correct gently. Of course I mess up sometimes or miss smth small.. but I reflect and adjust. It’s all part of the practice. I wanna grow steady, keep that fire for real healing alive. This path’s not loud, but it’s deep. And I’m here for it.
0 reviews

Latest reviews

Ryan
11 hours ago
Really appreciate the thoughtful answer! The details and diet suggestions are super helpful. It's comforting having clear steps to follow. Thanks a bunch!
Really appreciate the thoughtful answer! The details and diet suggestions are super helpful. It's comforting having clear steps to follow. Thanks a bunch!
Jack
11 hours ago
Thanks a ton for the clear and detailed advice. Your recommendations feel very doable, and it’s reassuring to have a natural approach too along with allopathy. Really appreciate it!
Thanks a ton for the clear and detailed advice. Your recommendations feel very doable, and it’s reassuring to have a natural approach too along with allopathy. Really appreciate it!
Lucas
11 hours ago
Thanks a bunch! Your reply was super informative and really put my mind at ease. Appreciate the guidance on Ayurvedic options. 🤗
Thanks a bunch! Your reply was super informative and really put my mind at ease. Appreciate the guidance on Ayurvedic options. 🤗
Claire
11 hours ago
Thx for this detailed response! Really appreciate the step-by-step advice and for making it easy to understand. Definitely gonna try it out!
Thx for this detailed response! Really appreciate the step-by-step advice and for making it easy to understand. Definitely gonna try it out!