amla is hot or cold - #37872
I am dealing with some digestive issues lately, feeling bloated and slightly nauseous after meals. A friend suggested I try amla for its medicinal properties, but now I’m confused — amla is hot or cold? I heard it can balance the body, but I’m not sure how that works. Like, I thought it would be cooling since it’s a fruit, but then some sources say it can be warming too. A week ago, I had this curry that felt super spicy, and I think it messed with my stomach a bit. I really want to include amla in my diet, or maybe even use it in a tea, but if amla is hot or cold is gonna impact how it affects me, I need to know! Should I be cautious with it? Also, how much should I use? I’ve tried a few herbal remedies before, but they didn’t really help. I just feel all mixed up about this, and all the info online is super contradicting. I’m hoping to find some clarity because I really want this to work. Can anyone share their experiences or advice? Like, is it really true that amla is hot or cold, or does it just depend on how you use it?
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Doctors' responses
When it comes to Ayurveda, amla (Emblica officinalis), also known as Indian gooseberry, is regarded as having a predominantly cooling effect on the body. According to Ayurvedic texts, it is classified as having a “sheet virya” which translates to a cooling thermal effect. This makes it particularly beneficial for balancing the Pitta dosha, which tends to be associated with heat in the body – such as inflammation, acidity, and skin irritations. If you’ve been feeling bloated and slightly nauseous after meals, incorporating amla could indeed offer some relief, as it helps balance excess Pitta and improve digestion.
However, amla also possess some heating properties in terms of its potency in addressing certain conditions – this is where the source of confusion might arise. It’s sour in taste, but its post-digestive effect (vipaka) is sweet, which adds to its cooling effect. Concerning your digestive issues, amla is known for enhancing the digestive fire or “agni” without overwhelming it, thus improving gastrointestinal functions.
Dosage-wise, you can start with a small amount. Taking 1 teaspoon of amla powder with a glass of warm water in the morning on an empty stomach can be beneficial. Alternatively, consuming a fresh amla or amla juice can provide similar benefits. Given your recent symptoms, improving digestion could help relieve the bloating and nausea. If you’re interested in a tea, amla is very versatile and can be included by simply boiling the fresh fruit or using its dried powder.
Be cautious of perhaps avoiding excessive use, especially if you tend cold easily or have a strong Kapha constitution, as it might aggravate this dosha due to its sourness. Since you mentioned a spicy curry causing some discomfort, amla’s cooling effect could offer balance when spicy foods have amplified Pitta. Always consider your body’s unique needs, and if the discomfort persists, seeking personalized advice from a skilled Ayurvedic practitioner could provide additional guidance.

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