Hair loss is natural, and losing up to 100 strands daily is common. However, excessive hair shedding can be concerning. Many turn to natural remedies, and amla, or Indian gooseberry, is a potent solution to address frequent hair fall naturally and effectively. This article is for you if you haven’t incorporated this tangy fruit into your daily hair care routine. Discover the reasons behind using amla to control hair fall, and equip yourself with valuable tips for healthier hair.
What Is Amla?
Amla, also called amlaki or Indian Gooseberry, is a highly admired Ayurvedic medicine that has long been used as a general supplement for health, skin, and hair. Scientifically known as Phyllanthus emblica, the tree of amla is native to India, the Middle East, and some southeast Asian countries. The herb comes packed with essential nutrients which can never be obtained from a single ingredient. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C, minerals, and amino acids. The antioxidant power of amla is almost 17 times greater than that of a pomegranate. It can control cholesterol levels by reducing triglycerides in the bloodstream. Intake of amla is also linked to increased immunity and decreased inflammation, swelling, and pain in the body. Some other conditions that can be treated naturally by amla include atherosclerosis, diabetes, pancreatitis, upset stomach, diarrhea, dysentery, joint pain, osteoarthritis, obesity, vision problems, vitiligo, and even cancer (1).
Amla is named after the Sanskrit word ‘Amlaki’, which means ‘Amrit’ or ‘fruit of heaven’ or ‘nectar’. In Ayurveda, it is believed that regular consumption of amla can retain the strngth, vigor, and youthfulness of an individual up to 100 years.
Why Use Amla For Hair Fall Control?
Amla is considered as a ‘superfood’ for our hair. It contains zillion nutrients, which make it a potent natural hair fall control remedy. The vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phytonutrients in this ‘wonder berry’ can increase blood circulation significantly throughout the scalp, providing enough oxygen and nourishment to the hair follicles. This makes the hair fibers strong and ends the issue of hair fall. Conversely, amla is very high in antioxidants such as phyllantine, gallic acid, ellagic acid, emblicanin, quercetin, etc., which take good care of scalp-related issues like dryness, irritation, and dandruff. This reduces breakage and hair loss significantly. Amla can also help your locks by keeping frizzes and premature greying at bay.
Read Also – How Good Is Amla Powder For Your Hair & Skin?
8 Ways To Control Hair Fall With Amla
1. Amla Juice Hair Tonic
Take a fresh amla and squeeze out its juice into a bowl. Apply it directly to your scalp and massage with your fingertips gently. Let it sit for an hour. Then, wash off with a mild herbal shampoo. Regularly applying this hair tonic will nourish your scalp, strengthening hair strands.
2. Amla Hair Wash
It can be made from both fresh and dried amla. Cut some fresh amla into thin small pieces and put them into boiling water. After half an hour, strain the liquid. If you are using dried amla, soak the pieces in water for the whole night and strain the liquid in the morning. Washing your hair daily with this concoction will help you significantly prevent hair fall.
Read Also – Natural Amla, Reetha And Shikakai Shampoo
3. Amla And Shikakai Hair Pack
Take equal amounts of amla and shikakai powder in a small mixing bowl. Add some water to it. Blend well to form a thick, smooth paste. Apply it to your hair all along its length. Wait for the next 30 to 40 minutes. Finally, wash off with cold water. Your hair fall will reduce to a great extent.
4. Amla And Coconut Oil Hair Tonic
Make thin slices of a pot full of amla and dry them in the shade for 3 to 4 days. Bring some coconut oil to a boil and add these dried amla pieces to it. Keep cooking until the entire thing turns into a thick, dark liquid. Apply it to your scalp and hair thoroughly. Daily usage of this tonic will solve several hair issues along with hair fall.
5. Amla And Almond Oil Hair Tonic
Pour some almond oil into a bowl. Add freshly extracted amla juice to it. Now, warm up the mixture a little. You must massage your scalp with this liquid for 10 to 15 minutes. After a couple of hours, rinse your hair with a mild herbal shampoo. Use your fingertips and follow a gentle circular motion for this purpose. It will boost the flow of blood throughout the scalp and put a stop to hair fall.
Read Also – How To Use Amla For Weight Loss
6. Amla And Lemon Juice Hair Tonic
Take a small bowl and extract the juice of a fresh amla in it. Squeeze out the juice of a fresh lemon into the bowl and mix well. Apply this all over your scalp as a hair tonic and massage with your fingertips for some time. After 30 minutes, wash away with lukewarm water. It will fortify each of your hair strands from the inside.
7. Amla And HIs Thereenna Hair Pack
Pour some henna powder (depending on the length of your hair) into a mixing bowl. Add some fresh amla juice to it. Combine well to come up with a smooth paste of even consistency. Now, apply it all over your hair. Rinse off with plain water after a couple of hours. It will make your hair roots stronger and condition the shafts naturally.
8. Oral Intake Of Amla
Apart from topical application, oral Intake of amla can also be quite helpful in treating severe hair fall issues. Drink a glass of fresh amla juice every morning on an empty stomach. It will prevent hair loss and considerably speed up the regrowth of hair. Otherwise, having 1-2 fresh or dried (sun-basked) pieces of raw amla sprinkled with salt and pepper can be a great option. Amla powder can also be consumed by mixing with some warm water. Some people also prepare delicious dips, spreads, or chutneys with amla.
Is There Any Side Effect Of Amla For Hair Care?
Being a natural ingredient, amla is entirely safe for your hair and body when taken in moderate amounts. But just like other natural remedies, too much use can cause a few adverse effects. Amla is pretty cool by nature. So, if you catch a cold very often and quickly, you should not consume it directly. Some of the most common side effects of amla include hyperacidity, constipation, hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, kidney problems, dryness and flakiness of the scalp, and dry skin. Hence, you must consult your doctor before including the consumption of amla in your daily routine in any form if you already have any of the aforementioned medical conditions.
Add a little honey or a dash of black pepper powder to your amla juice and consume the concoction to prevent hair fall without developing a cough or any other respiratory condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I Use Amla Powder Or Fresh Amla?
Amla powder is readily available in the market, and you can use it in your hair fall control masks to save time. However, ensure that the readymade powder is pure and organic amla. Otherwise, purchasing fresh raw amla berries, drying them well under the sun, and grinding them into a fine powder at home is always advised. You can even choose a reliable amla supplement to enhance your health.
Can I use Amla Juice directly on my hair?
Yes, you can. Applying fresh amla juice to your hair directly is known to improve the overall health of the hair to a great extent. However, combining it with natural hair-friendly ingredients can give you even better and faster results.
Does Amla Juice Help Hair Regrowth?
As mentioned above, amla is a super nourishing herb that can care for your hair. Amla nourishes the scalp and stimulates the hair follicles, resulting in the regrowth of hair fibers.
References:
- “Indian Gooseberry,” WebMD.com
