Ayurveda medicine widely uses plant-based treatments derived from the plants native to the Indian subcontinent. One of the most common Ayurvedic plants is amla, also known as Indian gooseberry. It has a wide range of useful properties and can be used as a hair and skin care product, usually in the powdered form or as an ingredient in various beauty products. How to use amla for hair?
Plyllantus emblica (Emblica officinalis) is a deciduous tree of the family Phyllanthaceae. Its common names include amla, Indian gooseberry, emblic, myroblan, or Malacca tree. Amla is known for its edible fruit of the same name. The berries are quite fibrous and have a sour, bitter and astringent taste. According to Ayurveda, amla contains five out of the six tastes recognized by the Ayurvedic tradition: it is sour and astringent with sweet, bitter and pungent secondary tastes.
In traditional Indian medicine, fresh and dried fruits of amla are used, while Ayurvedic herbal preparations can be made with the fruit, leaves, seeds, flowers, root, and bark of the plant. Common ingredients in Ayruvedic cosmetics include dried and powdered amla fruits or amla oil (to be more precise, amla oil extract). Indian women have used them to take care of their hair for centuries.
Amla fruits are reputed to contain high amounts of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) known for its strong antioxidant properties. Vitamin C effectively strengthens hair roots and prevents hair loss, as well as stimulates microcirculation in the scalp. Amla also contains B vitamins that help to prevent brittle hair and split ends, as well as regulate sebum secretion, preventing oily and greasy hair.
Amlas also helps to stimulate hair loss, and prevent dandruff and premature grey hair. Besides, amla makes the hair smoother and shinier, strengthens it along the entire length, and improves hair elasticity and flexibility. When applied regularly, it keeps the hair healthy and beautiful.
Centuries ago, Indian women used powdered amla to prepare hair masks. They mixed dry amla powder with water, applied the mixture to their hair, left it on for some time, and then rinsed off. Many cosmetic manufacturers still produce pure amla powder for those who prefer natural cosmetics and like to try old traditional recipes. But if you’re not a fan of DIY cosmetics, you can choose from an impressive selection of shampoos, hair masks, hair oils and other beauty products offered by various brands.
Shikakai & Amla Ayurvedic Hair Mask by Triuga
The mask is produced by Ukrainian beauty brand Triuga. It has a creamy texture and is easy to apply and spread over the hair. The useful properties of amla contained in the product are complemented and enhanced by other natural ingredients, such as shikakai (“fruit for hair”), fenugreek, wheat germ, red pepper, propolis and royal jelly, burdock oil, coconut oil, and linseed oil.
Triuga’s Ayurvedic hair mask stimulates hair growth and prevents brittle hair and split ends. It strengthens the hair and helps to protect it from harmful environmental factors. The mask will make your hair softer, smoother and tamer, as well as restore its natural healthy shine.
Shikakai & Amla Ayurvedic Shampoo by Triuga
This shampoo is based on high-quality herbal ingredients. It cleanses the hair delicately yet effectively due to the high content of natural, plant-derived surfactants. The shampoo is perfect for taking care of weak, thin and dull hair. Amla contained in the product prevents flaky scalp, excessive hair loss and premature grey hair. Shikakai strengthens the hair, restores its natural shine and makes combing and styling easier. Alongside amla and shikakai, the shampoo contains castor oil and marjoram oil.
In our online shop Organic Store, you can buy amla powder, amla oil, and a variety of hair care products with amla extract produced by beauty brands such as Triuga, Aasha Herbals and Lady Henna. We also offer Ayurvedic toothpastes, hair dyes, henna powder, cosmetic clay (multani mitti) and other products either made in India or formulated with herbal ingredients imported from India.
