The concept of detoxifying the body has become popular in the modern era. But if we take a closer look, we’ll find that Ayurvedic vaidyas have been touting the benefits detoxification for thousands of years. Unlike modern detoxification goals, however, when using Ayurveda for detox , you are not limited to the digestive system and body — to function smoothly, effectively, and without impairment, the body, mind, and spirit must all be in harmony. Ama , Agni and Detoxification If we look at digestion through an Ayurvedic lens, we would understand that finding balance through the right kinds of foods, a centered lifestyle, and de-stressing techniques would all contribute to good health. The Sanskrit word for this harmonious state is Agni , the first word written in the Vedas. Its antithesis is Ama , which points to a toxic buildup. Ama results not only from dietary issues, but also from emotional, mental, and spiritual imbalances. Fortunately, Ayurveda has a prescription that has
According to Ayurveda, Amalaki is considered one of the most nourishing and rejuvenating herbs. In fact, Charak – the ancient scholar of Ayurveda states “of all the Rasayanas, Amalaki is revered as one of the most potent and nourishing; Amalaki is the best among rejuvenative herbs.” Amalaki is a strong natural antioxidant containing high levels of vitamin C and acts as a powerful immune strengthener. Amalaki is one of the best sources of natural vitamin C and contains 20 times more vitamin C than an orange. Amalaki is commonly known as Indian gooseberry or amla, and the Sanskrit name “Amalika” means ‘sour juice of the fruit’. Interestingly, despite all the health benefits, Amalaki is also commonly known as the “poor man’s apple”.
– Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana, 46:334.
The amla is prepared according to the ayurvedic texts — a 21-step process at a temperature below 90 °F to maintain the potency. Supports lungs and natural immunity; works as a powerful antioxidant for people of all ages.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, tastes are medicinal. Amalaki contains all five of the six tastes – the only taste missing is salty. Therefore, Amalaki is sweet, sour, pungent, bitter, and astringent. It is the combination of these five tastes which explains Amalaki’s versatile therapeutic effects. Amalaki is tridoshic, which means it’s helpful in balancing all three doshas [vata, pitta, kapha]. The sour taste helps to pacify vata, the sweet taste, sweet post-digestive taste [vipak] and cooling effects [virya] helps to pacify pitta, and finally the astringent taste and drying quality helps to pacify kapha.
Delicious & Healthy Recipe: Amla [Indian Gooseberry] Pickle Recipe
Alternative Recipe Option:
Ingredients:
– Gooseberry 5-10
– Mustard seeds ½ tsp
– Cumin seeds ½ tsp
– Ginger 1 piece
– Garlic 2-3
– Red chilly powder ½ cup
– Mustard powder ½ tsp
– Fenugreek powder ¼ tsp
– Turmeric powder ¼ tsp
– Salt To taste
– Lime juice ½ cup
METHOD:
1. Heat oil in a pan and add gooseberry and deep fry and transfer into a bowl.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, crushed ginger and garlic and saute it and keep aside.
3. To the fried gooseberry bowl add red chilly powder, mustard powder, fenugreek powder, turmeric powder, salt, above oil tempering, lime juice and mix nicely.
4. Now gooseberry pickle is ready.
Amalaki is beneficial year round and has a wide range of many health benefits. Amalaki helps to enkindle the digestive fire [“agni”], improves digestion [dipan], and helps to regulate metabolism. The sour juice of Amlaki is considered very beneficial in helping to reduce certain pitta conditions [i.e. burning sensation, nausea, vomiting, headache, acidity, etc.]; when used correctly under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic professional. Amlaki is a rejuvenative, nervine brain tonic, strengthens the senses, and brings about freshness to the body. Perhaps most fascinating, Amalaki has been considered to be the herb of choice for diabetes mellitus as it helps to reduce kleda kapha – the underlying cause of diabetes from an Ayurvedic perspective.
- Tastes [rasa]: predominantly sour, then sweet, astringent, pungent, bitter
- Energetics [virya]: cooling
- Post-digestive effect [vipak]: sweet
· rejuvenative
· aphrodisiac
· increases energy
· heart tonic
· cleanses the blood
· hair tonic
· beneficial to the eyes
· assists in cleansing the urinary tract
Amalaki Dietary Intake
Amalaki may also be taken in powder form. Simply mix about 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Amalaki into warm water and consider taking it once or twice daily as directed by your healthcare provider.
Another way to consume Amalaki is by taking Chyawanprash. Chyawanprash is an herbal jam made from a base of Amalaki and also contains sugar, honey, ghee, sesame oil, berries, and a variety of spices. Chyawanprash can be taken a variety of ways. For example, Chyawanprash can be taken alone, stirred into milk, or even spread onto toast. Generally, 1 to 2 teaspoons of Chyawanprash is taken once or twice daily; under the direction of a qualified professional.
https://healthyayurveda.com/amalaki-the-most-nourishing-rejuvenating-herb/
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