The Amla, also known as Neelikkai, is called Phyllanthus Emblica in biological terms. It is known as Amalka in the Hindi language. In Sanskrit it is called Amalaki which means “the sustainer” or “the fruit where inhabits the goddess of opulence”. The Goddess of prosperity, Lakhshmi , is generally linked with this tree. The leaves of this tree are used to worship the Goddess, usually in the Marga Shirsha month i.e. November/December. The tree is small, has rubbery leaves and a plump fruit. The size of the fruit is similar to that of a small lemon; it is pale green and is round in shape. The fruit is available in abundance from the month of January to April. The fruit is sweet, bitter and is used as an astringent. This tree has been highly regarded and worshipped in our country from ancient times as the “Earth Mother”. It is found in most Indian forests. It is believed to be a tree that nurtures mankind.

Ayurvedic medicine regime advises having a tonic that is prepared from the fruit all through the winter months. The new fruit is a diuretic and a laxative. You can prepare a cool and revitalizing drink from the fruit. This juice can be taken in summer. The Ayurvedic doctors suggest this juice in the summer during those months the body systems slow down due to the intense heat. In case you want to enhance your bowel movements and thus cure digestion, boil four teaspoons of Amla powder, another four teaspoons of Myrobalans Chebulic and four teaspoons of Bahera , in twenty ounces of water. Drink two ounces in the morning before eating anything else for effective results.

The dried Amalaki fruit is an astringent and is extremely helpful in diarrhoea and dysentery. It is a significant component of the renowned Chyavanaprash; Triphala (three fruits) powder also consists of it.., “To cure burning eyes and cool the head and brain, make a paste of Amalaki, apply it to the head and then take a bath. The application of a small quantity of Amalaki oil to the head before bathing removes diseases of the eyes, night blindness and bilious giddiness. Amla confection is used in syphilis, flatulence, bronchitis, asthma and consumption.” writes Swami Sivananda in Home Remedies. Clinical examinations reveal that Amalaki consists of anti- viral properties; it can increase the protein level in the body, enhance the adrenaline response and also avoid tremors and convulsions. The fruit endows beauty too.

The Amalaki fruit is used to prepare mouth watering chuntney and this should be consumed first along with a little amount of rice. Do not take it with the meal or after it. Amalaki retains its features over time unlike the other preserves, especially its ability to cure and also its quality. Dried Amalaki, an outstanding digestive, can be eaten after meals. It is believed that Amalaki fruit should be avoided on Thursdays. It is extremely special and helpful to consume ones meals beneath an Amalaki tree in the month of Kartik i.e. November/December. This convention id believed and carried out in many parts of the country, usually in the south where people conduct picnics under the Amla tree for anthe month. In case there is no Amla tree close by, then it is believed that a branch or twig of the tree should be kept close to the food.