The Power of The Sacred Amla Fruit
Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, is a natural oil derived from a tree commonly grown in India, the Middle East, and some parts of Southeast Asia. It's been revered as an herbal medicine for thousands and years and is known to help prevent hair loss and nourish the hair and scalp when used as hair oil.
Where Does Amla Come From?
Amla is the berry that is produced by the Phyllanthus emblica tree and has been used for centuries as an herbal medicine for a variety of ailments. The tree is considered sacred in Ayurvedic Medicine and is one of the most important medicinal plants in ancient Indian healing practices. The berries, along with other parts of the tree, are ground together to form a powder. This powder can be directly applied to the scalp but is usually combined with coconut or olive oil for easier application, usage, and storage.
What Does Amla Do?
Amla oil is known best for its ability to strengthen and condition hair strands from root to end. Amla oil can even be used to calm itchy, flakey skin commonly associated with dandruff and an unhealthy scalp environment. A healthier scalp allows for the pH levels and natural oils produced by the body to thrive. These conditions can help encourage the growth and thickening of hair follicles.
Vitamin C
While there is a multitude of reasons for hair loss, a deficiency in Vitamin C can lead to hair breakage, and weakening of the strands. Amla is valued in Ayurvedic Medicine because of its high concentration of Vitamin C and antioxidants. One fruit contains about as much Vitamin C as 20 oranges! Supplying ideal levels of this essential vitamin to your hair and scalp can help prevent further hair damage.
How Amla Can Help Male Pattern Baldness
Contrary to the name, both men and women can suffer from male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness is usually characterized by a slow reduction of the hairline and hair surrounding the crown and frontal area of the scalp. A 2012 study found that amla oil was a powerful inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase. While many medications, such as Finasteride, work by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase as well, amla extract does so naturally, so you're getting all of the benefits without the adverse side effects.
Additional Benefits of Amla
Aside from using amla oil for hair growth, eating the berries can provide numerous health benefits. Amla has been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years and is still taken today to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments. Consuming the fruit can help reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Amla can even help improve brain health and function and vision.
How We Use Amla In Our Products
At M&P, our is powered by amla because of its ability to increase blood circulation, dissolve dirt, and rid the scalp of flakiness. When mixed with the power of Shikakai, the two create a powerful, natural duo to help reduce hair loss. As with all-natural plants and remedies, harvesting the power of nature can be difficult and time-consuming. That's why we at Mortar & Pestle have already included amla oil in our hair strengthening trio so that you can be on your way to better hair without all the hassle.