Amla powder is made from the ground-up leaves of the Indian gooseberry. It's been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat everything from diarrhea to jaundice.
The powder has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, leading some
people to chalk it up as the next big thing in beauty.
But can using amla really lead to a healthier scalp and luscious locks? Here's what the research says, how to make your own hair mask, and more.
How is it supposed to benefit your hair?
Anecdotal reports suggest amla can:
• condition your scalp
• promote healthy hair growth
•improve the tone of henna hair dyes
• minimize grays
• boost volume
• reduce dandruff
• treat head lice
Many of these claims have yet to be investigated through clinical research, therefore their overall efficacy is unknown.
HAIR GROWTH
An old animal study discovered that topical use of amla oil modestly improved the rate of hair growth in rabbits. Researchers believe the high vitamin E content of amla contributes to this advantage.
Vitamin E promotes healthy circulation. Applying it topically can stimulate healing and cell regeneration in the affected area.
Although the findings seem intriguing, more research is needed to determine how amla powder affects human hair.
OVERALL HEALTH
Amla has high levels of;
• Vitamin C
• Tannins.
• Phosphorus
• Iron
• Calcium
Topical treatment offers these nutrients to your hair. This could result in healthier locks.
It's also worth noting that vitamin C and other antioxidants can promote skin cell regeneration. This may create a healthier scalp, reducing dandruff and producing healthier hair.
LICE
A 2014 study discovered that a herbal treatment including amla was more successful than numerous over-the-counter (OTC) chemical remedies for treating head lice.
SOLUBILITY: Amla botanical extract 1g in 100 mL is soluble in water.
Property Specifications Results
Appearance: A fine brownish yellow powder. Complies Odor: The characteristic odor. Complies
Mesh size: 90% through 80 mesh. Complies
Moisture content: < 10%. 8.02
Ash: < 12% 10.78
Complies with a total plate count of less than 10,000 CFU/g.
Heavy metals: <10 ppm. Complies