Amla Hair Oil: Unlocking the Secrets to Healthy, Vibrant Hair

For centuries, Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), has been revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its remarkable healing properties. Among its many applications, Amla hair oil stands out as a potent elixir for promoting hair health and vitality. This article delves into the benefits of Amla hair oil, exploring its composition, traditional uses, scientific backing, and practical application.

What is Amla Oil?

Amla fruit comes from the amalaki tree native to India. Amla oil is derived from the fruit of the Indian gooseberry tree, Phyllanthus emblica. The oil is made by soaking dried amla fruits in a base oil, such as coconut, sesame, or mineral oil, for several days. This process allows the nutrients and oils from the fruit to infuse into the base oil. The mixture is then filtered to remove the fruit, leaving behind the potent Amla oil. It can be found in the form of an oil or as the main ingredient in hair products at health food and beauty stores. Amla fruits are typically in season from October through March.

Followers of ayurvedic medicine believe all parts of the tree have medicinal properties. Amla fruit contains a lot of vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants. Followers of ayurvedic medicine say the fruit is excellent for boosting hair health and increasing hair growth.

Composition and Nutritional Profile

Amla fruits are very high in vitamin C, as well as several other antioxidants and nutrients. Amla oils also contain additional nutrients and antioxidants associated with the type of oil used.

Common compounds and nutrients found in amla fruit and oil:

Read also: Using Argan Oil for Hair

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Polyphenols
• Amino acids (alanine, lysine, proline, aspartic acid, glutamic acid)
• Proteins
• Carbohydrates
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Carotene
• Alkaloids
• Gallotannins
• Pectin

Traditional Uses in Ayurvedic Medicine

Amla oil is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine in India and Pakistan to help slow down the graying process and help hair grow strong and healthy so they don't fall easily. The amla fruit is also used in Ayurvedic medicine to prevent diseases and ailments, rejuvenate to promote longevity, enliven the body, and enhance the intellect.

Benefits of Amla Hair Oil

Many people claim that amla oil can benefit hair and scalp health. Potential hair and scalp benefits of amla oil include:

• Strengthens the roots
• Helps slow down the graying process
• Stimulates healthy hair growth
• Conditions the hair
• Improves texture of the hair
• Makes hair shiny and healthy
• Strengthen the scalp and hair
• Reduce premature pigment loss from hair, or greying
• Stimulate hair growth
• Reduce hair loss
• Prevent or treat dandruff and dry scalp
• Prevent or treat parasitic hair and scalp infections, like lice infections
• Prevent or treat fungal and bacterial hair and scalp infections
• Improve overall appearance of hair

Amla oil is most commonly used to promote hair and scalp health, but amla oil has many other uses. Common uses of amla oil include:

• Improve immune function
• Lower or control cholesterol levels
• Lower or control blood sugar levels
• Improve brain health and function
• Reduce the effects of premature aging
• Improve vision
• Reduce dry skin
• Reduce dehydration
• Lighten or brighten the skin
• Improve respiratory function and coughs
• Reduce cold and flu recovery time
• Reduce the risk of cancer and chronic diseases
• Improve blood pressure
• Improve cardiovascular health
• Reduce the appearance of scars, blemishes, age spots, and wrinkles
• Improve vision and eye health
• Reduces inflammation
• Reduces sinus congestion
• Improve digestion and food absorption
• Enhances male fertility
• Improve urinary health

Scientific Evidence

Some research suggests there is scientific backing to such claims. Based off several small studies, amla appears effective at keeping hair parasites away, improving hair appearance, and increasing hair growth.

• Hair Parasite Control: In India, researchers tested four types of hair products, including amla oil. They found that amla oil was the most toxic to hair parasites, and thus the most effective at keeping hair parasite-free.
• Hair Growth Promotion: In another Indian study, researchers looked at the ability of amla and other herbal hair oils to improve hair health and boost growth in rabbits and rats. They placed patches containing amla oil in various concentrations on the animals’ fur and monitored fur growth for 15 days. They found amla oil to cause “significant” and rather rapid fur growth, and made fur healthier. A study done by researchers in Pakistan backs up the evidence that amla oil boosts hair growth in rabbits. But the researchers didn’t find any effect in sheep. They concluded this is because sheep don’t have a definite fat layer within their skin as do many other mammal species, including rabbits, rodents, and humans.
• 5-alpha reductase inhibition: A 2012 study found that amla oil was a powerful inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase. The medication finasteride, used to treat male baldness, also works by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase.

Other Potential Health Benefits

Most of the reported health benefits of amla oil have not been scientifically proven. But amla fruits are known to be high in powerful antioxidants and other nutrients that have very well established health benefits.

Read also: Lasting Hair Graft Results

• Anti-cancer properties: A December 2017 study reconfirmed previous findings that the seven phenols found in amla oil fruits had anti-cancer properties.
• Reduced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Another study from late 2017 found that hypothyroid female rats on a high-fat diet for 6 weeks reduced oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Anti-diabetic properties: Many studies have also demonstrated amla may have anti-diabetic properties.
• Immune Health: A 2016 study found that broiler chickens given even very low doses of amla extract had increased immune health and grew faster than chickens not given amla.

How to Make Amla Oil at Home

Making amla oil at home allows people to choose the potency and oil base, individualizing the dose, nutrients, and ultimately health benefits of the mixture. And there’s several different ways to make amla oil, depending on its intended use or individual preferences.

Steps for making amla oil from fresh or dried amla fruits, or juice, at home include:

1. Grate or blend 1 cup of dried, fresh, or frozen amla fruit or juice.
2. Extract the juice of the amla fruits by squeezing and straining then through a sieve over a cup or bowl.
3. Measure 1 tablespoon of oil. Many people use extra virgin oils, such as coconut, olive, or sesame, to ensure the base is as pure, and potent, as possible.
4. Mix the amla fruit or powder and oil together for several minutes, or until the mixture looks uniform. Many people use a blender or whip the mixture.
5. If using solid oils, heat the mixture on a very low heat until the oil has fully melted and mixed in.
6. While the mixture is still slightly warm, apply the oil to the scalp for one or two hours, then rinse off. The mixture can also be left on overnight or until the next shower or bath. The mixture can also be applied to the skin and left on.

Steps for making amla oil from amla powder at home include:

1. Combine 1 tablespoon of amla powder and 5 tablespoons oil in a pan.
2. Heat the pan on the lowest possible setting and stir occasionally for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture begins to smell pleasant and lightly bubble.
3. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes, ensuring the mixture doesn’t boil.
4. Turn off the heat and cover the pan.
5. Allow the mixture to seep for at least 24 hours.
6. Strain the mixture through a sieve or cloth into a jar or bottle.
7. Apply the oil mixture to the scalp or body for as long as desired before washing off.

Most research suggests glass jars help natural oils stay fresh longer than plastic products do. Glass also has less of chance of reacting with the compounds in the mixture, changing their potency or effect. Most natural oils can be kept fresh for around one year if stored in a cool, dark place.

How to Use Amla Hair Oil

For use on your hair, buy it in oil form from a health food or beauty store. You might also be able to find it already mixed into hair products. Follow the instructions provided for best results.

Read also: Customizing Your Hair Oil Blend

Directions:

1. Place oil bottle in a hot water bath for a few minutes.
2. Apply thoroughly to the scalp & hair.
3. Massage for 5-10 minutes.
4. Leave on for 1 or more hours (overnight is best).
5. Wash out thoroughly with shampoo (use Silk & Stone Herbal Shampoo for healthier hair).
6. Repeat 1-2 times a week for best results.

Recommendations:

• Try mixing our hair oils with a 1-2 tablespoons yogurt and applying to the hair for one hour before shampooing. This will not only nourish the hair but also hydrate and condition the hair!

Potential Side Effects

Amla oil is not commonly associated with any side effects. But in some rare cases, amla oil use has been reported to trigger Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP), especially with UV exposure and in naturally darker skinned individuals. Amla oil is also known to rarely cause inflammation and skin irritation in some people.

Caution:

• Do not use this product in the area of the eye, mouth, or cut/abraded skin.
• For external use only.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Silk & Stone Amla Hair Oil: A Natural and High-Quality Option

Silk & Stone Amla Hair Oil (Indian gooseberry) is 100% natural and high quality, made from the deeply nourishing amla fruit. It is free of any chemicals or fragrances found in most amla hair oils found in the market. This oil helps bring back the nourishment that is lost from the effects of weather, pollution in the environment, and the use of styling and hair care products. It also stimulates the scalp and hair follicles to produce new and healthier hair. Use Silk & Stone Amla Hair Oil daily to revitalize dry, dull, or damaged hair and promote a healthy hair care routine.

Healing Properties and Benefits of Silk & Stone Amla Hair Oil:

• Strengthens the roots
• Helps slow down the graying process
• Stimulates healthy hair growth
• Conditions the hair
• Improves texture of the hair
• Makes hair shiny and healthy
• A great source of vitamin C
• Cruelty-free. Not tested on animals
• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Halal

Allergy Info:

• Does not contain: chemicals, preservatives, artificial color, metallics, PPD, lead, parabens, toxins.

tags: #amla #hair #oil #benefits

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