Phyllanthus emblica

Phyllanthus emblica

Family – Phyllanthaceae

Common name – Indian Goose berry/Amla

Phyllanthus emblica, commonly known as Indian gooseberry or amla, is a small to medium-sized tree with mottled bark. The branchlets are finely pubescent (covered with fine hairs), long, and typically deciduous. The leaves are simple, sub-sessile, and closely arranged along the branchlets. They are light green and resemble pinnate leaves in appearance. The tree produces greenish-yellow flowers, and the fruit is nearly spherical, light greenish-yellow, and has a smooth, hard texture with six vertical stripes or furrows.

The taste of the Indian gooseberry is sour, bitter, and astringent, and the fruit is quite fibrous. The amla fruit can be eaten either raw or cooked. It is often pickled with salt, oil, and spices, or used as an ingredient in various dishes, including dal. A popular preparation is amle ka murabbah, a sweet dish made by soaking the berries in sugar syrup until they are candied. In traditional practice, amla is commonly consumed after meals to aid digestion.

In Ayurveda, both the dried and fresh fruits of Phyllanthus emblica are used as a key ingredient in a variety of formulations. The fruit is valued for its numerous health benefits, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties, making it a staple in traditional wellness practices.