यः सदा आमलकैः स्नानम् करोति स विनिश्चितम्।
वली पलित निर्मुक्तो जीवद्वर्शशतम् नरः॥ {यो.र}
According to Ayurveda, Amalaki {Emblica officinalis / Phyllanthus emblica} or Indian Gooseberry is the best Rasayana (Rejuvenating agent). Its benefits are unlimited. When taken internally Amalaki helps to prevent many diseases, cures as many and provides good immunity.
Amalaki has a similar impact when used externally too. Amalaki is skin and hair friendly. Amalaki is used in many oils, skin cleansers, shampoos, hair washes and soaps. Apart from having a coolant effect, it prevents damaging of skin and hair. It can also be used as a skin scrub.
Amalaki Bath:
A reference form an old Ayurveda text, Yoga Ratnakara explains the benefits of external application of Amalaki as –
“The person who uses Amalaki for bathing purposes will surely avoid Vali (premature ageing and wrinkling) and Palita (Premature greying or maturing of hairs) and will live a healthy life span of 100 years”
This explanation points out towards the skin and hair protective property of Amalaki. We can conclude that Amalaki provides a long standing protection to skin and scalp making them immune to heat, light, pollutants, allergens and irritants.
How to take ‘Amalaki Water’ Bath?
Method 1:
- Mix Amalaki paste or powder in water (cold or warm depending on one’s prakriti – physical constitution), Use this water for head and body wash (bath)
Method 2:
- Apply paste of Amalaki over the body and scalp. Wash off with water.
Method 3:
- Apply paste of Amalaki over the body and scalp. Take bath with Amalaki mixed water.
Note:
- Use the same Amalaki paste or powder for scrubbing
- Use a suitable herbal shampoo, soap and conditioner, preferably having Amalaki as one of the ingredients
- Do not rub the hairs hard during hair-wash
- Use soft, sterile towel
- Make sure to get rid of Dandruff or Scalp psoriasis beforehand (Amalaki will be helpful even in their presence but not to a desired extent)
How long to use?
- Life long
Benefits of ‘Amalaki water’ bath:
- Amalaki also would strengthen the hair roots and make them long thick, strong, dark and dense, not allowing untimely greying of hair or hair-fall.
- Amalaki provides a long standing protection to the skin and scalp, making them immune to heat, light, pollutants, allergens and irritants
- Apart from this Amalaki would keep the skin cool due to its coolant property and prevent boils and eruptions due to its Pitta-alleviating property. Thus its activity on Bhrajaka Pitta located in the skin can be substantiated.
- Amalaki keeps up the skin glow and gives a soft texture, making the skin beautiful and attractive.
- Amalaki powder or paste when used as a scrub removes dirt, dead cells and microbes, keeping the skin healthy and clean.
- Amalaki provides long standing conditioning to hair and skin, thus making the skin look young and attractive. When used for a prolonged period, it avoids the ageing of skin by avoiding the wrinkles and maintaining the texture. The rich Vitamin-C in Amalaki and its anti-oxidant properties can be credited, for its property of skin-hair protection.
- Intake of Amalaki simultaneously will help. Regular detoxification with a herbal laxative (at-least at weekends) would work wonders for skin and hairs.
Note:
- Discuss with your Ayurveda doctor before using any herb or herbal compound
Dr Raghuram Y.S.
MD(Ay), Ayurvedic Rheumatology
Consultant Ayurvedic Physician
Speciality: Joint and Spine care
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Ph: +91-9480071422
Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com
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