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Amla (Indian Gooseberry) (Phyllanthus emblica): Richest natural source of Vitamin C — a cornerstone of Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy.
🔍 Quick Facts
| Common name | Amla (Indian Gooseberry) |
| Other names | Amla, Aonla (Hindi); Nellikai (Tamil); Usirikaya (Telugu); Amalaki (Sanskrit) |
| Scientific name | Phyllanthus emblica |
| Plant family | Phyllanthaceae |
| Size | 8–15 m deciduous tree |
| Native region | India, Southeast Asia |
| Climate | Tropical |
| Ease of growing | Moderate |
| Parts used | Fruit, Bark, Leaves |
About Amla
Amla is the main ingredient of Chyawanprash and one of the three fruits of Triphala. A single amla contains more vitamin C than an orange, and it is unusually stable because tannins protect it from breaking down. Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh is India's amla capital. Eating amla under the tree on Amla Navami is an old North Indian tradition.
Botanically known as Phyllanthus emblica, it belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family. It is native to India, Southeast Asia and grows best in a tropical climate. The parts most often used are the fruit, bark and leaves.
Uses & Nutrition
Amla is best known for:
- Vitamin C source
- Hair growth
- Digestion
- Eye health
- Immunity
How to Eat & Cook It
- Fresh fruit is eaten with salt, or juiced.
- Made into murabba, pickle, candy and Chyawanprash.
- Dried amla powder is used in hair packs and as a daily supplement.
How to Grow Amla
| ☀️ Sunlight | Full sun. |
| 💧 Watering | Very drought tolerant; water young plants through the first two summers. |
| 🪴 Soil | Grows even in poor, alkaline and saline soils. |
| 🌱 Propagation | Grafted plants of varieties such as NA-7, Krishna and Chakaiya fruit in 3–4 years. |
| 📅 When to plant (India) | Plant July–August. Fruit November–February. |
| 🏡 In pots / at home | Grafted plants can fruit in a 20–24 inch container. |
Precautions & Safety
- Very sour — can aggravate acidity on an empty stomach.
- May increase bleeding risk with blood thinners in large doses.
- May lower blood sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Further Reading on Amla
Written by the WhyOnPlanet editorial team · Last updated October 2026