Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Amla oil is derived from the Indian gooseberry, the fruit of the amla tree. It is widely used in Ayurveda for its diverse array of reported health and beauty benefits. Amla oil is also traditionally used in hair and scalp care, and has many potential benefits for natural hair, including hair growth, reduction of inflammation, reduction of dandruff and delay of hair graying.
The amla tree is also known as Phyllanthus emblica and is native to South Asia. Both the fruit and the leaves of the tree are commonly used for their medicinal benefits. Amla is one of the most important medicinal plants used in traditional Indian medicine. Both amla powder and amla oil are derived from the fruit of the amla tree.
Hair and Scalp Benefits of Amla
Natural hair has a tendency towards being dry and more fragile. Amla oil has many reported advantages that might be beneficial for those with natural hair. Reported benefits include:
- Stimulates hair growth
- Promotes shiny hair
- Strengthens the hair
- Reduces shedding and hair loss
- Helps minimize hair breakage
- Reduces dandruff
- Reduces premature graying
How Amla Works
Amla is a potent antioxidant, meaning that it can help prevent damage and aging to your cells. It is rich in Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, which helps your body fight free radicals.In fact, amla contains levels of vitamin C higher than those found in oranges, tangerines and lemons.
In addition to being an antioxidant, amla is an adaptogen. This means that it contains powerful natural substances that help your body adapt while under any kind of stress. This is especially helpful for the scalp and hair, which are bombarded with environmental toxins, damaging sunlight and an array of potentially harmful styling products. The restorative properties of amla are beneficial for those with natural hair and can help re-establish hair balance and health.
Inflammation is at the heart of many types of hair loss, and also can lead to dandruff, scalp irritation and scalp itching. Amla has anti-inflammatory properties, which may be especially helpful for stressed scalp and hair.
Amla is also rich in polyphenols, like quercetin, gallic acid, and ellagic acids—naturally occurring plant substances that may reduce cellular damage and inflammation, delay premature aging and promote scalp and hair health.
Benefits for Natural Hair?
Amla oil is widely used to help promote hair growth. Though robust studies are lacking, several small studies have suggested hair growth as a benefit of amla. A 2009 animal study, using amla in a solution with other herbal components, found increased hair growth, and suggested amla as a potential natural alternative to minoxidil for promoting hair growth.
A 2011 study found that amla extract stimulated the growth of hair follicle cells and suggested that amla may improve hair growth by prolonging the growth phase (anagen phase) of the hair. Another study found that amla is a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme associated with hair loss. Amla may help promote hair growth by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, the same enzyme inhibited by finasteride, a popular hair loss drug.
Side Effects?
While amla is widely used around the globe, there have been some infrequent reports of irritation and sensitivity to amla. A possible rare link of amla oil has been reported with a skin condition called Lichen Planus Pigmentosus. Those that are pregnant, or breastfeeding, should discuss amla with their physicians before using it. A patch test is recommended before using a new product.
Summary
Amla oil has many potential benefits for natural hair. Reports show that amla contains potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances that may help promote scalp and hair health, delay premature graying, restore balance and promote hair growth. A easy way to incorporate the benefits of amla into your scalp and hair care routine is by doing a regular tea rinse that contains amla and other herbal ingredients. Applied to the scalp and hair, these rinses can improve the health of the scalp and support hair growth.
