Amla Powder aslo known as indian gooseberry is used in shampoos, hair oils, inks and dyes. Due to high tannin content, it may be used as a mordant for fixing dyes in fabrics. For medicinal purposes, dried and fresh fruits of the Amla are used. All other parts of the Amla are used in various ayurvedic herbal preparations, including the fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers. Amla powder may be used as a rejuvenative to promote longevity, and traditionally to enhance digestion, treat constipation, reduce fever, purify the blood, reduce cough, alleviate asthma, strengthen the heart, benefit the eyes, stimulate hair growth, enliven the body, and enhance intellect. In ayurvedic poly-herbal formulations, indian gooseberry (Amla) is a common constituent, and most notably is the primary ingredient in an ancient herbal rasayana called CHYAVANPRASHA. This formula, which contains 43 herbal ingredients as well as clarified butter, sesame oil, sugar cane juice, and honey, was first mentioned in the CHARAK SAMHITA (an ancient Indian book on medicines) as a premium rejuvenative.
