Amla Seed Oil

Botanical name: Phyllanthus emblica

Country of origin: India

Description:

Amla oil is natural oil used for hair health that contains extracts from the Indian gooseberry. It is said to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss and premature graying. When used as a hair treatment, amla oil is applied to the scalp or facial hair. Long used in Ayurveda, the Indian gooseberry is prized for its sour taste and used in numerous multi-herbal formulations, including the centuries-old dietary supplement Chyawanprash. The word amla translates to "sour" in Sanskrit. Although the Indian gooseberry is native to India, it is today grown throughout Asia and parts of the Middle East. Amla oil is traditionally made by immersing dried amla fruit in a base oil for several, after which the oil is filtered and purified.

Indian gooseberry should not be confused with traditional gooseberries found in the produce aisle of many higher-end grocery stores. By contrast, Indian gooseberry is rarely sold fresh in Canada.