Being berry berry beautiful

FRUITFUL

Looking for a beauty solution? Gooseberry is the answer to your every problem, writes Shahnaz Husain.

Fruits and berries have been traditionally used for beauty care. These beauty recipes have been handed down from generation to generation. Ayurveda also makes use of fruits in their formulations, for the treatment of various ailments, including skin and hair problems. For example, bael (Indian quince) is a common ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations for hair problems. So is amla, the Indian gooseberry. It has been mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for the treatment of many ailments. In fact, the ancient physician Charaka referred to amla as a medicine that delays ageing, due to its high Vitamin C content. It is said that the Vitamin C content of amla is so stable that it is even resistant to heat.

Modern scientific research has revealed that amla contains 1,700 mg of vitamin C per 100g. Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is widely grown in India. The berries can be eaten raw, or made into pickles and “murabba.” Amla juice, added to a glass of water, is said to have tonic effects. In fact, amla is said to strengthen the immune system and build up resistance against disease, specially coughs and colds, and also helps in ailments like insomnia, mouth ulcers, joint pains, etc.  It is also said to control hair problems like hair loss and even greying. It adds shine to the hair. Amla is a powerful antioxidant too and helps to protect the skin and hair from visible ageing signs, by boosting the regeneration of healthy new cells. It is of particular benefit to dry, brittle hair and also helps and soothes sunburn and sun-damaged skin. 

Oil of amla is an important ingredient in Ayurvedic treatments, as well as hair oils, hair tonics, shampoos and conditioners. Massage with oils containing amla are said to be extremely beneficial, as it stimulates the follicles. It also clears away dandruff flakes, unclogs the pores of the scalp and restores health to the scalp. 

Here are a few home remedies using Amla:

* Amla is said to check greying. So, have the juice of one raw amla daily, after adding it to a glass of water.

* Amla juice can be diluted with water and applied on the scalp with a light massage. Part the hair in sections and apply on scalp. Rinse off after 15 minutes. It helps to restore health to the hair and also controls dandruff. In fact, it is said to stop hair fall and greying.

* You can also add amla to henna powder. However, henna leaves a reddish brown colour on white hair, as you know. It will not colour dark hair. If you would like to try it, you can soak a handful of dry amla in about 2 to 3 cups water overnight. Next morning, strain the water, but do not throw the water away. Grind the amla. To the henna powder, add the ground amla, 4 teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, 2 raw eggs, 2 teaspoons oil and enough amla water, so that the henna mixes into a thick paste. Keep the paste for two to three hours and then apply it on the hair, so that the entire head is covered. Keep it on for at least two hours and wash off with plain water.

* To make home-made shampoo for silky hair, take one handful of dry herbs of reetha, amla, and shikakai and add it to a litre of water and allow it to soak overnight. The next day, simmer it on a low fire, till the water reduces to half the quantity. Do not allow it to boil on a high flame, but rather simmer on a very low fire. Let the mixture cool and then strain it with a clean cloth. Use the liquid for washing the hair. The decoction can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days.

* To make amla hair oil, take a handful of dry amla. Grind coarsely and add it to 100 ml pure coconut oil. Keep it in an airtight glass bottle and keep the bottle in the sun daily for about 15 days. Then strain the oil and store. The oil can be used to apply on the hair.