Medicinal use of Gooseberry: Indian Scenario

The health promoting and curative properties of Indian gooseberry or fruit of Emblica officinalis were known to the Indians since the Vedic era. Its trees are found in all the forests of the Indian subcontinent and south-east Asia. The height of trees of Indian gooseberry or amla is about 30 to 40 feet and these are evergreen trees. There are about 15 varieties of gooseberry in India. The spherical fruit of gooseberry have a diameter of 3 - 4 cm and the color could be yellowish green or light reddish green. The trees of some varieties start bearing fruit at the age of 6 to 8 years. The yield of fruit per tree could be around 150 kg. Around 2 million hectare land is under the cultivation of Emblica officinalis in India. There are a number of nutrients and medicinal chemicals present the juice or pulp of gooseberries. It is very rich source of ascorbic acid or vitamin-C, folic acid, iron and minerals, even in the dry form. Its pulp is the main component of chaywanprash. Around 10,000 tons of Indian gooseberry or amla are processed by various pharmaceutical companies in India alone to manufacture drugs and health foods containing gooseberry pulp or dry powder. Chaywanprash has been known to improve immunity and digestion and being marketed as natural revitalizer or health food for all age groups. Half a spoon of dry powder of amla or gooseberries if taken with warm water after major meals could permanently cure constipation and piles. It has great anti-inflammatory properties and regular intake of 3 to 6 gram of dry amla powder could treat joint pains and improve eyesight.