esc

Begin typing to search across all traditions

Herb Quick Card

Amalaki

Amalaki · Emblica officinalis

Rasa (Taste) All five tastes except Salty (predominantly Sour, secondarily Sweet, Bitter, Pungent, Astringent)
Virya (Energy) Cooling
Vipaka Sweet
Part Used Fruit
Dosha Effect Balances all three doshas (tridoshahara), especially Pitta
Family Phyllanthaceae

Traditional Uses

In the Charaka Samhita, amalaki is extensively described as the foremost among rasayana drugs. Charaka prescribes amalaki rasayana as a protocol for rejuvenation, describing how regular consumption promotes longevity, enhances memory and intellect, protects against disease, and maintains youthful vigor. The fruit is classified as a premier raktapitta shamana (herb that pacifies bleeding disorders associated with Pitta) and is recommended for amlapitta (hyperacidity), prameha (diabetes), and netra roga (eye diseases).

Preparations

Amalaki Churna (powder): 3-6 grams daily with honey, ghee, or warm water. Amalaki Swarasa (fresh juice): 10-20 ml daily. Chyawanprash: 1-2 teaspoons daily (the most popular amalaki preparation globally).

Dosage

Powder: 3-6 grams per day, divided into 1-2 doses. Fresh juice: 10-20 ml, once or twice daily.

Dosha Guidance

For Pitta types, amalaki is one of the single best herbs available. Despite being sour, its cooling virya and sweet vipaka make it profoundly Pitta-pacifying. Pitta individuals can use it freely for hyperacidity, inflammation, liver support, skin health, and as a daily rasayana.

Synergistic Combinations

The most famous combination is <a href='/herbs/triphala/'>Triphala</a> (with <a href='/herbs/haritaki/'>Haritaki</a> and <a href='/herbs/bibhitaki/'>Bibhitaki</a>) for digestive health and gentle detoxification. In <a href='/herbs/chyawanprash/'>Chyawanprash</a>, combined with over 40 herbs including <a href='/herbs/long-pepper/'>Pippali</a>, <a href='/herbs/ashwagandha/'>Ashwagandha</a>, and various other rasayanas.

Contraindications

Amalaki is considered one of the safest herbs in Ayurveda and has very few contraindications. However, its high vitamin C content and sour taste may aggravate diarrhea in some individuals if taken in excessive amounts. Those with severe Vata imbalance and very cold digestion may find it too cooling without warming accompaniments.

Tissues & Channels

Dhatus: All seven dhatus

Srotas: Raktavaha (circulatory), Annavaha (digestive), Purishavaha (excretory)

Where to Buy

For powder, look for organically grown amalaki that has been shade-dried at low temperatures to preserve vitamin C content. The powder should be light greenish-gray with a distinctly sour, slightly astringent taste.

Shop Amalaki on Amazon →

Affiliate link — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Your Herbs

Herbal Profile

Amalaki is one of 50 herbs — but which ones are right for your body? Your Herbal Profile reveals your top 10 herbs, herbs to avoid, best preparations, seasonal calendar, and a daily protocol matched to your dosha.

$19
Get Your Herbal Profile