Indian gooseberry or amla (Emblica Officinalis) is a powerhouse of nutrients. It is glossy green spherical fruit. It has a distinct astringent taste. It widely grows in the tropical areas of India. It is a rich source of many essential minerals and vitamins which are integral to our body’s well-being. These nutrients are vital to preventing and managing some of the most common deficiencies and diseases. It is one of the oldest medicines mentioned and widely used in Indian system of Ayurvedic medicine. It helps in the treatment of diarrhea, jaundice, and inflammation. It also increases immunity against diseases and is known for centuries for its numerous healthful properties.

Benefits of Amla or Indian Gooseberry

Nutritional Facts of Amla

Amla is an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is a natural antioxidant. It is rich in various phytochemicals like- alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins, metabolism and prevents viral and bacterial ailments, including cold and cough. It contains folic acid, minerals like magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, iron, potassium and carotene. It is low in calories,100 grams of fruits provides only 44 calories of energy. Various researches have confirmed the antioxidant properties of amla. It helps in removing excessive salivation, prevents ulcers and development of cancer cells.
According to Ayurveda, Amla helps in bringing equilibrium all three doshas – Vata, kapha, pitta. Amla also protects the body against the harmful effects of free radicals. It helps in slowing down the aging process.

Following are Some Health Benefits of Amla

Antioxidant and Cardioprotective

Amla is rich in tannoid, flavanoid and nitric oxide scavenging molecules. It offers protection against oxidative stress. Amla helps in maintain and reducing cholesterol levels in the body. Amino acids and antioxidants aid in the functioning of the heart.

Antioxidant and Cardioprotective

It also inhibits atherosclerosis of blood vessels. According to a study published (International Journal of Pharmaceutics), Amla is a potent natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. It increases white blood cells in the body and protects the body from various infections.

Controls Diabetes

Amla is rich in chromium, this is known for stimulating insulin sensitivity of the cells. It helps in managing the blood sugar level in the body. chromium is also believed to enhance healthy heart, it facilitates the effect of beta-blockers. It reduces the levels of LDL.

Source of Vitamin C

Amla is one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin C, also this form of the vitamin is easily assimilated by the body. Likewise, the vitamin C present in amla is bonded with tannins, providing it protects against heat and light.

Enhances Digestion

Amla strengthens digestion, it also helps in absorption and assimilation of important nutrients from food. It facilitates absorption of iron, it calms hyperacidity and balances acids in the stomach. Ayurveda promotes regular use of amla because alkaline nature of amla helps in clearing the system from toxins. It also promotes the strengthening of the digestive system. High fiber in amla adds bulk to the stool promoting proper bowel movements.

Strengthens Urinary System

Amla is extremely supportive of the urinary system, it helps in alleviating the burning sensation caused because of urinary tract infection. It also supports the natural diuretic function.

Maintains Skin Health

Amla strengthens the liver, it helps in detoxification and protects the liver from oxidative damage. It alleviates the damage caused by oxidative stress and restores the antioxidant levels in the body. It moisturizes the skin and supports cleansing of skin from various toxins and free radicals.

Maintains Skin Health

Amla also protects the skin against the damaging effects of Ultraviolet radiations. It also promotes luster and glows in the skin. Apply Amla juice on your face, it helps in oxidizing melanin and closes open pores of the skin. Use amla juice to fight marks, pigmentation, and blemishes of skin.

Promotes Healthy Hair

Amla aids in the absorption of calcium, creating healthier hair and nails. It retards premature thinning and graying of hair, likewise, it also strengthens the hair follicles. Our hair is majorly made up of proteins, amino acids present in amla helps in strengthening the shaft and the hair roots.

Promotes Healthy Hair

Respiratory Disorder

Amla is often recommended as an effective home remedy for a cough and flu. Research also suggests potential benefits of amla in treating asthma and bronchitis. Two teaspoons of amla juice with equal portions of honey can help in treating cold and cough.

Mouth Ulcers

A decoction of the leaves is believed to alleviate pain associated with mouth ulcers. It is natural chemical free bactericidal and can be used as a mouthwash. You can also, Mix amla juice in water and gargle with it to get rid of mouth ulcers.

Relieves Dysentery and Diarrhea

An infusion of leaves and fenugreek seed is helpful in treating chronic diarrhea. Amla has laxative properties, it provides relief from various gastric problems. It helps in flushing out various toxins. Always consult your doctor if you suffer from dysentery.

Scurvy

Amla is rich in Vitamin C, it is one of the best remedies to treat scurvy.
You can consume amla in many forms like, as fresh fruit, or as juice. Amla can also be dried n consumed in powdered form.

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Mouth ulcers also are known as Aphthous ulcer. They appear inside the mouth on the cheek, soft palate and tongue.
These sores may be smaller that clear in a few days to few weeks. They may be big and deep with an irregular border and raised borders that take several weeks to heal up. There may be a cluster of several pin sized small ulcers.
Usually, these mouth ulcers are white with red, raised borders, but may be gray in color. Rarely in the case of several mouth ulcers, there may be fever, weakness and swollen lymph nodes.

What is Mouth Ulcers:Cause,Symptoms, Home Remedies

What are the Cause of Mouth Ulcer:

There is no exact known cause of ulcer but following causes are known to trigger the condition:

1. Stress
2. Constipation
3. Indigestion.
4. Tissue injury.
5. Vitamin B complex, folic acid and iron deficiency
6. Certain foods such as citrus foods or spicy food.
7. Ill-fitted dentures and braces.
8. Medications such as painkillers and beta-blockers.
9. Cheek bites.
10.  Acidity.

Although these mouth ulcers have mostly healed on their on own with time, but they may cause difficulty in drinking, brushing and speaking. Mouth ulcers are very common, but irritating.

What are the Symptoms of Mouth Ulcer:

Below are a few quick and easy homemade remedies to relive the symptoms of mouth ulcer:

1. Rinse with saline- Take a glass of warm water and add to it 2 teaspoons of salt. Mix the ingredients well. Sip the solution and hold it in the mouth for a few minutes. Swish the solution from one side to another in the mouth and then spit in the sink. Repeat this process 3 to 4 times in a day to relieve the symptoms of mouth ulcer. Remember not to drink this solution or it may cause dehydration.

   

   Rinse with saline-

2. Application of the honey- Honey acts as a natural humectant that prevents dehydration by retaining the moisture. It is anti-microbial and promotes healing. Take Few drops of honey and apply it on the sores. You may also mix honey with a pinch of turmeric powder before applying it on your sore. Although this may burn a little for a few minutes, but after some time, you will find it effective to relieve the symptoms of the mouth ulcer. Repeat this until your ulcer heals.

3. Licorice root- Take few Licorice roots, crush and soak them in 2 cups of water. Wait for 3 hours and rinse your mouth 4 to 5 times in a day to relieve the symptoms of mouth ulcer and to heal them.

   

   licorice root remedy for mouth ulcer

4. Rinse with baking soda- Take a pinch of baking soda and add it into a glass of warm water. Now rinse your mouth 2 to 3 times in a day. This not only wards off the bacterias from the mouth, but neutralizes acids, reduces inflammation and relieves the symptoms of mouth ulcer. Alternately, you may also make a thin paste by adding 1 tablespoon water to a teaspoon of baking soda. Apply this paste to the affected area 4 to5 times in a day.

5. Coriander seeds- Owing to its anti-inflammatory properties Coriander seeds are very effective to relieve symptoms of mouth ulcer. Boil some coriander seeds in 1 cup of water, strain the preparation and cool it. Rinse your mouth with this infusion and repeat this process 4 to 5 times in a day.

6. 3 percent hydrogen peroxide- Mix water and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in equal amounts. Rinse your mouth with this solution 3 times in a day.
   Remember not to swallow it.
7. Ice cubes or ice chips- Suck ice cubes to reduce inflammation, swelling and relieve the symptoms of mouth ulcer by causing numbness. You may also take sips of cold water and hold it in your mouth for a few minutes.
   

   Ice cubes or ice chips

8. Lemon to relieve symptoms of mouth ulcer- Just cut a lemon in two halves and directly apply it on the sore. This may sting and burn at first, but then it becomes numb. You may apply honey at the end.

   Take half teaspoon of baking soda and add a teaspoon lemon juice, half teaspoon honey and 2 teaspoon water to it. Mix all ingredients and then apply it on the ulcers 2 times in a day. Repeat this for a few days to heal the ulcer.

9. Aloe Vera gel- Aloe Vera is antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal- Extract, Aloe Vera gel from the plant and on the affected area to relieve symptoms of mouth ulcer and promotes its healing.

   

   Aloe Vera gel-

10. Basil leaves- Owing medicinal properties chewing basil leaves 2 to 3 times a day is found effective in healing the ulcers.
11. Coconut- You may drink coconut water or eat dry coconut to treat and relieve the symptoms of the mouth ulcers. You may also apply coconut oil to the affected area to reduce the pain.

Next time whenever you have mouth ulcers, try any of the above-mentioned home remedies to relieve the symptoms of mouth ulcer. Prevention is always better than cure.

Ways to Prevent Mouth Ulcers:

Below are few things to keep in mind in order to prevent mouth ulcers:

1. Avoid spicy, fatty and acidic foods.
2. Eat green leafy vegetables that are rich in vitamin and minerals.
3. Maintain oral hygiene.
4. Eat a diet rich in fiber to avoid constipation.
5. Drink plenty of water.

In the case of large, multiple and persisting mouth ulcers along with fever please see your doctor.

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