Uses and Benefits of Amla Oil

Amla oil is an oil extracted from the Amla plant (Emblica officinalis L.).1 Amla is a native Indian plant often used as an herb in Ayurvedic medicine.2

Amla plants are known to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The oil, in particular, has been used to nourish and strengthen hair.1 Some limited data suggests that amla oil may help with hair growth, with similar effectiveness as medications like Rogaine (minoxidil).3

Uses and Benefits

Amla oil is most well-known as a hair care product, and it’s mainly sold as that. Besides hair care, other products containing components of amla plants have been known to have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as cardiovascular benefits.

Hair Loss

The oil of amla plants is most commonly used as a hair care product. It’s often touted as a product that can help reduce hair loss. However, the research on this is limited.

For example, one study examined the use of a blend of herbal extracts, including amla oil, compared with products containing Rogaine (minoxidil), one of the most common medications for treating hair loss. The study concluded that this mix of herbal extracts containing amla oil was about as effective as products containing 3% minoxidil in treating hair loss. However, the herbal blend was tested on human hair cells in a lab and mice, not live humans.3

An older study found similar results: products containing amla oil were as effective as 2% minoxidil at treating the hair growth of rabbits.4

One human study looked at the effects of amla plants on female androgenetic alopecia (hair loss in people assigned female at birth). However, this study looked at oral products containing amla plants—in this case, an amla syrup. It did not look at amla oil applied topically to hair. Still, the study showed promise: people who took amla syrup had increased hair growth. Specifically, amla syrup increased the growth phase of hair growth in study participants.5

Hair growth phases are as follows:6

Anagen: Active growth phase, which generally lasts about 2-8 years

Catagen: Transition phase (hair growth slows), lasts several weeks

Telogen: Resting phase (new hair develops), which lasts 2-3 months

Exogen: Shedding phase (newly developed hair pushes old hair out)

Other Uses of Amla Plants

Although there is limited research on the benefits of amla oil in particular, several studies have found promising roles for using amla plants to treat certain medical conditions. Here’s what to know:

One study found that amla powder can lower blood glucose levels in non-diabetics and diabetics.7

One study also concluded that amla powder could lower blood glucose levels in healthy people and people with diabetes. Lower total cholesterol triglyceride levels were also noted.8

One study saw improved platelet function among people with diabetes who took amla plant extracts.9 Platelets are blood cells that help with blood clotting.

How To Use

Amla oil is typically sold as a hair oil or an ingredient in a hair product, such as a shampoo or conditioner. Amla oil products are often used topically on the hair and scalp and aren’t meant to be ingested. However, some amla plant products, such as amla powder, juices, syrups, and pastes, are taken orally.2

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t approve cosmetic products like amla oil before they go to market. Therefore, they don’t regulate the dosage or concentration of these products. The only exception is hair color products, which require FDA approval before going to market. As such, you must rely on the companies selling amla products to determine the recommended concentration and dosage.10

The study that looked at amla oil for hair growth tested a mixture of herbal oils that included amla oil. Each formulation contained 1-10% of each drug. Formulations that contained 7.5% of each drug showed the best results in terms of hair growth.4

One study looked at amla powder and its effect on metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular health. Study participants consumed capsules with 125 milligrams (mg) of amla powder four times a day, for a total of 500 mg daily. This dose was well-tolerated, improved vascular health (how effectively blood vessels transport blood and oxygen), and reduced oxidative stress.7 Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of harmful free radicals and beneficial antioxidants in your body.

Safety and Side Effects

There are no studies on the safety or side effects of amla oil. If you are using it for the first time, it’s best to contact a healthcare provider. You can also do a “patch test” on a small skin area to ensure the oil doesn’t cause irritation.

There is a little more research on the oral ingestion of amla plants. One clinical evaluation of amla found no significant negative effects or complications among people who took capsules containing up to 500 mg of amla powder daily. Some study participants experienced mild gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, including diarrhea, loose bowel movements, and constipation.7

It’s not known how amla oil might affect specific populations, such as pregnant people, breastfeeding individuals, or children.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your OB-GYN or midwife before using amla oil.

Contact your child’s pediatrician before using amla oil on your child.

Never ingest amla oil sold as a hair or beauty product.

Choosing an Amla Oil

Many products on the market contain amla oil. In most cases, it’s mixed with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. Often, amla oils are mixed with other plant extracts and sold as a hair oil blend. Amla oil may also be sold as an ingredient in shampoos, conditioners, and skincare products.

As the FDA notes, people might assume that a “natural product” means it is safe. However, products like amla oil aren’t regulated or tested by organizations like the FDA. That’s why it’s important to do your due diligence when choosing an amla product.11

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Look at all the ingredients in any amla oil you are considering purchasing. If any of the ingredients have caused you skin irritation before, choose a different product.

Do a “patch test” with any new amla product you try. Place a small amount of the product on a small area of your skin and wait a day or two to see if you have any reactions.

Follow the instructions on products carefully and contact the manufacturer if you have any questions or concerns.

Purchase the product from a well-known company with a track record for safety.

If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any underlying health conditions, contact your healthcare provider before using.

A Quick Review

Amla oil is an oil made from the amla plant. The plant has been used in traditional Indian medicine for decades and shows promise in treating various conditions, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.7

Amla oil is usually used to nourish hair and reduce or reverse hair loss. Limited data show that it has similar effects on hair loss as minoxidil.3

Amla oil appears to be safe for usage, but use it with care, and contact your physician if you are pregnant, nursing, or considering using amla oil on a child.7

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected