Tag: Phyllanthus emblica

Containing up to 20 times more vitamin C than an orange, amla is an ancient superfruit revered for its remarkable nutritional content. The full meaning of amla, however, transcends its vitamin profile, encompassing a rich history in Ayurvedic medicine and offering a spectrum of holistic benefits.

According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, Amalaki holds a revered position as the 'first tree to be created in the universe'. In fact, Amalaki, also known as Amla, is a specific and unique type of gooseberry, often referred to as the Indian gooseberry.

According to botanists, while amla is often called 'Indian gooseberry,' the terms actually refer to two distinct species from different botanical families. The European gooseberry, belonging to the *Ribes* genus, is a close cousin to currants, whereas amla, or *Phyllanthus emblica*, is a specific Southeast Asian fruit revered in Ayurvedic medicine.

Over 1,000 years of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine attest to the power of the Indian gooseberry. If you have ever wondered, 'Is amla the same as nelli?', the simple answer is yes; they are different regional names for the very same fruit, *Phyllanthus emblica*.

While some people use the terms interchangeably, botanically, amla and gooseberries are not the same. This confusion stems from the fact that amla is often called 'Indian gooseberry,' but it belongs to a completely different plant family than common European and American gooseberries.

Over 1,000 years of Ayurvedic tradition feature amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, as a medicinal powerhouse. This ancient heritage leads many to ask: is there a difference between amla and gooseberry, given that the two names are often used interchangeably?

The Indian gooseberry, also known as Amla, has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, with historical records noting its use in remedies for at least 1,000 years. For those unfamiliar with its name outside of its native regions, many wonder: what do we call Alma fruit in English and what makes it so special?

According to ancient Indian mythology, the *Phyllanthus emblica* tree was the first tree to be created in the universe, believed to have originated from the tears of the Hindu god Brahma. In English, this revered botanical is most widely known as Indian gooseberry, though other names are used regionally. This evergreen tree, native to Southeast Asia, produces a small, greenish-yellow fruit with immense nutritional and medicinal value.

While often used interchangeably, amla is not botanically the same as the common gooseberry found in Western countries, with the two fruits belonging to entirely different plant families. This distinction is the key to understanding the difference between amla, or Indian gooseberry, and its European or American relatives.

According to nutrition experts, a single serving of fresh amla berries contains significantly more vitamin C than an orange. This powerful fruit, known by many names, leads to a common question: Is amla gooseberry? The short answer is yes, but it is important to distinguish between this specific variety and other gooseberries around the world.