Amla

Amla has a very long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine (over 3,000 years) and is described as "promoting longevity". [5] It is said to be one of the most important Ayurvedic medicinal plants, and the fresh fruit is the most common part used [5] but with dried fruit, seed, leaves, root, flowers and bark also being included in herbal preparations. [3] Amla, in various preparations, is prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners for numerous complaints, including anorexia, jaundice, hepatitis, nausea and cancer. [5] It is also said to have cell rejuvenating properties and to be beneficial for skin and hair. [6]

Fresh Amla fruit is not easily obtained outside of the regions where it grows, and is only commonly available in local marketplaces near to the time of harvest. [3] It is frequently made into a preserve or pickle [1], and supplements on the marketplace today often use powdered Amla.

Is Amla an aphrodisiac?

In online lists of medicinal properties ascribed to Alma, several sources mention (in passing) that Amla is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac. However, none of these even pauses to focus in its aphrodisiac qualities - and furthermore it does not seem to be finding its way into the kinds of "Aphrodisiac formulas" that can so easily be found with a quick web search. Amla seems more often combined into "internal cleansing" and vitamin C formulas (it is a very rich source of vitamin C). [5]

Amla - scientific studies

Amla has been featured in a sizeable number of scientific studies and I found over 200 entries for it on Pubmed [7] - and these would seem to indicate that Amla has tremendous potential for medicine. However, none of these studies have investigated its aphrodisiac qualities.

Amla - conclusion

In conclusion, Amla seems unlikely to be one of the "major league" aphrodisiacs such as Tongkat ali or Horny Goat Weed - but does have fantastic prospects for other forms of medicinal use - such as free radical damage prevention, cholesterol reduction and cancer fighting. [8] A good number of herbal products which since ancient times have had a reputation of being aphrodisiac, are later found to have some scientific reason for this - however in the case of Amla, it appears that its reputation as aphrodisiac may have come around due to its general rejuvenative and healing properties. If there is any actual aphrodisiac property to Amla, it appears yet to be scientifically investigated.

Amla - contraindications / safety notes

Amla is considered to be quite safe, with a long history of use. [8]

Other sources state that Amla is contraindicated in cases of acute diarrhea and dysentry. [4]

Amla is listed in the AHPA's "Herbs of Commerce" [9]