Indian gooseberry is a small or middle sized deciduous tree. It has small, very closely set, 10 to 13 mm long, leaves. The branches of the tree appear feathery. The tree has pale green flowers usually in small dense dusters below the leaves. The fruits are fleshy, round with its contour indistinctly marked into 6 lobes. The fruit has a seed inside with three angles and three sides. The seeds of the Indian gooseberry contain a fixed oil, phosphatides and an essential oil. The fruits, bark and the leaves of the tree are rich in tannin.

A wonder herb. It contributes greatly towards health and longevity. The fruit is acrid, cooling, refreshing and laxative. It increases the volume of urine. The raw fruit is a mild purgative. The flowers of the tree are cooling refreshing and mild purgative. The root and bark of the tree are useful in arresting secretion or bleeding. A tablespoon each of fresh gooseberry juice and honey mixed together is a very valuable medicine for the treatment of several ailments. Its regular use every morning promotes vigour in the body within a few days. When fresh fruit is not available, dry powder can be mixed with honey.

Ageing Indian gooseberry has revitalising effects, as it contains an element which is very valuable in preventing ageing and in maintaining strength in old age. It improves body resistance and protects the body against infection. It strengthens the heart, hair and different glands in the body.

Scurvy Indian gooseberry is one of the best remedies for scurvy. Powder of the dry herb, mixed with an equal quantity of sugar, can be taken in doses of 1 teaspoon, thrice daily with milk.

Diarrhoea and Dysentery The dried fruit is also useful in diarrhoea and dysentery. A drink made from amla, mixed with lemon juice and sugar controls acute bacillary dysentery.

Respiratory Disorders Indian gooseberry is beneficial in the treatment of respiratory disorders. It is especially valuable in tuberculosis of the lungs, asthma and bronchitis.

Diabetes This herb, due to its high vitamin C content, is effective in controling diabetes. A tablespoon of its juice, mixed with a cup of fresh bitter gourd juice, taken daily for two months will stimulate the pancreas and enable it to secrete insulin, thus reducing the blood sugar in diabetes. Diet restrictions should be strictly observed while taking this medicine. It will also prevent eye complications in diabetes.

Heart Disorders Indian gooseberry is considered an effective remedy for heart disease. It tones up the functions of all the organs of the body and builds up health by destroying the harmful and disease causing elements. It also renewes energy.

Eye Disorders The juice of Indian gooseberry with honey preserves eye sight. Beneficial in the treatment of conjuctivitis and glaucoma. It reduces intraocular tension in a remarkable manner. A cup of this juice mixed with honey can be taken twice daily for this condition.

Rheumatism To treat rheumatism, a teaspoon of the powder of the dry fruit mixed with 2 teaspoons of jaggery can be taken twice daily for a month.

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