amla: how a sacred fruit brightens the skin

The amla tree is considered to be the sacred dwelling of the god Vishnu.  In other Hindu myths, amla is said to have originated from drops of amrit which spilled onto the earth following a battle between gods and demons.  In the Sanskrit Buddhist tradition, half of the amla fruit was the final gift to the Buddhist sangha by the Indian emperor Ashoka.

All parts of the plant have been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, including the fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers.  Amla balances all three doshas in Ayurveda - pitta, kapha, and vata.  Pitta is reduced by its cooling energy, while kapha is balanced by its drying action.  Both pitta and vata are balanced by its sweetness.  As a rasayana, or rejuvenative, it promotes longevity by enhancing digestion, purifying the blood, strengthening the heart, stimulating hair growth, enlivening the body, and enhancing intellect. 

Today, this sacred fruit is also prized for its high levels of antioxidants and tannins, which eliminate free-radical induced damage of the skin.  The high levels of vitamin C allow it to be used as a natural skin brightener, while the anti-collagenase effect contributes to its anti-aging activity. This wonderful little ingredient formed the basis of our amla brightening lotion which launched with us in 2008. While it was one of the most popular products in our line, its high concentration of vitamin C made this product a little unstable, so we've been working on a new serum with hibiscus fruit to brighten your day. Expect this beauty to launch in late 2021.