Amla (Chanca piedra) is one of the herbs used in alternative medicine; This is because it has therapeutic properties that may help treat some problems, such as urinary tract infection, and below we will talk about the most important benefits of the amla plant and the damages that may appear when using it.

What is the herb amla?

Phyllanthus grows in tropical (hot) regions, such as the rainforests of South America, and contains thin branches covered with foliage and can reach a height of about 2 feet (61 cm).

Amla seeds grow and bloom under the leaves; To become small green flowers, this plant has been used in some studies as a supplement; To help with a variety of conditions related to the digestive system, liver and kidneys. This is because they contain phytochemicals that can increase urine flow, kill harmful bacteria and viruses, and reduce inflammation. However, there is little evidence of their effectiveness.

Triphala is available in the following forms:

• types of tea.
• liquid extracts.
• capsules or tablets.

What are the benefits of the herb amla?

According to some studies, triphala may have several beneficial effects on different body systems, which include the following:

1. Kidney stones treatment

Phyllanthus is believed to be a potential treatment for kidney stones. This is because it is an alkaline plant and thus helps prevent acid kidney stones, and may also help you urinate more.

When conducting a study of 56 people with kidney stones, when they took 4.5 grams of triphala daily, researchers found that kidney stones decreased in size and number in about two-thirds of the participants.

2. Treating stomach ulcers

Amla extract can kill the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that taking oral supplements is effective against stomach ulcers in humans.

3. Reduce blood sugar

Amla contains antioxidants, which improve fasting blood sugar levels and can help manage blood sugar.
However, more research is needed to understand the herb’s effect on blood sugar levels in humans.

4. Treatment of gallstones

This is due to the alkaline properties of the amla plant, which helps prevent and get rid of gallstones, but there is still no scientific evidence to support the use of amla specifically for gallstones.

5. Gout treatment

Gout attacks occur when high levels of uric acid accumulate in the blood, and here comes the role of the Phyllanthus herb, which helps balance these levels and prevent gout attacks, and thus treat gout.

After animal studies, it was shown that there was a decrease in uric acid levels in animals receiving amla supplements.

6. Treatment of liver disease

Due to its antioxidant content, triphala may improve liver function and help protect the liver from cellular damage. Phyllanthus also appears to be beneficial in treating hepatitis B. This is because the herb exhibits strong antiviral activity against hepatitis B, with scientists believing that the herb has similar antiviral effects.

But more research and study in humans is still needed to assess the effects of the herb on liver health.

7. Regulating blood pressure levels

Some animal studies suggest that amla may help relax blood vessels, which may lower blood pressure. On the other hand, one study conducted on humans found that there was a slight increase in blood pressure in people who took triphala.

Therefore, more research is needed regarding the effects of triphala on blood pressure in humans.

8. Phyllanthus hair benefits

The mixture of amla with henna helps to protect the scalp from infections, thus helping to get rid of dandruff and harmful fungi, and thus treat itchy head and hair loss. The mixture also has vitamin C, which helps prevent the appearance of white hair at an early age.

You can learn more about the benefits and uses of the henna plant, by reading our article on the most important therapeutic benefits of henna and the most important tips before using it for hair.

Although there is nothing actually proven about the effect of the herb for hair, it is believed that the extract of the herb has benefits for hair, which are represented in the following:

• Helps soften hair.
• Protect hair from breakage.
• Increase the density and length of hair, and protect it from falling.
• Increase the luster, moisture and vitality of the hair.
• Treatment of baldness resulting from sensitivity of hair follicles to testosterone.

Phyllanthus extract is also believed to help treat premature graying. Because it has antioxidants and vitamin C.

9. Phyllanthus benefits for weight gain

There is not much information available about whether the herb Amla has benefits in weight gain or not, as it is believed that it works to open the appetite and stimulate the body’s desire to eat, which helps to rid the body of thinness.

But there is still a need for more studies to confirm the effect of triphala herb for fattening and weight gain.

10. The benefits of amla for the skin

Triphala has important properties, such as anti-inflammatory properties; To protect and care for the skin, which helps maintain the freshness of the skin and remove toxins from it.

It also has antioxidants and vitamin C that help:

• Whitening and lightening of skin tone.
• Reducing wrinkles.

11. Other benefits

Other uses of amla in alternative (traditional) medicine include the treatment and relief of the following diseases and symptoms:

• constipation;
• upset stomach;
• Anemia.
• asthma.
• Tuberculosis.
• Infection (including sexually transmitted diseases).
• fluid retention;

What are the side effects of amla?

The use of amla may cause some side effects, which include the following:

• Abdominal pain and soreness.
• Pain during urination.
• blood in the urine;
• nausea;
• May reduce blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

It is also necessary to use triphala supplements with caution in the following cases; To avoid complications of side effects:

• People who take lithium supplements, triphala may make you pee more.
• For those taking blood pressure lowering medications, the herb may lower blood pressure, which can lead to dangerously low blood pressure levels.
• For those taking blood sugar-lowering medications (such as insulin), the herb may lower blood sugar levels, which can lead to dangerously low levels.
• Those taking anti-blood drugs, the herb may prevent blood clotting, which can lead to serious complications in people with blood thinners.
• During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the herb may cause birth defects in the fetus.